Another instant classic between perennial title foes ends in a 2-1 victory for the home side. Cavalry were able to hang on to all three points and move into provisional first place as 4,700 fans were treated to another thrilling instalment of one of the greatest rivalries in Canadian sports.
In one of the most highly anticipated matches of the 2026 CPL season, both managers brought rosters with top-to-bottom talent.
Bobby Smyrniotis assembled a 4-2-3-1 that consisted of his usual back four of Marko Jevremovic, Antoine Batisse, Dan Nimick, and Rezart Rama. Ben Paton and Anthony Aromatario lined up next, with Aghilas Sadek, Tristan Borges, and Nana Ampomah ahead. Ismael Oketokun assumed the number nine role to round out the visitors' game plan.
Tommy Wheldon Jr. countered with his own 4-2-3-1, starting his usual back line of Bradley Kamdem Fewo, Amer Didic, Daan Klomp, and Adam Pearlman. Sergio Camargo joined Harry Paton in the second layer due to the suspension of Eryk Kobza, while Nathaniel Edwards, Tobias Warschewski, and Ali Musse formed the three-man offensive unit. Caniggia Elva rounded out the lineup in Warschewski's typical number nine spot.
Cavalry held a dominant share of possession in the first half, as the home side were clearly determined to take the lead early. Unfortunately for the hosts, the Hammers were able to jump out to a 1-0 advantage in the 20th minute, completely against the run of play. An ugly giveaway by Ali Musse allowed Nana Ampomah to centre for Ismael Oketokun, who made no mistake taking advantage of Cavalry's miscue, sliding the ball past a bewildered Nathan Ingham.
Cavalry re-established their possession advantage and had scattered chances, but the match held at 1-0 for the visitors for the next quarter hour.
As the Cavs were preparing for a corner with halftime approaching, a scrum ensued inside the Forge penalty area. Calls to the home bench by Didic and Klomp convinced Tommy Wheldon Jr. to request an FVS review, which was ultimately successful in sending off Rezart Rama for violent conduct.
This was Rama's second red in three matches against Cavalry this season and forced the visitors into a defensive-minded shift in tactics. Maxime Bourgeois was brought in for Borges just before halftime, prompting a five-man backline that would characterize the rest of the match.
Smyrniotis introduced Daniel Krutzen as the second half began, doubling down on the visitors' intentions to preserve their lead.
With Forge consistently keeping men back, Cavalry continued to build offensive pressure. The home side finally broke through in the 62nd minute when Daan Klomp was able to sneak behind the visitors' back line, corral a Warschewski cross, and chip the ball past a diving Dimitry Bertaud to level the scoring.
Now level, Cavalry made it clear they weren't willing to settle for a draw. A trio of substitutes in Curtis Ofori, Owen Antoniuk, and Niko Myroniuk came on in the 72nd minute, looking to put their side ahead for the first time.
Without wasting any time, Owen Antoniuk blasted a Harry Paton pass past Bertaud on the first touch to put the home side ahead in the 83rd minute.
Forge were reduced to nine men after Marko Jevremovic brought down Ali Musse in what referee Robert D'Alesio deemed a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The hosts saw out the match to claim a huge victory, moving them up to first in the CPL standings, though with a game more played.
For the Hammers, it's a third match in a row without a win and a second consecutive defeat. They will look to bounce back on Wednesday the 19th at home against Supra.
Cavalry will remain at home and welcome Atletico Ottawa on Saturday the 22nd.
