Forge is two for two to start the 2026 Canadian Premier League season, courtesy of a 90th-minute winner from Maxime Filion.
It was once again an unfair result for Vancouver FC, who looked the better side throughout the match.
The hosts had their chances — and many should've ended with the ball in the back of the net — but couldn't get it past the goal line.
Both sides lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with no big surprises across both XIs.
Callum Irving returned to goal after missing out on the Eagles' opening match due to an injury, while on Forge's side, Kyle Bekker, Dan Nimick, and Nana Ampomah were all unavailable, with the latter still waiting to receive his work permit.
It was the hosts who began on the attacking side, forcing themselves into the box and generating chances.
Their first real opportunity came through Mohamed Amissi, who found himself on a one-on-one with Dimitry Bertaud, seeing his shot saved by the DR Congo international.
Minutes earlier, Amissi had a try on goal from a tough angle, not troubling the keeper.
Scoreless at half in Langley
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) April 13, 2026
Halftime highlights, presented by @WalmartCanada #CPLSoccer | 📺: @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/2l2ehX9bO6
Forge struggled to generate anything offensively, with their best chance coming from a Mo Babouli shot that sailed over the net.
In the second half, it remained a dominating Vancouver display, with a great chance coming after a corner kick, which was cleared right on the goal line by Antoine Batisse.
In the 80th minute, Maxime Filion went for a shot inside the box, but had it blocked right before he could aim it at the target.
The player fell after contact with Matteo Campagna, and immediately swirled his fingers in the air, asking for a possible penalty to be checked through Football Video Support.
Renzo Villanueva was called to the screens and deemed there was enough contact, pointing to the spot and giving Forge a great chance from the 12-yard spot.
Up stepped Mo Babouli, whose shot was saved by Callum Irving to keep the game scoreless.
Vancouver went straight to the counterattack, with former Forge man Terran Campbell unable to get a great shot on goal, leaving no trouble for Dimitry Bertaud.
In the 90th minute, just as the match looked set to end scoreless, Ben Paton made a run down the left, took a pass from Noah Jensen, and sent in a low cross that found Maxime Filion, who tapped it home to give his side the lead with only stoppage time remaining.
Maxime Filion. Ice in his veins. 🥶
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) April 13, 2026
Just when it looked like the points would be shared, Filion finds the breakthrough to steal it for @ForgeFCHamilton at the death.#CPLSoccer | 📺: @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/YG4YHY8T4X
It’s another harsh result for Vancouver FC, who also put in a strong performance in their 1-0 loss to Halifax in the opener.
While the mood in the locker room won’t be great, there are plenty of positives to take from the first two matches. The Eagles return to action next weekend with a trip to Ontario to face Inter Toronto on Sunday, April 19 at 5:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm PT.
Forge, meanwhile, opens the league season with two wins and now prepares for its toughest test yet, a home clash with rivals Cavalry on Saturday (4:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm PT).
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