The first match of the 2026 CPL playoffs is almost here, as Forge travel east on the 401 to TD Bank Stadium to take on Atlético Ottawa in the first match of a two-legged series.
How Atlético Ottawa come into the match
'Ottléti' enter this clash after an inconsistent stretch of form, with flashes of success often overshadowed by spells of unconvincing performances. Over the autumn, the defending CPL champions have alternated between multi-match winning streaks and successive defeats, struggling to establish real consistency. First-year manager Gustavo Leal's side has spent much of the season searching for a rhythm, yet has enough quality to secure a top-three finish in the regular-season standings. Their most recent defeat to seventh-seeded Inter Toronto was particularly disappointing, especially given the highly touted line-up Ottawa fielded to close out the campaign.
If Ottawa are to get something out of this match, they will need to remain competitive and match Forge's intensity. Players such as Ballou Tabla, Nicholas Fleureau-Chateau, Emiliano García, and Manny Aparicio will need to showcase their technical quality and make the most of limited opportunities against a formidable Forge back line. At the other end, Ottawa's defenders must stay disciplined, limit Forge's attacking chances, and avoid giving the visitors any room to dictate how the match plays out.
This will also be a compelling occasion for former Forge goalkeeper Chris Kalongo, who will have a little something extra to play for against his former employers. There is perhaps no sweeter feeling than standing between the posts and denying a familiar opponent, particularly when the occasion calls for something extraordinary. A handful of spectacular saves against the Hammers would not only help propel his side towards a result, but make for a particularly satisfying afternoon for the 24-year-old shot-stopper, who has seemingly found a solid home in Ottawa.
How Forge FC come into the match
The Hammers head to Ottawa with plenty of confidence, despite a 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-table Pacific in their most recent outing. Just 12 days after lifting the Voyageurs Cup against CF Montréal, Forge will look to carry that momentum into their encounter with Atlético Ottawa and bring the fight to the side representing the nation's capital. As is customary under Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge will likely look to dictate proceedings, patiently drawing Ottawa out of position and waiting for the slightest lapse in concentration or moment of overcommitment to exploit — something they have demonstrated an uncanny ability to do across multiple CPL campaigns.
Perhaps the biggest thorn in Forge's side, however, has been their finishing. Despite creating multiple scoring chances, the Hammers have struggled to find that clinical edge required to turn those opportunities into goals. On the biggest stage of CPL action, they will look to put those shortcomings behind them and show a more efficient side of their game.
Among the players to watch is the young Forge attacking trio of Aghilas Sadek, Maxime Bourgeois, and Ismaël Oketokoun. Sadek and Bourgeois, in particular, have plenty to be proud of after their first seasons as professionals, though both have had moments of inconsistency and growing pains along the way. Their first taste of professional playoff football offers an intriguing chance to show how much they have developed, with the stakes higher and the margin for error smaller. Oketokoun is another name worth watching. The 20-year-old Mallorca product has flourished in his super-sub role, particularly in recent weeks, and could prove to be an influential figure in this encounter. If Forge are searching for a breakthrough or need a goal to shift the momentum in their favour, the young forward could once again be called upon to provide the spark.
Last time out
These two clubs faced off just two weeks ago, with Forge taking a 2-1 win. Anthony Aromatario and Levontae Johnson scored for the visitors in a dominant Hammers display. Gabriel Antinoro scored a penalty for Atlético Ottawa deep into stoppage time. Four yellow cards were handed out in that contest, with a red card shown to Diego Gutiérrez.
Projected XIs
Atlético Ottawa (3-4-3): Christopher Kalongo; Julian Dunn, Loïc Cloutier, Sergei Koslovsky; Joaquim Coulanges, Manny Aparicio, Diego Gutiérrez, Tim Arnaud; Ballou Tabla, Nicolas Fleuriau-Chateau, Emiliano García
Forge FC (4-3-3): Dimitry Bertaud; Marko Jevremović, Dan Nimick, Antoine Batisse, Rezart Rama; Anthony Aromatario, Noah Jensen, Tristan Borges; Hoce Massunda, Brian Wright, Maxime Bourgeois
Game information and how to watch
📆 Sunday, 1 November 2026
⏰ 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT
📺 OneSoccer, TSN, CBC Gem
👨⚖️ Mario Al-Ayass
🏟 TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, Canada
