Forge FC has once again proven to be a dominant force in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), clinching first place in the regular season standings. By doing so, they not only secured the prestigious CPL Shield but also earned the coveted top seed in the CPL Playoffs. This top-seed position puts Forge in a prime position to bring the CPL Final back to their fortress, Tim Hortons Field, in pursuit of its fifth CPL Playoff title and a second North Star Cup.
Here’s a breakdown of Forge FC’s two possible routes to hosting the CPL Final and vying for yet another championship:
Route One: Victory in the Qualifying Semi-Final = Hosting the CPL Final
The most straightforward path for Forge FC to host the CPL Final lies in winning their qualifying semi-final. Their opponent? Cavalry FC, the second seed and their perennial rival. This match is a high-stakes clash between the CPL’s top two teams, and both will be vying for a direct route to the final.
If Forge FC emerges victorious in this showdown against Cavalry, they will earn the right to host the CPL Final on November 9 at Tim Hortons Field. This final will be broadcast live on CBC, giving Forge the opportunity to play for the North Star Cup in front of their home fans and a national audience. Meanwhile, Cavalry would drop into the next semi-final round to face the winner of the match between Atlético Ottawa (3rd seed) and York United FC who defeated Pacific FC in the 4th vs. 5th seed match up.
In this scenario, Forge FC would wait to see who triumphs in that semi-final before meeting the victor at Tim Hortons Field, where they would have the chance to lift a CPL Playoff trophy for a record fifth time.
Route Two: A Loss in the Qualifying Semi-Final = A Detour Through Another Semi-Final
However, if Forge FC falters in the qualifying semi-final against Cavalry, they won’t be out of the running. Instead, they would fall into another semi-final round, which they would still get to host, thanks to their first-place finish. This match would be against the winner of the Atlético Ottawa vs. York United contest.
A victory in this match would send Forge to the CPL Final, but this time they would be the away team, as Cavalry FC would host the final in Calgary. This path offers Forge a potential chance for redemption—an opportunity to avenge their qualifying semi-final loss to Cavalry by defeating them on their home turf.
Forge’s Eye on the Prize: A Historic Sixth Trophy
No matter the route, Forge FC has everything to play for. Should they capture the North Star Cup again, it would be their sixth major trophy in club history, including five CPL Playoff titles and the 2022 CPL Shield. A third consecutive playoff title would further cement Forge FC’s status as the most successful and dominant club in CPL history.
With a team that has consistently risen to the occasion, the backing of the Hamilton faithful, and the familiarity of playing in front of their home crowd at Tim Hortons Field, Forge FC controls its destiny in these playoffs. The squad knows that winning the qualifying semi-final not only gives them a more direct path to the final but also allows them to showcase their talents and quest for glory in Hamilton.
As the CPL playoffs unfold, all eyes will be on Forge FC as they embark on their pursuit of another North Star Cup. Whether they take the direct route by winning the qualifying semi-final or face a detour via a second semi-final match, Forge FC’s determination to bring the CPL title back to Hamilton remains unwavering. For the Hamilton faithful, the possibility of cheering on their team at Tim Hortons Field for the CPL Final is a tantalizing prospect—one that’s just a victory away.