TFC stunned by Atletico Ottawa in Canadian Championship opener

Ballou Tabla scored a second-half hat-trick to help Atletico Ottawa stun Toronto FC 3-1 at BMO Field in the first round of the Canadian Championship on Tuesday.

Deandre Kerr opened the scoring in the first half for TFC in their first-ever meeting with Atletico Ottawa. The home side seemingly had things under control but gave up three goals after the 70th minute. The reigning CPL champions are now moving on to the quarterfinals.

"I just want to say, first and foremost, on behalf of the team, to the fans, we are very sorry," TFC captain Jonathan Osorio said, according to John Molinaro of TFC Republic. "It was not a result or performance worthy of this club."

Tabla's go-ahead, deciding goal came after a costly TFC defensive turnover. He also scored on a stoppage-time penalty kick to seal the comeback victory.

"This team has been unbelievably resilient all year long, so that's what I said to them (after the game)," TFC head coach Robin Fraser said postgame, according to Molinaro. "I hope you're embarrassed enough that Saturday, (you) make a statement."

The result marks the second straight year in which TFC's Canadian Championship campaign has ended in the first round. Toronto is now winless in its past six games across all competitions. It will play Inter Miami on Saturday.

Ottawa will play FC Supra or Woodbridge Strikers next.