The Gatorade Team of the Week for the nineteenth week of Canadian Premier League action in 2023, brought to you by Oliver Platt and Kristian Jack.
Goalkeeper
Nathan Ingham (Atlético Ottawa)
Ingham makes his second straight appearance in the Team of Week after one of his best performances of the season, making six saves on the road in Winnipeg. A Marcello Polisi rocket was the only thing that could beat him on the night.
An incredible diving stop from @nateybird1 capped off an outstanding performance from the @atletiOttawa keeper, earning him the @AllstateCanada Save of the Match
📺: @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/Kfl8jhUSpA
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) August 19, 2023
Defenders
Daniel Nimick (HFX Wanderers)
Another goal from the penalty spot for Nimick opened the scoring for Halifax on Saturday night in Hamilton. He also created two chances while also putting in a strong defensive shift with eight clearances.
Daan Klomp (Cavalry FC)
Klomp was immense as Cavalry held on for a critical three points against York United on Sunday. He won seven on nine duels, including all three in the air, and won two tackles while completing 36 of 39 passes (92.3 per cent).
Cale Loughrey (HFX Wanderers)
Loughrey and Nimick have made up one of the league’s best defensive pairings this season. He was strong again on Saturday against Forge completing 44 of his 50 passes, and making a pair of interceptions.
Midfielders
Bradley Kamdem (Cavalry FC)
Playing most of Sunday’s match as a wingback, Kamdem adjusted well tactically down the flank — assisting on Ali Musse’s goal just 34 seconds into the match. He also made a pair of interceptions and completed 82.6 per cent of his passes during a tidy performance.
Ilias Iliadis (Atlético Ottawa)
Iliadis looks like another excellent midfield signing for Ottawa, as the 22-year-old put in a dominant ball-winning performance against Valour. He won possession seven times and made four tackles and three interceptions on Friday night.
Jesse Daley (Cavalry FC)
Daley was a difference-maker after coming on for the injured Charlie Trafford in the 31st minute against York United. He added solidity in midfield winning seven of eight duels and making two interceptions while attempting a team-leading 15 passes in the final third.
Jean-Aniel Assi (Atlético Ottawa)
Assi set up Ottawa’s opening goal, beating his man down the line with a brilliant dribble before sending a low cross into the box that Sam Salter cleverly backheeled into the net. He created two chances and completed three dribbles during a dynamic performance down the right flank.
Ollie Bassett (Atlético Ottawa)
Bassett’s campaign to win back-to-back Player of the Year awards made a successful stop in Winnipeg on Friday. The midfielder scored a pair of goals in a 3-1 victory for his side, and is now tied with Terran Campbell for the league’s Golden Boot lead with 10 on the season, and now leads the league in goal contributions with 13.
Did Ollie ever put some WHIP on that 🤯@atletiOttawa’s Number 10 with his 10th of the season. Player of the Year repeat incoming?
📺: @onesoccer
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) August 19, 2023
Forwards
Gabriel Bitar (Vancouver FC)
Bitar came on in the 74th minute and made an instant impact, equalizing the match just two minutes later, before providing the winner in the 87th minute in a massive 3-2 derby win for Vancouver FC against provincial rivals Pacific.
Béni Badibanga (Forge FC)
Badibanga has made an instant impact with Forge FC, bringing new elements of flair and creativity to their front line. He showed his ability from set pieces on Saturday night, scoring an unbelievable free-kick equalizer against Halifax on Saturday.
THAT'S A BÉNI BADI-BANGER 🎯@ForgeFCHamilton tie things up on a brilliant strike from their new star man 🔨#CanPL I 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/KIXp2J0Rws
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) August 20, 2023