Cavalry FC remained in charge of the regular season title race on Saturday, beating Pacific FC 4-2 at home to ensure they'll go into the final matchweek on top of the standings.
It was a critically important result for the Cavs, who saw second-place Forge FC win earlier on Saturday afternoon. Cavalry got the job done at home though, breaking a three-match winless streak to stay in control of the situation.
In the process, Cavalry made CPL history, setting a new record for goals by a team in a single regular season with their 55th. By adding two more after breaking Atlético Ottawa's record from 2025, they raised the new mark to 57.
After this penultimate week of the regular season, Cavalry and Forge therefore sit tied on 57 points each (and also level on wins and head-to-head record), meaning the Alberta side lead the pack because of their superior goal difference, which remains six better than Forge's.
Though it was almost a must-win match for the Cavs, they didn't start it the way they would've hoped. Within less than 10 minutes, Pacific FC stunned the ATCO Field crowd as Mattias Vales scored the opener.
The 18-year-old raced onto the end of a Marco Bustos cross and placed the ball between keeper Nathan Ingham's legs, scoring his first professional goal — and breaking Pacific's 324-minute goalless streak.
This was the third consecutive match where Cavalry conceded the opening goal within the first 10 minutes, but this time they would be able to fight back.
Just three minutes later, the Cavs got back on level footing as a Bradley Kamdem Fewo cross found Daan Klomp in the box for a solid headed finish.
Tobias Warschewski put the hosts in front just moments later, after Cavalry won a penalty kick that he smashed emphatically past the left goalpost.
That quick turnaround wasn't the last twist of fate in this game, however.
Shortly before halftime, Pacific won a penalty of their own; Adam Pearlman was penalized for trying to clear a ball in the box, having caught Vales's leg in the process. Bustos slotted the spot-kick coolly to bring the Tridents level — but again, not for long.
Just like they had before, Cavalry responded nearly instantly to the Pacific goal. This one was a messy phase after a corner kick, but the ball fell at the goalmouth to Kamdem Fewo, who shovelled it in after a couple of attempts to restore the Cavs' lead before halftime.
The hosts secured their position five minutes after the break. Once again, the Cavs worked their way into the box, and Pacific's Juan Quintana chopped Warschewski down.
Referee Renzo Villanueva pointed to the penalty spot for a third time, and this time the Cavs asked Ali Musse to take the ball — which he blasted in past Eleias Himaras.
The contest finally settled down after Cavalry went two goals ahead, as the home side slowed the game down somewhat after relieving the pressure.
They steered the match toward its conclusion, although Pacific did not go quietly in the final 15 minutes. The Tridents, playing their final away game of the season, challenged Cavalry a few times with pace as coach Terry Dunfield encouraged his players to push forward. Playing without pressure, Pacific searched for another goal to give themselves some more consolation to take away from Calgary.
That extra goal never did arrive, though, as Cavalry saw out a 4-2 result to stay on top of the table.
The Cavs' win thus sets the scene for an extraordinary final matchweek in the CPL. They'll host Vancouver FC next Sunday, knowing that a win would secure them the CPL Shield and top seeding heading into the playoffs — unless Forge can outscore them by six, of course.
However, it won't be an easy afternoon for Cavalry, since Vancouver will be equally — if not more — desperate for a result. VFC currently occupy the final playoff spot, but a slip-up from them and a win on the east coast for FC Supra would put the Quebecois club into fourth.
Saturday was certainly an excellent return to form for Cavalry, but there is still work to be done for the CPL Shield hopefuls.
Box Score
Starting XIs
Cavalry FC: Ingham; Pearlman (Edwards 46'), Klomp, Didić, Kamdem Fewo; Myroniuk, Baldisimo (Henry 72'); Musse (Laing 81'), Warschewski, Ntignee (McGlinchey 85'); Elva (Graham-Roache 72')
Pacific FC: Himaras; Chung (Greco-Taylor 52'), Quintana, Konincks, Marshall; Gomulka, Juhmi (Browning Lagerfeldt 64'); Bustos (Edwards 77'), Daniels (Toualy 64'), Vales; Kratt (Diaz 77')
Goals
9' - Mattias Vales (Pacific FC)
12' - Daan Klomp (Cavalry FC)
17' - Tobias Warschewski (Penalty) (Cavalry FC)
44' - Marco Bustos (Penalty) (Pacific FC)
45+1' - Bradley Kamdem Fewo (Cavalry FC)
51' - Ali Musse (Penalty) (Cavalry FC)
Discipline
25' - Yellow: Kadin Chung (Pacific FC)
42' - Yellow: Adam Pearlman (Cavalry FC)
50' - Yellow: Juan Quintana (Pacific FC)
63' - Yellow: Roshawn Juhmi (Pacific FC)
83' - Yellow: Mael Henry (Cavalry FC)
CPLSoccer.com Player of the Match
Bradley Kamdem Fewo, Cavalry FC
The left-back was involved in two of the first-half goals, floating in a good ball for Klomp's tally before bundling the third over the line himself.
What's Next?
These teams will both play at home next Sunday, Oct. 26, as every side in the CPL takes to the pitch at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
Cavalry will host Vancouver FC in a potential CPL Shield clincher, and they'll hope Pacific can do them a favour as they host Forge FC at Victoria's Royal Athletic Park.
