The Gatorade Team of the Week for the third week of Canadian Premier League action in 2023, brought to you by Kristian Jack and OneSoccer’s Oliver Platt.
Goalkeeper
Niko Giantsopoulos (York United)
The Nine Stripes earned their first win and clean sheet of the season against Atlético Ottawa, and a big reason for them holding on for a critical three points was the play of Giantsopoulos. He made five saves, including making himself big on a point-blank effort from Jean-Aniel Assi, and directing a swerving strike from Gianni dos Santos away from danger.
Defenders
Paris Gee (York United)
Wherever he has been deployed on the pitch this season, Gee has been quality for York. On Saturday, he combined incredibly well with Max Ferrari to offer York a constant threat down the right flank, with four crosses and three successful dribble attempts.
Manjrekar James (Forge FC)
James put in a colossal effort at the back as Forge kept a clean sheet on the island for their first CPL win of 2023. The central defender won five of his seven duels, won possession eight times made four interceptions and seven clearances during an evening where he looked almost unbeatable.
Ashtone Morgan (Forge FC)
Morgan’s lofted cross to Woobens Pacius created Forge’s winner against Pacific on Sunday. Aside from the assist, he created three chances during the match and had three crosses during an excellent afternoon for the veteran fullback.
Midfielders
Andy Baquero (Valour FC)
A brilliant ball in from Baquero led to Valour’s second-half equalizer on Sunday. He was once again solid at both ends of the pitch on Sunday, winning possession nine times, and making two tackles while being a constant threat down the right flank.
Kadin Chung (Vancouver FC)
Chung is really starting to settle into his new role as a midfielder, and that was on full display in Halifax over the weekend. He had six crosses, two chances created and won five duels during a tidy all-round performance against a solid Halifax midfield.
Aboubacar Sissoko (Forge FC)
Sissoko has become a central piece to Forge’s success, as the tireless midfielder puts in a shift week in and week out. His play in the middle of the park was crucial to the Hamilton side picking up three points on the island as he contested 11 duals, won possession in the final third once, and had two shot attempts.
Gael Sandoval (Vancouver FC)
A pinpoint cross from Sandoval just before the stroke of half-time to Shaan Hundal helped Vancouver secure a critical road point in Halifax. Sandoval was a constant threat during the match, winning five fouls.
Attackers
Ali Musse (Cavalry FC)
Musse was perhaps unlucky not to have more than a single assist to show for a dominant effort against Valour on Sunday — one which came from an excellent bit of dribbling and a perfect cutback in the first half. He had nine crosses, created two chances and two successful dribbles during an excellent afternoon in Cavalry’s home opener.
Mo Babouli (York United)
It often requires a moment of magic to unlock the Atlético Ottawa defence, and that is exactly what Babouli provided on Saturday. His stunning free-kick delivered three points for York, and he was a constant threat throughout the match during a vintage Babouli performance.
Mo Babouli really said BANGERS only.. 😤@yorkutdfc take the 1-0 lead over @atletiOttawa shortly before half time.#CanPL | 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/0CmR5YfjbI
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) April 29, 2023
Théo Collomb (HFX Wanderers)
Collomb scored his first Canadian Premier League goal with a thunderous half-volley in the opening half on Saturday at the Wanderers Grounds. He was also relentless in his pressing throughout the match, winning the ball back three times in the final third, and created three chances during the match.