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The Gatorade Team of the Week for the first weekend of action in the Canadian Premier League in 2021, presented by Kristian Jack and Oliver Platt of OneSoccer:
Goalie
Dylon Powley (Atlético Ottawa)
It was the opener of a new season, but for Dylon Powley it was more than a fresh start. For Powley, it was a game against his former team, where he had had limited opportunities over the past two seasons. The 24-year-old was keen to make a good impression and delivered a crucial clean sheet for his new side, making arguably the best save of the opening weekend to deprive FC Edmonton forward Easton Ongaro of a backup reflex on his right foot to keep the game scoreless in the 64th minute. Powley’s work would be rewarded with a win when Viti Martinez struck eight minutes before the hour, and you could see what that meant for him after the game.
Back right
Kadin Chung (Pacific)
One of the best full-backs in the league was in great shape the opening weekend, contributing to a formidable overall team performance for Pa-Modou Kah’s men. Chung combined really well with Marco Bustos on the right of the attack, making more passes (10) to the talisman than any other teammate, and it looks like one of the best combinations in the league in wide areas. Chung had a passing accuracy of over 94%, completing 51 of 54 attempts, and produced two crucial interceptions against a lively Corey Bent on the sidelines for Halifax.
Center back
Andrew Jean-Baptiste (Valor FC)
Stefan Cebara, who was playing out of position next to Jean-Baptiste, could easily have been part of this squad after a formidable defensive performance from Rob Gale’s side, but the Haitian international gets the green light for organizing and leading a backstroke. four against a formidable attack from Forge which once again welcomed the 2019 Canadian player of the year, Tristan Borges. The 29-year-old led the team in clearances and was a huge presence for a team that led to a 2-0 lead and comfortably held the defending champions at bay.
Drew Beckie (Atlético Ottawa)
Early on, it couldn’t have been better for Beckie who led her team in tackles, clearances and interceptions en route to a 1-0 victory over FC Edmonton. Beckie and center-back partner Milovan Kapor were challenged by the stature of forward Tobias Warschewski but came away on the winning side with an imposing performance at center-back positions. Atlético boss Mista praised Beckie and his leadership during the preseason and you could see those qualities reflected on the pitch where he was just as comfortable in possession. As the opposition settled deep, he was able to connect regularly with passes in the left side channel to playmaker Rafael Núñez, a relationship that could become a danger for Atlético opponents.
Leaving behind
Federico Peña (Valor FC)
One of the most notable individual performances of the weekend came from the Trinidad and Tobago international who started at right-back and moved up to left-back, following Brett’s injury Levis in the first half against Forge. Peña, often deployed further forward, was needed at the back by Rob Gale and led the team with seven tackles, impressive from the start on the right flank against the fluidity, intelligence and movement of Borges, Kyle Bekker and Kwame Awuah. .
Central midfielder
Ollie Bassett (Pacific FC)
The English-born midfielder would have been part of that squad even if he hadn’t scored one of the best goals of the opening weekend after a fantastic performance at the base of the Pacific midfielder in of a 2-0 win over Halifax. However, his first-half strike is one of the early contenders for the best goal in games inside the Winnipeg bubble, as he demonstrated formidable technique to read the rebound and kick through the ball with the top of his foot. Always hunted for the ball and made more passes in the opposing half of the field than any player (38). A great start.
Amazing lens from all angles @ OllieBassett28 🎥#CanPL I @Pacificfccpl pic.twitter.com/iXitQ8nxBB
– CanPL (@CPLsoccer) June 27, 2021
Victor Martinez (Atlético Ottawa)
A key member of the boys ‘M & M & M’ alongside Chris Mannella and Ben McKendry in midfield, the great 24-year-old midfielder put in an elegant performance in the season opener which was capped with a formidable shot curling in traffic. with his left foot to make sure his team got the three points. In a close game in which FC Edmonton played their part, Martinez offered a moment of magic to recognize that goalkeeper Connor James was not ready after trying to clear a ball and find the corner of the net for the first goal of the 2021 season.
Wingers
José Escalante (Cavalry FC)
Welcome to Canada, José! The Honduran winger had an immediate impact on his return to Tommy Wheeldon Jr.’s squad by producing a delicious assist for Sergio Camargo’s header after 32 minutes and then scoring a goal himself after having pushed Roger Thompson into an error which bounced off Escalante and went into the net for York United. The 26-year-old missed the 2020 season due to the pandemic but returns to one of CPL’s most formidable attacks, of which he will be an integral part this season.
Marco Bustos (Pacific FC)
Some CPL stars may need a few games to show their full potential after a rambling pre-season, but Bustos started building his record for the best player of the season early on Saturday with a superb performance against Halifax. Bustos was his usual self in possession, taking good care of the ball while penetrating the opposition with his abilities in individual situations and intelligent movement. He will also be delighted to open his scoring account to, in typical Bustos fashion, play with a smart run in the box and finish clean.
Strikers
Alejandro Diaz (Pacific)
The Mexican has some real competition in the squad when it comes to leading the line in a dynamic attacking team, but for now, his profile seems perfectly suited to getting the most out of the collective. The 25-year-old will continue to gain admirers every week for his selfless performances, providing a true benchmark for playing the smart and shifting attack. Diaz held the ball well, combined very well with Bustos and Josh Heard and made it difficult for Halifax to score.
Austin Ricci (Valor FC)
“I just want respect for my players and I hope that after this week that starts to change,” Valor boss Rob Gale said after the win over Forge. Ricci celebrated his debut goal with fingers close to his ears, so whatever motivated the striker and his side certainly worked on opening weekend as the 25-year-old won a penalty kick in five minutes and completed a magnificent solo race with a tidy left. foot finish later in the first half. A week later, more respect has come and three players from Valor are part of the Gatorade Team of the Week.
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