Upon witnessing David Rodriguez soar through a thick layer of snow to score the equalizing goal for Atlético Ottawa in the Canadian Premier League final on Sunday, one could have numerous reactions.
The most probable response would likely be an unintelligible sound of admiration for the 23-year-old Mexican’s remarkable ability to rise despite the slippery surface, lift his foot over his head, and unleash a bicycle kick that struck the underside of the crossbar before finding the back of the net.
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However, it wouldn’t take long for your attention to inevitably shift to the heavy layer of sleet blanketing the field, along with the relentless snowfall, and question how a football match could possibly occur under such conditions, even considering the Canadians’ robust winter reputation. Ottawa experienced nearly 20cm of snow over Sunday, but with a postponement being out of the question, snowplows were deployed throughout the day to clear the field and facilitate a postponed kickoff for the Canadian Premier League finale.
When the match finally commenced — with the orange winter ball behaving as anticipated in the conditions — the game was frequently halted by officials to allow for clearing to keep the pitch markings visible. At one moment, Ottawa goalie Nathan Ingham even grabbed a shovel to aid in clearing the field and resume play. A disagreement ensued between Atlético coach Diego Mejia and opposition Cavalry FC leader Tommy Wheeldon Jr over the lack of substitutes on the former’s bench.
GOAL 🦖
DAVID RODRIGUEZ ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!
BICYCLE KICK GOAL IN THE 2025 CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FINAL TO LEVEL THINGS UP FOR @atletiOttawa 🤯🤯🤯
🔴 Watch the #CanPL final LIVE on OneSoccer, TSN & FuboTV pic.twitter.com/4RhNsBI4zH
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) November 9, 2025
Pointing to players at the FIFA Club World Cup who stayed in the dressing room to escape the sweltering heat, Atlético directed their reserve players to stay inside to avoid the severe elements at kickoff, a decision that Wheeldon Jr contested. The officials ultimately sided with the Cavalry coach, and the Atlético bench made its way back to the icy terrain that was TD Place.
Considering the circumstances, not to mention the breathtaking nature of Rodríguez’s goal, this match is anticipated to be remembered in Canadian football history. The … icing … on the cake also came from Rodríguez: the 23-year-old appeared again in extra time to chip Cavalry keeper Marco Carducci and clinch the North Star Cup for his team, along with a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
