Forge FC stroll into the TELUS Canadian Championship semi-finals high on confidence, set for their first ever meeting with the Vancouver Whitecaps. The four-time CPL champions are keen on adding a new trophy to their cabinet, but it won't be easy with the high-flying 'Caps (recently bolstered by a certain German's arrival).
Current form
Forge occupy first place in the Canadian Premier League with an 11-7-0 record. In all competitions, they're now undefeated in 21 straight games.
Heading into this semi-final, they've won four CPL matches in a row, including a 2-1 win over 905 Derby rivals York United on Saturday. So, the Hamilton club are arguably in the best form of any of the semi-finalists in this tournament.
How they got here
It's been a tough road to the semi-finals for Forge, who beat CPL side Halifax Wanderers 3-1 in the preliminary round to set up a date with MLS foes CF Montréal (for a fifth straight year). This time, the Hamilton club were convincing winners, claiming the quarter-final tie 3-2 on aggregate.
Brian Wright scored in the home leg to ensure Forge headed to Québec with a 1-0 lead, but they had to bring out their best at Stade Saputo to ensure their advancement. After Montréal levelled the tie early in the second half (apparently — it happened during a brief blackout period so the broadcast didn't catch it), Forge stars Tristan Borges and Kyle Bekker scored back-to-back to bury the MLS team.
Canadian Championship history
Best-ever finish: Final (2020) — Lost to Toronto FC on penalties
The closest Forge have come to lifting the Voyageurs' Cup was in 2021, when they qualified for a special one-off CanChamp final to award the 2020 trophy by winning the CPL title. They hosted Toronto in Hamilton and went blow-for-blow, but ultimately lost on penalties.
Since then, Forge have been to the semi-finals three times, but lost to an MLS side each time. Last year was the closest; they lost to TFC on away goals after winning the first leg. Perhaps this year will be fourth time lucky? They've never played the Whitecaps before, but Forge now have considerable experience against MLS foes from their meetings with Toronto and Montréal.
Three players to watch
Kyle Bekker (Midfielder)
The captain has been the heart and soul of Forge FC for seven years now, and at 34 years old he's still not slowing down. Bekker was recently named the CPL's Player of the Month for July, and he scored what was ultimately the winning goal in the quarter-final tie against CF Montréal.
Look for Bekker to dictate the tempo of the match in midfield, with his passing range and creativity, but he's also got a knack for the defensive side of the game.
Dan Nimick (Defender)
Arguably Forge's highest-profile acquisition last off-season, Nimick has fit in perfectly in Hamilton. The well-rounded defender can hit a pass to just about anywhere on the pitch, and he's one of the CPL's most consistent ball-winners, especially in the air.
An unusual tool in Nimick's arsenal is his ability from the penalty spot, as well. He's a calm, collected defender, which also lends itself well to thriving under pressure when awarded a spot kick.
Nana Ampomah (Forward)
The Ghanaian winger has thrived in this, his first full season with Forge. In last week's 5-0 win over Valour FC, he scored one and assisted one, but was involved in the build-up of every single goal. He has five goals and four assists in all competitions this season.
Ampomah is a dynamic, creative player on the wing who can burn defenders and find the most dangerous spaces in and around the box. If given space, he can punish just about any opponent.
Why they can win
Because they have the depth, experience and talent to compete with anybody, and have already proven they can beat MLS opposition. Forge have a history of deep runs in this competition, but the trophy has eluded them thus far.
They've come closer than any other CPL team; last year, they barely missed out on the final. Now, they're desperate to be the first CPL side to win it all.
Bobby Smyrniotis and Forge have unfinished business in the Canadian Championship, and when they set their focus on something, it's foolish to best against them.
