The Gatorade Team of the Week for the fifth week of Canadian Premier League action in 2024, brought to you by Kristian Jack and Oliver Platt.
Goalkeeper
Callum Irving (Vancouver FC)
Irving had an unbelievable goalkeeping performance against Atlético Ottawa on Sunday, making five saves to earn his club a draw. Even on Atléti’s lone goal of the match, he stopped their first effort from Ollie Bassett and got a piece of the rebound before it ended up in the back of the net.
The @AllstateCanada Save of the Match is this huge stop from @vanfootballclub's @CallumIrving 🧤#CanPL I 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/nRIMmeGP0B
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) May 13, 2024
Defenders
Kadin Chung (Vancouver FC)
Chung set up Vancouver’s equalizer on Sunday with a brilliant bit of skill to beat his man down the line, and an even better delivery into the box for Alejandro Díaz to head home. Defensively, Chung won three tackles, made four interceptions and won nine duels during an all-around fantastic performance.
Off the bench and on the scoreboard 🔥@werodiaz ties things up for @vanfootballclub! 🦅#CanPL I 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/V5sgA68Zut
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) May 13, 2024
Dan Nimick (Halifax Wanderers)
Nimick played provider on Halifax’s equalizer on Saturday against Cavalry with a lovely cross. Defensively, he was solid as ever, winning all seven of his aerial duels, and making seven clearances.
Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson (Forge FC)
Achinioti-Jönsson quarterbacked another strong Forge performance on Saturday, completing 90.2 per cent of his match-leading 82 attempted passes. He was also solid defensively, winning possession six times and making a pair of interceptions.
Daniel Parra (Forge FC)
Parra was once again at the centre of everything for Forge in possession, with a stunning 114 touches against Pacific on Saturday. He completed four dribbles, and attempted 29 passes in the final third during another influential outing for the Hamilton club.
Midfielders
Dante Campbell (Valour FC)
The Valour captain played a significant role at both ends of the pitch against York United on Friday. He scored his second goal for the club on a first-half header, before making an outstanding goal-line clearance later in the half.
Alessandro Hojabrpour (Forge FC)
The Forge midfielder delivered an incredibly tidy performance on the ball on Saturday at Starlight Stadium. He completed 91.8 per cent of his passes, created two chances and attempted 24 passes in the final third.
Brem Soumaoro (York United)
Soumaoro helped York to control the midfield on Friday, with a calm performance in the centre of the park. He hardly put a foot wrong, completing 37 of 41 passes and winning possession six times.
Forwards
Lucas Dias (Cavalry FC)
Dias is demonstrating his immense quality in recent weeks, doing so again on Saturday at the Wanderers Ground with an outstanding ball in behind to William Akio for Cavalry’s goal. He created two chances, played 12 crosses and completed 87.5 per cent of his passes during an outstanding outing.
William Akio with a massive goal for @CPLCavalryFC, not a bad celebration either 😮💨 #CanPL
📺: @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/JRxLEMmG6Z
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) May 11, 2024
Mo Babouli (York United)
York United’s captain led them to victory on Friday against Valour with a goal and an assist. He also won eleven duels and was fouled five times during an incredibly hardworking performance.
Rubén Del Campo (Atlético Ottawa)
With five goals in his last four games in all competitions, Del Campo is the hottest striker in the Canadian Premier League right now. He scored Atlético Ottawa’s opener in a 1-1 draw against Vancouver FC on Sunday and is now tied with York United’s Brian Wright for the league lead in goals.