✍️ Ivan Sørensen

Welcome to this week's issue of the Canadian Premier League in review, where we take a look at what happened in the league and where everyone is looking to go next.

The games 

Friday saw the Eagles finally take flight as they earned a 2-1 win over Ottawa at home. I imagine there were plenty of nerves in the stands and on couches alike as the final minutes ticked away.

On Saturday, the Wanderers travelled to Alberta, but a strong first half was not enough to prevent a 2-0 Cavalry victory in the second.

Pacific and Supra battled it out in Quebec City, with a 1-1 draw the final result.

Finally, Inter Toronto took on the mighty Forge, a team they needed a strong performance against if they hope to challenge for the Shield. A 4-1 defeat probably does not qualify.

Standings

So where does that leave everyone?

Pacific (8th - 3 points): Another instance of the team scoring only to have the result clawed away. A win against Supra would have been a great way to steady the ship and build some morale. Given the current run of form, I think the draw feels pretty bitter. The club now sits a full eight points outside the playoff spots and is still chasing its first win after nine matches.

Vancouver FC (7th - 8 points): The Eagles have a habit of being giant killers, whether it was their Canadian Championship run last year or poking last year's North Star Cup winners in the nose this weekend. Unlikely and often unpredictable giant killers, but if it counts, it counts. Notably, eight points puts them just one good round behind the middle pack.

Halifax Wanderers (6th - 9 points): A pretty dismal second half in Calgary leaves the Wanderers probably thankful that the two clubs above them failed to pick up wins this week. We are about a third of the way through the season now. Have Vanni's boys figured out what they need to do to succeed this year? If not, I think a lot of people are wondering when that moment will come.

FC Supra du Québec (5th - 11 points): Tied on points with Ottawa and only one point behind Toronto, Supra is in a pretty good position. They outshot Pacific, which is probably what they expected to do, but there is still a noticeable gap between them and the big boys from Calgary and Hamilton.

Atlético Ottawa (4th - 11 points): Still clinging to a playoff spot, Ottawa missed an opportunity this week. Toronto's heavy defeat could have opened the door for Atlético to move into third, but it didn't happen, and they remain fourth. It is a position that will offer no easy matches in the weeks ahead, with everyone except Pacific breathing down their necks.

Inter Toronto (3rd - 12 points): I suggested that if Inter Toronto wanted to be viewed as a genuine Shield contender, it needed a strong performance against Forge. Yeah, about that.

Still, with a game in hand, I would feel pretty good about Toronto's position. It will be important, however, to bounce back quickly.

Cavalry (2nd - 20 points): To contend for the Shield, there cannot be many dropped points the rest of the way. How confident do Cavalry fans feel about that? Probably pretty good, really. Sitting eight points clear of Toronto, I think it's safe to say the playoffs are not going anywhere.

Forge (1st - 22 points): If Cavalry cannot afford to drop points, it's because the Hammers rarely do either. A two-point cushion is razor-thin, but Forge seldom leaves anything to chance.

What comes next?

This week's matches are coming at you earlier than expected! Apparently some sort of big deal is going on in the football world.

On Tuesday the 9th, it's a mid-table clash as Ottawa and Supra meet in the capital. Tied on points, a win here would give either side a nice cushion heading into the international break.

On Wednesday the 10th, Sartini's boys get the chance to see if they can turn around their fortunes against Forge. It's an away match against a bogey team. Still, football is nothing if not about hope.

That same day, Toronto gets the opportunity to dust itself off and host Cavalry, testing its luck against the other member of the league's top two.

Finally, on Sunday the 14th, it's time for the West Coast derby as Vancouver FC and Pacific battle it out in Langley.

See you soon!