✍️ Ivan Sørensen

That other competition is done, so we are back to the world's premier Canadian football league.

Let's check in and see how everyone is doing!

The results

Okay, so it turns out we were not quite back, since Thursday's match between Forge and Pacific had to be postponed due to wildfire smoke. We hope everyone reading this is safe and sound.

On the upside, it does mean Pacific did not concede any goals against Forge, which should probably count as a win.

Friday saw Vancouver FC visit Québec and put on a show with a staggering 5-1 win over Supra. A statement result for Nash's boys, who are making serious noise in the race for the playoff spots. Not only did they score five goals, but they also had five different scorers.

The match between Inter Toronto and Atlético Ottawa had all the hallmarks of a mid-table tussle, as Ottawa looked to distance themselves from the middle of the pack. At the same time, Toronto sought to climb into it. A 1-1 draw resulted, with both teams scoring early in the second half.

On Saturday, the Wanderers visited ATCO Field and played their Cavalry hosts to a 1-1 draw as well. Probably a letdown for the Cavs, who surely had hoped for three points at home, but the Wanderers held them to a single goal from the penalty spot, and Johnston was able to erase that lead.

The standings

Pacific (8th)

They were robbed of their chance to put anything out there this weekend, but if we are being honest, I don't think most people considered a game against Forge to be their best opportunity to pick up points.

Instead, this weekend they travel to TD Place to face Ottawa and see if they can make something of it. Certainly a more achievable prospect, but a likely one? I'll leave that up to the reader.

Supra du Québec (7th)

Supra's opening season is difficult to evaluate because, on one hand, the team has really shown a lot, but on the other, there was always the question of whether the first season would be difficult as the club builds a brand-new organization and creates a playing culture.

The drubbing from the Eagles leaves them in seventh, with an away game at Halifax followed by another road match on the 28th against Cavalry. A tough run, but determination might be enough to earn a win and a draw from those two matches.

Inter Toronto (6th)

The gap to third and fourth place looks bigger with every passing week, and Toronto now have Forge coming to town on Sunday. It is, however, a home game. If they can shore up the defence and stay disciplined, maybe there are points to be had.

Halifax Wanderers (5th)

One point off the top four is so close; all you have to do is reach out and take it. That opportunity comes on Friday against Supra at Wanderers Grounds. Supra will be fighting like devils to bounce back after the battering they took, so Sartini cannot take anything for granted, but it is a great opportunity before having to face Forge again.

Vancouver FC (4th)

Fourth! The Eagles are fourth!

It's a precarious fourth, with Ottawa one point ahead and Halifax one point behind, but they are fourth.

They face Cavalry next, which is never an easy game, but Vancouver do have a knack for occasionally frustrating the Cavs, and the faithful in Langley will certainly be delighted if they can pull it off.

Atlético Ottawa (3rd)

Much has been said and speculated about whether Ottawa would fall apart this season or stay near the top of the table. I've gone back and forth on it myself more than once, but it seems the conclusion may simply be: "pretty solid, really." If 2025 turns out to have been a one-off, then let that go into the history books. This team is plenty competitive, and a home fixture against Pacific certainly works in their favour.

Cavalry (2nd)

Being second is a funny position because, on one hand, there are six teams below you, but on the other, every stumble is felt that much more keenly. Settling for only a draw at home means even more is riding on the trip west to face Vancouver.

Forge (1st)

Bobby Smyrniotis has lost one game this season, and in The Lord of the Rings, Balin found one Balrog in the Mines of Moria.

The two may not be linked, but we should not discount the coincidence.