In a stunning display, Forge FC defeated York United 3-0 in Match 111 of the Canadian Premier League on Saturday, securing the regular season title and the CPL Shield for the second consecutive year. This victory marked a significant achievement for Forge, as they finished atop the table for the third time in their club’s history.
Forge FC’s Dominance Over York United
Playing at home in Hamilton, Forge FC showcased an almost full-strength lineup, missing only suspended player Rezart Rama. The team featured their star midfield trio: Kyle Bekker, Alessandro Hojabrpour, and Tristan Borges.
York United, on the other hand, faced challenges with key players like Massimo Ferrin and Leonel López unavailable for this match. Despite recent tactical changes, they opted for their usual 3-4-3 formation.
Early Lead and Continued Pressure
Forge FC’s scoring spree began just 10 minutes into the match. After winning an early corner kick, Borges executed a clever set-piece. He passed to David Choinière, who returned the ball to Borges. The play surprised York’s defense, allowing Hojabrpour to score with a well-placed header from the front post, making it 1-0.
Following this early setback, York improved their play but struggled knowing they needed all three points to improve their standings. Nevertheless, Forge continued to pressure York’s defense. Just before halftime, they extended their lead. Choinière dribbled past defender Riley Ferrazzo and set up Brian Wright, who finished from close range, bringing the score to 2-0.
Second Half Highlights
The second half saw Forge maintain their dominance. Again, within 10 minutes of play, they scored. Choinière delivered a precise pass to Wright, who fired a shot that caught York keeper Diego Urtiaga off guard, finding the top corner of the net. With a commanding 3-0 lead before the hour mark, Forge had one hand firmly on the CPL Shield.
With the outcome virtually guaranteed, Forge skillfully managed the rest of the match to secure a clean sheet. Following the final whistle, they celebrated their title victory proudly in front of their home fans.
Looking Ahead to the CPL Playoffs
This win positions Forge FC as the top seed for the upcoming playoffs. They will face second-place Atlético Ottawa next weekend for the opportunity to host the CPL Final on November 9. Meanwhile, York United finished fifth in the standings and will need to navigate a challenging playoff path. They will play against the Halifax Wanderers in Nova Scotia midweek, aiming for a chance at the semifinal qualifier against Cavalry FC next weekend.
- Match Result: Forge FC 3 – 0 York United
- Goals:
- Hojabrpour (10 minutes)
- Wright (45 minutes)
- Wright (55 minutes)
- Next Matches:
- Forge FC vs. Atlético Ottawa
- York United vs. Halifax Wanderers
Forge FC’s impressive performance against York United not only clinched the regular season title but also set the stage for an exciting playoff run ahead.
