Atlético Ottawa outlasts Forge FC in thriller to reach CPL final

Ottawa punched its ticket to the Canadian Premier League final with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Ontario rivals Forge FC at Hamilton Stadium, completing a 5-4 aggregate win in a thrilling semifinal showdown.

Ottawa opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau found the back of the net with a left-footed finish to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Forge responded just before halftime, finding the equalizer off a corner kick. Hoce Massunda got on the end of the opportunity to bring the match level at 1-1 heading into the break.

Ottawa continued to create chances in the second half, but Forge managed to keep the match tied, including a crucial goal-line clearance to deny the visitors.

The breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Fleuriau Chateau rose for a flying header, putting Ottawa back in front at 2-1 and completing his brace. The goal was reviewed for a possible foul by Fleuriau Chateau, but ultimately stood.

Atlético Ottawa draw Forge FC 2-2 in 1st leg of CPL semifinal

Forge nearly found another equalizer late in the match but couldn't capitalize on a close-range opportunity.

The hosts eventually earned a penalty kick deep into stoppage time, with Dan Nimick converting to make it 2-2 and briefly bring the aggregate score level.

But Ottawa wasn't finished.

In the dying moments, Fleuriau Chateau completed his hat trick, restoring Ottawa's lead and sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory on the night and a 5-4 aggregate triumph.

The result sends Ottawa through to the CPL final, where it will look to capture back-to-back championships.