Forge are back on the pitch after a three-month break as they get set to host Mexican giants Tigres UANL.
It will be a cold one in Hamilton, with forecasts putting the temperature at -9°C.
How both teams come into the match
Forge comes off a heartbreaking November defeat at home to Cavalry in the playoffs.
Tigres recently defeated León in league play, with new Canadian international Marcelo Flores converting in an eventual 2–1 victory.
The Mexican side sits 7th in Liga MX after four weeks of action.
Last time out in the Champions Cup
The Hammers prepare for a third consecutive appearance — and fourth overall — in the region’s most important competition.
Forge fell to Monterrey by a 5–0 aggregate score, losing the first leg 2–0 at home before a crushing 3–0 defeat in Mexico.
The draws have been anything but kind for Forge; since their first appearance in 2022, the club has only been drawn against Mexican opposition, despite having greater mathematical odds of facing an MLS side in three of those four editions.
Absences and doubts
In the pre-game press conference, Bobby Smyrniotis confirmed that Nana Ampomah will not be available for the first leg against Tigres, citing visa issues.
Daniel Krützen, as well as recent international signings Ismael Oketo, Antoine Batisse, and Dimitry Bertaud, are all available for the clash.
Bobby all but confirmed that Jassem Koleilat left the club while avoiding a response to a question regarding Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson's future.
Projected XI
It's unclear whether it'll be Daniel Krützen or new signing Antoine Batisse playing in the backline alongside Dan Nimick, but TrueNorthFoot projects the latter.
(4-3-3): Dimitry Bertaud; Marko Jevremovic, Antoine Batisse, Dan Nimick, Rezart Rama; Kyle Bekker, Noah Jensen; Mo Babouli, Tristan Borges, Hoce Massunda; Brian Wright
Game information and how to watch
📆 Tuesday, February 3, 2025
⏰ 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT
📺 OneSoccer
👤 TBA
🏟 Hamilton Stadium, Hamilton, Canada
