Atlético Ottawa stuns Toronto FC behind Ballou Tabla hat-trick
Toronto FC’s Canadian Championship run ended with a 3-1 loss to Atlético Ottawa, who secured their first victory over Toronto. After an early goal by DeAndre Kerr, Ballou Tabla’s second-half hat-trick flipped the momentum, showcasing Toronto’s inability to maintain control. The defeat raises concerns about TFC’s consistency ahead of their next MLS match.
TORONTO, ON - May 5, 2026: Toronto FC vs Atlético Ottawa at BMO Field. (Photo by Michael Chisholm/Canadian Premier League)
TORONTO — Toronto FC’s Canadian Championship run came to an abrupt end Tuesday night at BMO Field, where Atlético Ottawa overturned an early deficit to claim a 3-1 victory and eliminate the MLS side from the tournament.
The result marked a significant moment for Ottawa, which secured its first-ever win over Toronto FC behind a standout performance from Ballou Tabla, whose second-half hat-trick completely shifted the match after the Reds appeared in control early.
Toronto opened the night with urgency and found the breakthrough in the 16th minute. Derrick Etienne Jr. slipped a pass into the path of DeAndre Kerr, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Tristan Crampton for his first goal of the season. The early advantage reflected a strong opening stretch from Robin Fraser’s side, which controlled possession and generated several promising attacking sequences.
But the match gradually changed as Toronto failed to capitalize on its momentum.
Despite creating opportunities to extend the lead, the Reds lacked precision in key moments, leaving Ottawa within reach entering the later stages of the match. Atlético eventually took advantage.
Tabla equalized in the 71st minute after finding space inside the area and squeezing his effort beyond Luka Gavran. The goal immediately changed the energy of the game, with Ottawa growing into the match while Toronto struggled to regain control.
Ten minutes later, Tabla struck again. Ottawa broke forward in transition, and the winger finished clinically to complete the comeback and silence the BMO Field crowd. Deep into stoppage time, he sealed the result from the penalty spot to complete the hat-trick and send the reigning CPL champions into the next round.
For Toronto FC, the collapse triggered visible frustration post-match, particularly from Fraser, who criticized both the defensive execution and the team’s overall response after taking the lead.
The defeat continues a difficult stretch for the club, which entered the competition already managing multiple injuries across the roster. Several key players remained unavailable, including Josh Sargent and Richie Laryea, forcing Toronto to lean heavily on younger options and short-term call-ups from TFC II.
Defenders Reid Fisher and Jackson Gilman, midfielders Antone Bossenberry and Fletcher Bank, along with forward Jahmarie Nolan, were all brought into the squad for the match. Most were immediately inserted into the starting lineup, adding another layer of inexperience in a knockout environment.
Toronto FC, historically the tournament’s most successful club with eight titles, now turns its focus back to MLS play after another disappointing early exit. The Reds have not lifted the Voyageurs Cup since the pandemic-delayed 2020 edition, and this latest elimination will only intensify questions surrounding consistency and game management within the squad.
There is little time to dwell on the defeat.
Toronto returns to league action this weekend against Inter Miami CF at BMO Field, a match that now arrives under increased pressure following one of the club’s most frustrating performances of the season.