Forge FC needed three points to widen the gap with Cavalry at the top of the standings, and that's exactly what they did, in a solid performance marred only by an individual error that cost them a goal.
The challenge for FC Supra du Québec at the start of the match was to quickly find their rhythm and then maintain it throughout, especially since the Quebec side was returning to the pitch nearly a month after their last game.
While the opening minutes were encouraging, with Riad Bey's shot in the box going wide from a cross from the left in the 6th minute, Supra gradually retreated. Forge FC, still confident in their strength, dominated possession, imposed their style of play, and could have opened the scoring were it not for a commanding save from Joakim Milli, who was making his return in goal after a hand injury. Following a very avoidable loss of possession by Diyaeddine Abzi at Hoce Massunda's feet, the Forge FC winger quickly passed the ball to Tristan Borges in the box, who was thwarted by Milli in the 16th minute.
Despite a few timid attempts from Supra, such as a header from Clément Bayiha that went wide in the 22nd minute or a powerful long-range shot that narrowly missed Sean Rea in the 45th minute. Forge FC continued to create the best opportunities, as exemplified by another fine save from Joakim Milli on a particularly deceptive long-range shot due to a bounce off the turf from Ben Paton in the 32nd minute.
The opening goal was only a matter of time. It came shortly before halftime and was well deserved for Forge FC.
A foul by Oussama Boughanmi for pulling down Anthony Aromatario during a corner kick gave Forge FC a penalty just before halftime, which Dan Nimick converted perfectly, placing it just inside the post to make it 1-0 in the 43rd minute.
Aware that his team was struggling to control the game, FC Supra coach Nick Razzaghi made changes to his midfield, bringing on Alessandro Biello and Abou Sissoko in place of Oussama Boughanmi and Safwane Mlah.
He was undoubtedly also aware that Forge FC has a tendency to concede goals in the second half, and the anticipated scenario played out exactly as predicted.
It was thanks to a huge gift from their opponents that Supra was able to equalize. A completely botched lateral pass from Aromatario found its way through the middle. Clément Bayiah, who was able to release Loïc Kwemi, whose powerful shot gave Dimitry Bertaud no chance to make it 1-1 in the 56th minute.
Supra took full advantage of Forge FC's gift. But even stunned, even under pressure, even lacking flair, Forge FC remains Forge FC: a robust, confident team that usually gets what it wants.
Once again, Forge did what it does best, continuing to play its game and gain the upper hand over its opponent.
Barely 10 minutes after the equalizer, a lobbed through ball from Borges found Maxime Filion, who had come on just moments earlier. Filion won his duel against Keesean Ferdinand and beat Milli to the ball, heading home to restore his team's 2-1 lead in the 66th minute.
A goal by a Quebecer against a Quebec team, composed entirely of Quebec players, still "felt good" for him.
"I'm a competitive guy," Fillion joked after the match. "I wanted to score!".
Forge FC then managed their lead, giving their opponent little space. Nana Ampomah, with a shot from a tight angle, could have increased the score were it not for another save by Milli, but the main focus for Hamilton's players was elsewhere, as they retained their comfortable position at the top of the standings.
For Supra, the learning curve continues. Far from being outclassed, Supra nevertheless found themselves up against a more experienced, more seasoned, and simply stronger team.
Box Score
Starting XIs
FC Supra: Milli; Abzi, Chrétien, Ferdinand, Auguste (Elkalkouli 78'); Boughanmi (Biello 46'), Mlah (Boughanmi 46'); Rea, Bayiha (Kaboré 78'), Bey (Wandje 90'); Kwemi
Forge FC : Bertaud; Jevremovic, Nimick, Bâtisse, Rama; Paton, Aromatario (Krutzen 85'), Jensen (Ampomah 64'); Borges (Bekker 75'), Massunda (Bourgeois 75'), Wright (Filion 64')
Goals
43' Dan Nimick (Forge FC) (Penalty)
56' Loïc Kwemi (FC Supra)
66' Max Filion (Forge FC)
Discipline
12' - Yellow: Dan Nimick (Forge FC) -
42' - Yellow: Charles Auguste (FC Supra)
65' - Yellow: Tristan Borges (Forge FC)
69' - Yellow: Riad Bey (FC Supra)
89' Yellow: Nana Ampomah (Forge FC)
CPLSoccer.com Player of the Match
Tristan Borges, Forge FC
Providing a decisive assist with a classy move on Fillion's goal, Tristan Borges was also incessantly active in Forge FC's attacks.
What's Next?
FC Supra hosts Atlético Ottawa in the TELUS Canadian Championship on Thursday, July 9 at 9 p.m. ET at Stade Boréale.
Forge FC plays in the Canadian Championship on Wednesday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET at Stade Boréale in Laval against CS Saint-Laurent.
For the full broadcast schedule: cplsoccer.com/watch.