Under the Friday night lights in Langley, Vancouver FC held on for a massive 2-1 victory over Atlético Ottawa.
For an Eagles side struggling to turn strong performances into goals, and more importantly, points, this season, it was a huge confidence boost. On his debut, French striker Lys Mousset scored the winner during a strong performance.
Atleti had the first real chance of the match in the eighth minute, with Emiliano García being slipped through by Ballou Tabla and trying to round Callum Irving. But the Vancouver keeper did enough to put off the visiting forward, who put his chance into the side netting.
It was the Eagles, however, who struck first. In the 14th minute, Terran Campbell made a great move to beat his man down the line before smashing the ball past Tristan Crampton at his near post. It was Campbell's third of the season, tying him with Mo Amissi, who is away on international duty, for the team lead.
Atleti controlled the majority of the ball, but Vancouver were lethal in transition when presented with the opportunity. In the 35th minute, Kian Proctor did brilliantly to step forward and win the ball, before playing an excellent low ball into the centre to Mousset. The French striker dribbled past his man in the middle, before beating Crampton and putting Vancouver up 2-0.
For an Eagles side that has struggled this season to score, and even more to build on leads, it was a cathartic moment for the group. However, knowing that Atleti erased a two-goal deficit less than a week ago at Starlight Stadium, it was far from game over.
The visitors went on the attack to begin the second half, threatening Callum Irving's goal on multiple occasions.
But it was Vancouver again who came the closest, nearly grabbing a vital third goal in the 59th minute. A great header from Mousset on a cross from Tom Field struck the underside of the crossbar and the post, but somehow did not cross the line.
That would be his final action of the match, as he was replaced by Nicolás Mezquida in the 61st minute.
Atleti kept pressing late, however, and in the 75th minute finally found a way through. Joaquim Coulanges's silky throughball found Tabla in the box, who curled a strike inside the far post.
There were a couple of nervy moments for the Eagles, who had heartbreak in Halifax on a late goal last weekend. Twice, Atlético Ottawa used their FVS challenge cards, first for a potential red card and then for a penalty. But neither was given.
In particular, Mezquida was outstanding in showing veteran leadership and holding onto the ball well to relieve the significant pressure on his side.
Insult was added to injury for Atlético Ottawa late, with Gabriel Antinoro shown a red card on the bench.
It was Vancouver FC's first regular-season win over Atleti since 2023, and their first home victory of the season in CPL action.
Box Score
Starting XIs
Vancouver FC: Irving; Doner, Campagna, Field, Proctor; Pecile (Powell 90+4'), Polisi, Ssewankambo, Bah; Campbell (Godbout 75'), Mousset (Mezquida 61')
Atlético Ottawa: Crampton; Aguilar, Abatneh, Cloutier (Assi 61'); Antinoro (Habibullah 85'), Aparicio, Castro, Timoteo (Coulanges 61'); Villal (López 69'), Tabla, García (Myklebust 69')
Goals
14' -- Terran Campbell (Vancouver FC)
35' -- Lys Mousset (Vancouver FC)
73' -- Ballou Tabla (Atlético Ottawa)
Discipline
31' — Yellow: Wesley Timoteo (Atlético Ottawa)
83' -- Yellow: Manny Aparicio (Atlético Ottawa)
87' -- Yellow: Tom Field (Vancouver FC)
87' -- Yellow: Daniel Aguilar (Atlético Ottawa)
90+7' -- Red: Gabriel Antinoro (Atlético Ottawa)
CPLSoccer.com Player of the Match
Lys Mousset, Vancouver FC
In 60 minutes of action in his first start for Vancouver FC, Mousset demonstrated his quality with a well-taken goal in the first half. He also created a chance, made three tackles, and won five of six duels.
What's Next?
Each club has one remaining match before the World Cup break.
Vancouver FC host rivals Pacific in a Salish Sea Derby on Wednesday, June 10 (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT).
Atlético Ottawa, meanwhile, are back at home, hosting FC Supra du Québec on Tuesday, June 9 (7 p.m. ET)