Abbey Salam - July 30, 2025 00:53 AM

Corner Kick Class Carries Valour to Victory, 

Ending Longstanding Cavalry Hex! 

The air at Princess Auto Stadium was electric, thick with the anticipation of a clash between two rivals. For the Valour faithful, the hope was palpable—a desire to finally break a frustrating eight-match winless streak against Cavalry FC. And as the final whistle blew, the roar that erupted from the stands was a cathartic release: Valour FC had done it, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory, a win built on the brilliance of set-pieces and a bold tactical gamble. 

Valour FC: A History of Resilience and a New Dawn - Valour FC, a club often characterized by its gritty determination, entered this match with a new sense of purpose. Under the guidance of Head Coach Phil Dos Santos, the team has been subtly evolving. Dos Santos, known for his meticulous approach, showcased his tactical acumen by deploying a new-look front four. This strategic shift, which saw Kianz Froese operate as a false nine and Bruno Figueiredo in the ten position, paid dividends almost immediately. 

The relentless high pressure from this attacking lineup forced Cavalry into uncharacteristic turnovers, demonstrating Valour's collective value in playing aggressive, front-foot football.

The standout individual on the day was undoubtedly Themi Antonoglou, who earned the CanPL.ca Player of the Match award. Themi was the architect of Valour's victory, delivering two pinpoint-perfect corner kicks that left the Cavalry defense scrambling. His precision and delivery from the dead-ball situation are a testament to his individual skill and highlight a key area of strength for this Valour side. 

It was from one of Themi's corners that Zachary Fernandez headed in the opener in the 23rd minute, a moment that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The second, a towering header from Myles Morgan in the 56th minute, sealed the historic win and ignited a wave of celebration in the stadium.

Cavalry FC: A Rare Stumble for a League Powerhouse - For Cavalry FC, this defeat marks a rare and unsettling moment in their recent history—their first back-to-back CPL loss since 2022. The Calgarians, a side renowned for their consistency and defensive solidity, were uncharacteristically undone by set-pieces. 

This is a point that was not lost on team captain Marco Carducci, who acknowledged that uncharacteristic mistakes, particularly on corner kicks, have been costly. The team's collective value of defensive discipline seemed to waver in crucial moments, allowing Valour to capitalize.

The relationship between these two aspects — creation and conversion — ultimately dictated the outcome. Ottawa's victory solidifies their position, while Pacific faces an uphill battle to bridge the gap to the playoff spots, necessitating a renewal. Despite the result, a brief moment of hope for Cavalry came shortly after Morgan's goal when their former Valour midfielder, Diego Gutiérrez, managed to pull one back. Gutiérrez, a player with a history and relationship with both clubs, showcased his individual quality with a well-taken goal. However, it was not enough to spark a comeback.

The Tactical Chessboard: Dos Santos vs. Wheeldon Jr - The managerial battle between Phil Dos Santos and Tommy Wheeldon Jr. was a captivating one. While Wheeldon Jr.'s Cavalry side typically operates with a well-oiled machine-like efficiency, it was Dos Santos's strategic gamble that proved decisive. The shift in Valour's attacking structure caught Cavalry off guard, disrupting their rhythm and forcing errors. 

Dos Santos's tactical genius and the players' belief in his plan were the key differences on the day. For Wheeldon Jr., the challenge now is to galvanize his squad, address the recent defensive lapses, and ensure this rare losing streak does not become a trend.