The 2019 & 2020 CPL champions raised their banners in front of home supporters at Tim Hortons Field on Sunday afternoon and while it’s been an up and down start to 2021 for Forge, they looked like a side capable of making it three in a row as they defeated Atlético Ottawa 2-0 thanks to first half goals from Mo Babouli and Garven-Michee Metusala.

After failing to secure the win against York United in their home opener last Wednesday, Forge made two changes to their starting XI from the 1-0 loss to the Nine Stripes with Baj Maan replacing Triston Henry in goal and David Choiniere coming in for Josh Navarro in the attack.

Missing out through suspension in Ottawa’s last match —a 2-1 loss away to HFX Wanderers — Mista returned to the sideline for this one and made three changes to the team from last weekend as Vashon Neufville, Malcolm Shaw and Ben McKendry drew into the lineup for Zachary Verhoven, Rafael Nunez and Chris Mannella.

The early stages of the contest was a feeling out process at both ends as Kyle Bekker and Mo Babouli let strikes from distance go inside the opening quarter of an hour to keep Dylan Powley honest and alert in the Ottawa goal. While the home side enjoyed much of the ball to start, it was Atlético who nearly opened the scoring against the run of play as Alberto Soto’s 26th minute header was kept out only by the woodwork.

That inability to capitalize on chances would come back to bite the visitors before the break as Ryan Telfer’s clumsy challenge on Tristan Borges in the Ottawa box was deemed worthy of a penalty kick — a chance Babouli would convert with comfort.

Moments later, Metusala doubled the Forge advantage with a powerful header at the back post following a great freekick delivered into the area from Borges. The 43rd minute finish would make it 2-0 before halftime and marked the rookie defender’s first career CPL goal.

Things went from bad to worse for Ottleti still inside the first 45′ as midfielder Victor Martinez picked up a pair of cautions in a matter of four minutes, leaving Ottawa with just 10 men to mount a second half comeback.

Chasing the repeat champs on their own pitch down a man and a pair of goals was always going to be a tall task for Ottawa, who ultimately failed to find any offense.

Forge enjoyed roughly two thirds of the possession share while completing over 93% of their passes as they saw out the match by slowing down the tempo and dictating the rhythm across the second half.

BOX SCORE

Goals

39′ — Mo Babouli (Forge FC)

43′ — Garven-Michee Metusala (Forge FC)

Discipline

45′ — Yellow: Viti Martinez (Atlético Ottawa)

45+4′ — Yellow: Viti Martinez (Atlético Ottawa)

56′ — Yellow: Dom Samuel (Forge FC)

74′ — Yellow: Ryan Telfer (Atlético Ottawa)

83′ — Yellow: Alberto Soto (Atlético Ottawa)