A hard-fought 90 minutes ended goalless, with the points shared at Hamilton Stadium. Heavy rain in the second half made it difficult for either side to find a breakthrough.
Forge started the stronger of the two, with Nathan Ingham called into action early, making two key saves in the opening minutes. Once Cavalry adjusted to the early pressure, the match settled into a technical stalemate through the rest of the first half.
Rezart Rama was sent off early in the second half after picking up a second yellow card, despite manager Bobby Smyrniotis’ attempt to overturn the decision through FVS. Forge responded by pushing for a winner, introducing Noah Jensen, Brian Wright, and Mo Babouli. Wright came closest in the 88th minute, getting his head to a cross, but his effort drifted just wide of the far post.
RED CARD🟥
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) April 18, 2026
Forge FC's Rezart Rama is sent off for a second yellow, so his side will play the rest of this #CPLSoccer clash vs. Cavalry down a player pic.twitter.com/h8nsWiB457
With the man advantage and growing control of possession, Cavalry looked poised to break through. Like Forge, they turned to their bench in search of a winner, with Caniggia Elva, Ali Musse, and Jay Herdman all entering the match. Still, the visitors could not find a way past a disciplined Forge back line and failed to register a shot on target. Their best chance came in the 78th minute, when Harry Paton found space in the box but sent his effort over the bar.
Forge remain yet to concede through their first three matches, with goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud only called upon to make three saves so far. He has impressed with his command of the area and organization of the defence in front of him.
With the draw, both unbeaten sides move to 2-1-0 and stay level at the top of the table, with Cavalry holding first place on goals scored, five to Forge’s three. Given the rivalry between the clubs, both will be eager to create separation before their next meeting on May 31 at Hamilton Stadium.
Next weekend, Cavalry return to Spruce Meadows to face Inter Toronto on Saturday, April 25 at 5:00 pm ET / 3:00 pm MT, while Forge head west again to take on Pacific FC on Sunday, April 26 at 6:00 pm ET / 3:00 pm PT.
