In this weekly column, Ivan Sørensen takes you through the current standings and gives you a heads-up on what the games of the next week might mean for the season.

Week 4 is behind us

Every match this weekend featured goals, and all but one saw multiple. So how did everyone fare?

The Halifax Wanderers’ trip to Quebec ended in their first loss of the season, as Supra claimed a spirited 2-1 win.

Cavalry and Inter Toronto played out a 1-1 draw, with both goals coming in the first half and neither side able to find a breakthrough after the break.

Atlético Ottawa and Vancouver FC also shared the points in a 1-1 result, with Vancouver finally getting on the scoresheet this season. It had looked like they might take all three points before a late Ottawa equalizer deep into stoppage time.

Finally, Forge continued their strong defensive run with a 1-0 win over Pacific in British Columbia, though the breakthrough took time to arrive.

Standings

Vancouver and Pacific remain at the bottom of the standings with just a single point each. While few expected much from Pacific against Forge, they kept it to a one-goal game, though managing only three shots highlights the bigger issue.

It is still early, but it is worth noting that Pacific have actually scored more goals than Forge. Strange days.

For their BC rivals, Vancouver find themselves in a frustrating spot. The general feeling is that performances have been solid, but the results have not followed. One goal in four games is simply not sustainable. The attitude looks improved from last year, but dropping points again will sting.

Ottawa move to four points thanks to a late equalizer this week. After a bruising start to the season, this could be the moment that helps steady the group and build momentum.

Halifax and Inter Toronto both sit on five points, though the latter has a game in hand. Halifax have now taken their first loss but remain among the league’s top scorers alongside Cavalry. Defensive issues are creeping in, but those can still be addressed.

Inter Toronto have been more measured, scoring fewer but also conceding fewer, with just three goals against so far. It leaves a question of whether this is a solid foundation or a case of missed opportunities.

Supra continue to impress with six points from three matches. It has been a balanced and composed start that supporters can feel good about.

At eight points, Cavalry are in strong form and tied with Halifax for most goals scored. They remain one of only two unbeaten sides and look like a serious contender early on.

Forge sit alone at the top with ten points, no losses, and remarkably, no goals conceded. It is a simple formula so far, but an effective one.

What comes next?

Friday sees Atlético Ottawa take on Inter Toronto at York Lions Stadium, with just one point separating the sides. Both will view this as a chance to stake an early claim among the league’s top teams.

Saturday brings a fascinating clash as Forge visit the Wanderers Grounds. One of the league’s most dangerous attacks meets its most stubborn defence, and a Halifax win could shake up the table in a meaningful way.

On Sunday, Supra continue their run through CPL opposition by hosting Cavalry. Second versus third promises an intense matchup, with both sides playing high-energy football to start the season. With Forge setting the pace, dropping points here could prove costly.

The weekend wraps up with the BC derby as Pacific face Vancouver in a clash where both sides are desperate to avoid another draw that would leave them stuck at the bottom. A convincing win could kickstart either campaign and quickly shift the outlook toward a playoff push.