As Forge FC prepares for their pivotal Concacaf Champions Cup match against CF Monterrey on February 5 in Hamilton, the club’s roster is taking shape with a mix of familiar faces and new talents. With a focus on assembling a squad capable of competing on the continental stage, Sporting Director and Head Coach Bobby Smyrniotis has made strategic moves to position the team for success.
The roster showcases a balance of experience and potential, with key players returning and exciting prospects joining the fold. Forge FC’s journey in the Champions Cup has been marked by competitive performances, but the team is now focused on turning those efforts into tangible results.
Three players stand out as the heart of Forge FC, having been with the team since its inaugural 2019 season: Kyle Bekker, the club captain and midfield maestro; Alexander Achinioti-Jonsson, a defensive stalwart; and David Choinière, a dynamic attacker known for his clutch performances. Their leadership and experience will be crucial as Forge faces one of the toughest opponents in North America. Forge FC also boasts one of the strongest goalkeeping tandems in the Canadian Premier League, with Jassem Koleilat and Christopher Kalongo providing reliability and depth between the posts.
The team has made a significant acquisition of Brian Wright, the 2024 CPL Players’ Player of the Year. Wright, who joins from York United, brings proven attacking quality and a knack for scoring in big moments. Alongside Wright, the attacking lineup includes talents like Nana Ampomah, Beni Badibanga, and newcomer Orlendis Benitez, promising an exciting and versatile forward line.
In the midfield, the team is strengthened by the presence of Noah Jensen, Khadim Kane, and Elimane Cisse, who complement Bekker’s leadership with energy and skill. On the defensive side, Malik Owolabi-Belewu and Achinioti-Jonsson anchor the backline, providing stability against Monterrey’s potent attack.
In addition to its core roster, Forge has the rights to several promising players from the USports Draft, including forward Amadou Kone, midfielder Paul Ekwueme, striker Maxime Fillion, and goalkeeper Dino Bontis.
Smyrniotis has hinted at further reinforcements, with the potential re-signing of Tristan Borges, a two-time CPL Player of the Year, creating significant buzz among fans. Borges’ return would be a massive boost, adding creativity and firepower to the roster and it would be no surprise if other big names were to join the club ahead of the competition.
Forge FC has gained valuable experience in the Concacaf Champions Cup over the past two seasons. Now, Smyrniotis and his squad are focused on achieving a breakthrough. “Our first years in the competition were about gaining experience and showing the world we can play with the best of them,” Smyrniotis said. “This year, it is about getting a result.”
The first leg against CF Monterrey—a powerhouse with a storied history in the tournament—will be played in Hamilton, Ontario on February 5. The return leg will occur on February 11 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
“It’s about building the squad in two parts,” Smyrniotis added. “One is for being ready to play in the Champions Cup, and the other is leaving a few spots open for roster flexibility because we are in January, and we don’t start the CPL season until four months from now.”
Forge FC’s meticulous roster planning reflects their ambition to compete at the highest level. With a mix of seasoned veterans, new stars, and emerging talents, the team is primed to make a statement in this year’s Concacaf Champions Cup.
Fans are encouraged to rally behind the club in Hamilton on February 5 as Forge FC looks to make history against CF Monterrey. The journey continues in Monterrey on February 11, with Forge aiming to prove they can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the region.