Cavalry FC are the Canadian Premier League's 2026 regular season winners.
They took care of business at ATCO Field on the final day of the season, defeating Vancouver FC 1-0 on a goal from Ali Musse to lift the 2026 CPL Shield on home field.
Leading the league for the final ten weeks of the season, their incredible campaign set CPL single-season records for goals scored (58) and points at home (36).
By winning the CPL Shield, they have also qualified for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, joining Forge FC, who qualified as the 2026 TELUS Canadian Championship winners.
It was heartbreak for Vancouver FC, meanwhile, as the result eliminated them from playoff contention after FC Supra du Québec defeated the Halifax Wanderers in Halifax to leap them in the table.
Both sides made just one change from their starting elevens for the penultimate match of the season, but Vancouver FC's was particularly significant as key attacker Thierno Bah was not in the 18 due to injury.
The intensity was clear from the opening whistle, with tackles flying, starting with a heavy tackle from Vancouver's Isak Ssewankambo just 12 seconds into the match.
The hosts quickly put Vancouver under pressure, with Caniggia Elva forcing a solid save from Callum Irving in the 11th minute. Just a few minutes later, Goteh Ntignee had a great look down the left wing but dragged a strike across goal after an excellent bit of play from Michael Baldisimo.
Cavalry's relentless early pressure was finally rewarded in the 29th minute. Some quick thinking from a free-kick by Michael Baldisimo sent Pearlman streaking down the right wing. He slipped Elva perfectly into the box, who cut the ball back for Ali Musse. The Cavalry winger tapped the ball into the empty to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Cavs held the lead at the half, holding Vancouver without a shot on target and with 0.07 expected goals.
Again, Cavalry came out flying to begin the second half. Tobias Warschewski had two great looks at goal, but sent one wide of target and had another collected by Irving.
Cavalry thought they'd have an excellent chance to make it 2-0 from the spot in the 68th minute when Goteh Ntignee was brought in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Vancouver challenged the call, and it was overturned.
Seven minutes later, the referee was back at the screen, this time reviewing a potential foul on Mo Amissi in the box. Vancouver issued an FVS challenge, but that too was not given.
Musse nearly had a second a minute later after another great layoff from Elva, but this one he rolled just wide. Then it was substitute Nathaniel Edwards who got in behind in the 84th minute, but again Irving came up big to deny him 1-v-1.
Late in the game, knowing they needed three points, Vancouver FC sent everything forward, including a free kick late that sent goalkeeper Irving forward to take it.
Frustrated as Cavalry looked to kill the clock late, Vancouver FC's Marcello Polisi was sent off for a horrible challenge on Cavalry defender Levi Laing.
Cavalry now head into the 2026 CPL playoffs as the top seed, having reached the final the past three years, and winning it all in 2024. They look to become the first team in CPL history to do the double.
Box Score
Starting XIs
Cavalry FC: Ingham; Pearlman (Edwards 64'), Didić, Klomp, Kamdem; Baldisimo, Kobza; Musse, Warschewski (Henry 80'), Ntignee (Laing 72'); Elva
Vancouver FC: Irving; Doner, Campagna, Field, Proctor; Fotsing (Mezquida 79'), Ssewankambo, Toomey (Pecile 65'); Traore (Polisi 65'), Campbell, Amissi
Goals
29' - Ali Musse (Cavalry FC)
Discipline
90+9' - Red: Marcello Polisi (Vancouver FC)
CPLSoccer.com Player of the Match
Ali Musse, Cavalry FC
Musse scored the goal that clinched Cavalry FC the CPL Shield and was Cavalry's most dangerous player throughout Sunday's match.
What's Next?
Cavalry FC are the top seed heading into the 2026 CPL Playoffs, where they will face FC Supra du Québec in the semifinals. Leg One is on Sunday, Nov. 1 at Stade Boréale (4 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. MT).
For Vancouver FC, this is the end of the line after a heartbreaking end to the best season in club history.