Diaz hat trick lifts Pacific FC over Atlético Ottawa

Alejandro Diaz scored the first hat-trick of the Canadian Premier League season during Pacific FC's 4-2 comeback victory against Atlético Ottawa on Wednesday.

Pacific FC (4-2-2) moved to second in the standings with 14 points behind league leaders Valour FC's (6-0-1) 18. Atlético Ottawa (2-1-5) remained sixth with seven points.

Striker Malcolm Shaw got two early goals for Ottawa in the second and 15th minutes of the first half, taking advantage of two mistakes made by the opposition's defence.

But the promising start for Atlético took a turn for the worst when midfielder Ben McKendry was sent off in the 22nd minute for hitting Matteo Polisi with a high boot. 

Winnipeg native Bustos made his presence known again by assisting the Mexican striker from a corner as Diaz headed it in for the tie in the 52th minute.

It didn't take long for the duo to bring more problems to Ottawa's 10-men side. Three minutes later, a Bustos shot from just outside the box found the post, but Diaz scored from the rebound and collect CPL's second-ever hat-trick.

Canadian forward Terran Campbell added an insurance goal for Pacific FC in the 74th minute.

Pacific FC will face Cavalry next on July 30 at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. Ottawa will play HFX Wanderers on Aug. 2 at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax.

FC Edmonton beats HFX Wanderers FC with late goal

Easton Ongaro scored in the 81st minute to give FC Edmonton their first win in five games as they edged HFX Wanderers FC 1-0 on Wednesday.

Toronto-born Fraser Aird stole the ball from the opposition's defence and provided the assist for Ongaro's empty-net effort.  

Edmonton FC will face York United next on Saturday at the IG Field in Winnipeg, the same day and location where HFX Wanderers FC are to play Valour FC.