Sam Surridge found the back of the net in both games – once against Ottawa and twice against the Revolution. While Surridge has immediately improved his goal-scoring pattern, Ottawa is adjusting to life following the move of top scorer Sam Salter, and that of the CPL, to Sweden.
In a game they controlled from the start but never really opened wide, Nashville finished 2-0 against Atletico Ottawa.
Haitian international Woobens Pacius opened the scoring on his debut before Surridge arrived to put the match beyond doubt in extra time. Hany Mukhtar and Cristian Espinosa also got playing time.
Atlético Ottawa needs to score at least two goals to force extra time at Geodis Park, while any goal in Nashville would likely end Ottawa’s challenge. Ottawa doesn’t start their season in earnest until early April.
It’s a tough task for the 2025 CPL champions. Nashville is the first MLS team Atlético Ottawa has faced in their short club history.
“I think we have to have the mentality of not just competing here,” Atlético Ottawa head coach Diego Mejía said before the first leg. “We have to play these games to win. I think when you step on the field you have to play eleven against eleven.”
Nashville coach BJ Callaghan will be aware of the Canadian challenge but will really focus on the last 16, where they will face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
Nashville SC vs Atleticp Ottawa second leg (2-0 aggregate)
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