Icicle kick?! Crazy goal helps win Canadian final

"There are several ways that one could react upon watching David Rodriguez rise through a thick blanket of snow to net the equalising goal for Atlético Ottawa in Sunday's Canadian Premier League final. The most likely of which would be some kind of incomprehensible noise of appreciation at the 23-year-old Mexican's ability to get up despite the slippery conditions, swing his boot over his head and rocket a bicycle kick off the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net."

"Very quickly, however, your focus would almost certainly come to settle on the thick blanket of sleet that was covering the pitch, in combination with the heavy flurry continuing to fall, and wonder just how, even allowing for the hardy winter reputation of the Canadians, a game of football could be played in such conditions. Up to 20cm of snow hit Ottawa over the course of Sunday, but with a postponement out of the question,"

"Once play actually began -- the orange winter ball behaving as one would expect in the conditions -- proceedings were frequently stopped by the match officials to allow for clearing to ensure the pitch markings remain visible. At one point Ottawa goalkeeper Nathan Ingham even picked up a shovel to help clear the field and get play moving once more. A shouting match then broke out between Atlético coach Diego Mejia and opposition Cavarly FC boss Tommy Wheeldon Jr."

David Rodriguez, a 23-year-old Mexican, produced a spectacular bicycle-kick equaliser for Atlético Ottawa while snow and sleet covered the pitch. Up to 20cm of snow fell in Ottawa, but postponement was not possible, so snowploughs worked throughout the day and kickoff was delayed. Play featured an orange winter ball and frequent stoppages as officials cleared markings to keep the game playable. Ottawa goalkeeper Nathan Ingham even used a shovel to help clear snow and maintain play. Tensions rose on the touchline with a shouting match between Atlético coach Diego Mejia and opposition boss Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

Read at ESPN.com