The Paton brothers, Ben and Harry, have made history by becoming the first siblings to play together for Forge FC. Both players contributed to a commanding 4-0 victory over Pacific FC at Hamilton Stadium. This was their first time sharing the pitch since their days at Ross County during the 2021-22 season.
Historic Reunion for the Paton Brothers
Ben Paton joined Forge FC in February 2023, after spending nine years in Europe. His older brother, Harry Paton, signed with the team two weeks ago, following 11 years abroad. Both players had previously united at Ross County, where they enjoyed significant success in the Scottish Premiership.
Background and Early Careers
The Patons grew up in Kitchener, Canada. Harry, now 27, moved to London at 15 to join Fulham FC’s youth academy, while Ben, who is two years younger, began his journey with Blackburn Rovers. The siblings had never played on the same team until Ben joined Ross County in July 2021, coinciding with Harry’s final season with the club.
Harry’s time at Ross County saw him play over 150 matches and earn recognition with the Canadian national team, most recently debuting against Japan in October 2023. He noted that playing together created memorable experiences, even against teams with large crowds, such as Celtic.
Adapting to Forge FC
Both players have expressed the surreal nature of their reunion at Forge FC. They hope to contribute to the team not only through personal milestones but also by supporting each other’s performance on the field.
As a versatile player, Ben has demonstrated adaptability, playing various roles, from midfielder to defender. His coach, Bobby Smyrnioitis, acknowledged Ben’s ability to integrate into different positions, making him a valuable asset to the team.
- Ben Paton: Signed February 2023
- Harry Paton: Signed two weeks ago
- First siblings to play for Forge FC
- Record of 4-0 win against Pacific FC
- Previous shared field experience at Ross County
Forge FC’s Ambitious Season
Currently, Forge FC has set a club record for points in a season. If they succeed in their next three matches, they could tie a league record, as two of these matches are at home. They are also guaranteed a playoff match, where they will face Ottawa Atlético.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Forge FC must maintain their strong home advantage. This is critical to achieving their championship aspirations. Coach Smyrnioitis emphasized the importance of winning maximum points at home to secure their path to the trophy.
In their upcoming match, Forge FC will need to handle Vancouver FC’s attacking players, including Thierno Bah and Nicolás Mezquida, both of whom have shown recent form. Bah, in particular, is noted for his speed and goal-scoring ability.
- Key players to watch: Thierno Bah, Nicolás Mezquida, Hugo Mbogue
- Forge FC has allowed a league-low 20 goals
- Brian Wright leads Forge with 9 goals
- Hoce Massunda has 5 assists, highest on the team
As the season progresses, the Paton brothers will aim to capitalize on their synergy to elevate Forge FC’s performance. Their reunion symbolizes not just a personal milestone but a committed effort to bring success to the team in the Canadian Premier League.
