HAMILTON, ON – Forge FC (representing Hamilton) got draw against C.A. Independiente de La Chorrera at Tim Hortons Field. Hamilton had the better game and probably should have got the win. However, Independiente made some big defensive and goalkeeping play throughout the game to preserve the tie.
Forge FC got draw against Club Atlético Independiente at home
Three keys to the game
Full Game Summary:#ForgeFC did not capitalize on their chances.#EstoEsCAI had good defence and goalkeeping.
Club Atlético Independiente only had two shots on goal.#FORvCAI | 0-0 | #SCL21
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) September 22, 2021
Forge FC fails to take advantage of scoring opportunities
Forge FC had many chances to get the game-winning goal. They had nine shots with six on target. This included several chances in the second half. This included Kyle Bekker, whose shot was stopped by the fingertips of goalkeeper Cesar Samudio.
David Choinière had a heavy touch in the 46-minute and could have generated a scoring chance for his team. Woobens Pacius had a glorious opportunity to score in the 52-minute. However, his shot was not near the target and was deflected by an Independiente player.
Good defence and goalkeeping by Club Atlético Independiente
38' An #EstoEsCAI penalty save! Goalkeeper Cesar Samudio guesses right and stops #ForgeFC's Daniel Krutzen's shot!#FORvCAI | 0-0 | #SCL21pic.twitter.com/MHg3hJr1Ee
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) September 22, 2021
Samudio might have been the player of the match. This is because of his save in the 38-minute. Choinière created the foul in the penalty box for a possible go-ahead goal. This meant that Daniel Krutzen would get the penalty. His shot was accurate but was stopped by Samudio. Yes, Krutzen’s shot was savable. However, Samudio guessed correctly and made the save. If he hesitated or went the other way Hamilton would have come away with a 1-0 victory at Tim Hortons Field.
There were also some key plays in the second half that preserved the tie on the road. An Independiente player made a desperate dive to prevent a big scoring chance for Hamilton. Then in the 89-minute, the defence made it difficult for Triston Borges to advance into a dangerous position.
Club Atlético Independiente only had two shots on goal
Club Atlético Independiente only had two shots on goal. Both of these saves came early in the game. This included in the 12-minute, where the goalkeeper Henry made a diving save to keep the game level. Independiente will feel like they could have scored just before half-time ended though. In the 42-minute, an Independiente player had a clear chance to score from very close range. However, he was unable to get the shot on target. They also had a good chance early in the second half, but the shot was off-target.
Independiente played very well on the road in the first half. However, in the second half, it was all Hamilton as they had control of most of the game. However, Independiente did just enough to get the tie. The Panamanian side did have chances of their own though to score.
Forge FC got draw at home overview
RECAP: Forge holds clean sheet in 0-0 draw to open Concacaf League Round of 16 tie
🗞| https://t.co/ShfLmVLhXs#ForgeFC | #SCL21 pic.twitter.com/7yEToPMUlC
— Forge FC (@ForgeFCHamilton) September 22, 2021
This was not the result Hamilton wanted. However, they still have a chance to make the Concacaf League quarterfinals for the second-straight year. They did win 2-1 on the road against Panamanian side Tauro F.C. in Panama. If they did it once, they will believe they can do it again.
For Club Atlético Independiente, the first leg was a win for them. Getting a draw on the road is a big result. It means a win of any scoreline would get them through to the Concacaf League quarterfinals. However, it is also important to note that a tie that is a higher score than 0-0 will mean Forge will be in the Concacaf League quarterfinals. This is because of the away goal rule, which means the second leg is anyone’s game.
The second leg on September 28 will take place in Panama City, Panama. The game will take place at Estadio Agustín Sánchez in Panama City, Panama. This will be a very tough game for Hamilton. However, if they can get past this Panama side, it would mean two straight years that a CPL team defeated a Panama side. It would also make Concacaf look at CPL as a league to be reckoned with, which is only in its infancy right now.
Picture credit goes to Forge FC by Ryan McCullough on September 15, 2021
