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Forge FC vs Cavalry FC Final Predictions on October 28, 2023

CPL

Forge FC vs Cavalry FC is a repeat of the 2019 CPL Final. Forge FC will host Cavalry FC at Tim Hortons Field to see who will win the newly rebranded North Star Cup this year.

Forge FC vs Cavalry FC: Defending Champions Will Play at Home

Forge FC (3-0-2)

Forge FC earned the home playoff spot after defeating Cavalry FC in the preliminary final on October 14. This is what Bobby Smyrniotis, head coach of the team representing Hamilton, said this about the win (source: Mitchell Tierney, Digital Content Producer of the Canadian Premier League):

“It’s an excellent feeling. It’s not something that is easily accomplished. It’s a hard thing to win. It’s a hard thing to play in these big games and everything comes down to margins. Today was about margins, two very good teams out there playing good football. I think although maybe the fans leave disappointed it was an exciting match. It keeps on showing the growth of this league.

Before the win against Cavalry FC on October 14, Forge had lost two straight games of the CPL season. So, this win probably was a confidence booster against a team that very easily won the CPL Shield this year. The team representing Hamilton also made the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup when Cavalry FC eliminated Pacific FC from the CPL playoffs.

This is also the second opportunity that the team from Hamilton can win the North Star Cup. Back when it was called the North Star Shield in 2021, Forge FC lost to Pacific FC in the 2021 CPL Final.

Cavalry FC (4-0-1)

Cavalry FC has been in fantastic form. Their only loss in the last five games was actually against the team from Hamilton on October 14. They redeemed themselves though with a 2-1 win against the team from Langford at Spruce Meadows. This is what Tommy Wheeldon Jr., said about the win over Pacific FC and also on the loss to Forge FC (Charlie O’Connor-Clarke, Digital Content Editor of the Canadian Premier League):

“It was a team effort. Aside from the big names that have been nominated for Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, I thought Charlie Trafford was outstanding today. He was the anchor pin for our defence and our attack. Last week we didn’t have enough step up in the key moments, we dominated the start of the game then they scored, and they scored again and then we threw everything at them.”

READ MORE: Analysis: Cavalry FC’s Ali Musse Shines in 2-1 Win Over Pacific FC

The Cavs were dominant for most of the game against Pacific. Yes, Cavalry FC had to defend near the end of the game after Kekuta Manneh scored for Pacific, but they were able to hold their own and earn their second trip to the CPL Final, and first since 2019.

Players to Watch for Both Teams

First of all, Daan Klomp will be a big player to watch as he won both defensive player of the year and also was the best player of the 2023 CPL season. Ali Musse, who was the player of the game against Pacific, has seven assists in the 2023 CPL season, which is tied with the Forge FC assist leader, Kyle Bekker, who also has seven assists. Bekker was the one who ended up scoring the game-winning goal against Cavalry FC on October 14.

Marco Carducci, nominated for goalkeeper of the year, made some big late saves against Pacific to earn the win in the Elimination Final. There is also New Zealand international player, Myer Bevan, who scored 11 goals, and has the co-lead for goals with Atletico Ottawa’s Oli Bassett. There is also Terran Campbell and Woobens Pacius, who both co-lead Forge with 10 goals each.

Team Meetings

Both teams have actually faced each other quite often. This year, both teams are 1-2-1 against each other, but with Forge earning four points in the last two games.

READ MORE: Forge FC win inaugural Canadian Premier League title over Cavalry

As for other games, Forge FC ended Cavalry FC’s title hopes in the 2019 CPL Final and the 2022 CPL Semi-Finals while Cavalry FC eliminated Forge FC from the 2019 Canadian Championship.

Predictions and Time the Game Will Happen

Predictions: Forge FC 1 – Cavalry FC 1 (Cavalry FC Wins In Penalties)

This is a really tough one to call. Yes, Forge FC does have home advantage, but it would not be surprising to see Cavalry FC get the victory. The team representing Hamilton has been the most dominant team in the league since 2019, but Cavalry FC has had a fantastic 2023 CPL season.

Fans can watch the game on October 28 at 6:00 PM ET at Tim Hortons Field between the two teams. This game can be watched live on OneSoccer and Telus.

 

Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League

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