| Forge FC vs. Atlético Ottawa Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT Hamilton Stadium in Hamilton, Ont. Watch Live: OneSoccer Tickets available here |
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For the first time since the 2026 Canadian Premier League season's opening match, Atlético Ottawa travel to Hamilton to take on Forge FC in a match which could have a big impact on the campaign's final outcome.
Forge were victorious in April 4's season opener, 2-0, but Atleti have proven to be a tricky opponent for them in recent years. That opening day win was only Forge's fourth victory in the past 14 matches between the two clubs, and Atleti won the other meeting this season, in the nation's capital, 2-1.
Entering the final two months of the campaign, Forge have stumbled in the CPL Shield race, winning just two of their past seven league matches. This has allowed Cavalry to pass them by four points with eight matches remaining for each club. Before next weekend's clash in Calgary, they desperately need to ensure three points against Ottawa so that gap doesn't grow any wider.
A victory on Saturday could also potentially see Forge officially book their spot in the 2026 CPL playoffs, but it would also require Inter Toronto to drop points against Vancouver, and FC Supra du Québec to do the same against the Halifax Wanderers.
Atlético Ottawa, meanwhile, could still catch Forge in the table, and a victory on Saturday would put them within five points, with one final meeting between the two clubs remaining on Oct. 17 in Ottawa.
Regardless, last year's CPL playoff champions will have a big say in the CPL Shield race, as they play Forge twice and Cavalry once in their final seven matches.
The last time the clubs met, on May 24, it was Diego Mejía's final match in charge, and his side celebrated a 2-1 victory. Forge is the seventh and final CPL opponent that Gustavo Leal has not managed against since taking over on the touchline on July 17.
Atlético Ottawa are coming off just their third clean sheet of the season, 0-0 against Pacific FC at home. While they were disappointed with the final result, they believe they are making big strides defensively of late, allowing just six goals in their past six CPL matches.
Looking to shore up their own defence for this critical part of the season, Forge announced on Friday the signing of Canadian international and 2023 CPL Champion defender Manjrekar James. He will be available for selection for Saturday's match, per Forge FC manager Bobby Smyrniotis.
It comes at a welcome time because Forge have an incredibly busy and important stretch coming up, as following Saturday's match they host FC Supra du Québec in the second leg of their TELUS Canadian Championship semifinal, which is currently tied 1-1 on aggregate after the first leg in Laval.
But look past Atlético Ottawa on Saturday, and Forge's chances of lifting another trophy, the CPL Shield, could be put in jeopardy.
NEWS & NOTES
- Sergei Kozlovskiy has served his one-match yellow-card suspension and will be available again for Atlético Ottawa.
- Roni Mbomio is also available again for Atleti, but they will be without Daniel Aguilar, who picked up an injury in training.
- Forge FC announced on Friday that midfielder Khadim Kane has been placed on season-ending injury reserve.
PROJECTED STARTING XIs
Forge FC: Bertaud; Rama, Nimick, Krutzen, Jevremović; Aromatario, Paton, Borges; Ampomah, Sadek, Massunda
Atlético Ottawa: Kalongo; Coulanges, Cloutier, Kozlovskiy, Assi; Castro, Aparicio; Habibullah, Tabla, Antinoro; Fleuriau Chateau
KEY QUOTES
"Perfection is close to impossible in this sport. We're in a good spot, and we keep on going. The guys understand what games are ahead and the performances that are needed on the pitch, so that's very clear to the players." - Forge FC head coach Bobby Smryniotis
"This is the best time of the year. These are the games that have a bit of pressure and have a lot more meaning. It's just focusing game by game and understanding you're in crunch time now." - Forge FC midfielder Tristan Borges
"These last seven games will be so important. Not just about the points, but about the behaviour that we need to have in these games to arrive ready in the playoffs." -- Atlético Ottawa head coach Gustavo Leal