Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (May 17, 2019) — Forge FC earned their first road win and moved into second place in the 10-game Spring season table. Forge got an early goal from Anthony Novak and a second-half tally from Tristan Borges.
Both players goals put them on two for the season.
Big Buildup to the Game
The lead-up to this game had a number of interesting talking points swirling around. Forge FC, Valour FC and FC Edmonton all have a chance through their Spring season match-ups to qualify for the CONCACAF League. This is the qualifying route into Champions’ League this season. With Valour losing their first two matches of the competition, Forge have a good chance if they manage to get a result against FC Edmonton on May 29.
Smyrniotis Banned Two Matches
Following the late game fracas against Cavalry FC on Sunday, Forge FC head coach Bobby Smyrniotis was issued two red cards. Peter Reynders took control on the touchline this match and will do so against York9 FC on May 25. While Smyrniotis is just beginning a two match suspension, Forge FC captain Kyle Bekker returns from his two match ban from his actions in the inaugural match.
Halfway through the Spring Season
With the unbalanced Spring/Fall schedule Forge find themselves in a strange position. The Hamilton club have played half of their games already, just three weeks into the competition. The win put Forge into second place in the spring season behind Cavalry FC. The Calgary club has two games in hand and have yet to lose this season.
Clear Style, Clear Results
With Bobby Smyrniotis watching from the stands, Forge FC set out with a clear game plan, pressing and counter-attacking. With a baffling error from Valour on a corner kick, a few quick passes saw Anthony Novak in clean on goal from fully halfway up the pitch. The striker calmly rounded Tyson Farago and slotted home to give Forge the lead.
Throughout the first half the Forge FC midfield duo of Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson and Elimane Cissé and inverted fullbacks Giuliano Frano and Daniel Krutzen made important interceptions in the middle of the park. Another poor turnover from the Valour midfield led to the Tristan Borges goal that gave Forge the lead.
Important Road Win
Forge could have had a few more goals in the game if not for some last-ditch tackling from the Winnipeg side. Jordan Murrell and Martín Arguiñarena made impressive goal-line saves to keep Valour FC in striking distance.
NOT IN MY HOUSE SAYS @JMurrell4
⚔️ JORDAN MURRELL denies Borges' on the open net! !
🔥 Tings gettin exciting here in Winnipeg! Get at https://t.co/hishXepRT3 IMMEDIATELY OKAY?!
➡️ #CanPLxOneSoccer | #CanPL pic.twitter.com/GeTJwYCL1n
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) May 17, 2019
In the end, Forge was able to hold on and get their first road win. Valour ended with the better of the possession. However, they didn’t really challenge Triston Henry in the late stages of the match.
Derby Day Ahead
Forge FC will get some much-needed rest before making the short road trip to face York 9 FC. Meanwhile, York 9 have played just two matches thus far this season, losing to Cavalry FC and drawing with Forge FC in the inaugural match. After the sparks (not to be confused with Sparx) that flew in that match, expect a tough match with more of the physical battles the Canadian Premier League is becoming known for.
PHOTO: Forge FC took on Valour FC this past week, on the road, and notching a victory. Photo by Ian Goring/Hamilton Forge FC.
