✍️ Mitch McCrory
The points are shared between the Tridents and the Hammers, bringing two very different eighth CPL seasons to a close for each club. Here are the talking points from Sunday's match-up.
Forge unable to add to the trophy cabinet
It wasn't the result the Hammers wanted, as they couldn't secure all three points and steal the CPL Shield from Cavalry. Fatigue following their historic Canadian Championship win over MLS side CF Montréal on Tuesday night likely played a significant role in Sunday's final result. Yet, for a side with Forge's quality and experience, players and staff would undoubtedly have expected more. The boys in orange looked sloppy at times, and the Tridents outmatched them across several key statistical categories. Pacific held advantages in shots (14 to 11), shots on target (five to two), possession (52% to 48%), and duels won (61% to 39%) — numbers that paint a picture of a side simply unable to influence the match as they would have liked. A full week of rest and training should give the Hammers a much-deserved recharge as they turn their attention to the first leg of a two-legged series against Atlético Ottawa.
Pacific end their abysmal season on a solid note
The Tridents' performance in Sunday's match may prove to be the catalyst they need to rediscover their form and return to winning ways. After finishing in the bottom two in each of the past two CPL campaigns, Pacific have endured a difficult fall from grace for a club that, just five years ago, stood atop the league as champions. Yet, against the most decorated side in CPL history and recent Voyageurs Cup winners, the Tridents offered a glimpse of what they might still become. This result may serve as a motivational stepping stone for Terry Dunfield and his staff as they head into the new campaign. Players such as Ronan Kratt, Diego Konicks, Lucas Browning-Lagerfelt, Taras Gomulka, and Marco Bustos have shown they can compete with the best the CPL has to offer. What has eluded Pacific, however, is the consistency and confidence required to turn that quality into a finished product. Under Dunfield, the Tridents have shown encouraging signs of playing a better brand of football, offering reason to believe that a corner might yet be turned. With a few more reliable pieces added to the core, alongside retaining the talent already in place, Pacific may be closer to a turnaround than their position in the table suggests.
Kratt with one of his best performances in a Trident shirt
Speaking of Ronan Kratt, he played an enormous role in earning his team a point in Sunday's match-up. The 23-year-old forward was a consistent threat in open play, constantly making overlapping runs and giving Forge's outstanding centre-back pairing of Daniel Nimick and Manjrekar James plenty to think about. His movement, in turn, opened up space for his teammates to exploit and advance. Kratt created numerous chances for himself and his team, and saw his hard work pay off in the 72nd minute, when he flicked the ball over his defender's head before volleying it first-time off the crossbar and into Dimitry Bertaud's goal. Kratt has been one of Pacific's few bright spots this year and has the quality and charisma to become the face of football on Vancouver Island. Currently on a one-year deal with a club option for 2027, Terry Dunfield and his staff will be keen to re-sign the Canadian attacker and make him a pivotal piece of their project moving forward.
Other standout performers
For the Hammers, Dan Nimick defended well, looked composed on the ball, and showcased his vision, completing 93% of his passes, including 83% of his long balls. Ismaël Oketokoun also looked lively after being introduced in the 59th minute, as the young striker showed off his quality and pace, using his immense strength to muscle past defenders and give Pacific's back line plenty of bother. Tristan Borges also deserves a mention from Sunday's effort, as the Brantford, Ontario native earned himself a goal with a sweet right-footed shot over the outstretched arm of Eleias Himaras and into the back of the net.
For the Tridents, Diego Konicks was every bit the equal of Nimick, if not more so. The Dutch centre-back defended extremely well, won his aerial duels, and played a critical role in keeping his side in the match. The only missing element from Konicks's influential performance was a goal, which he nearly scored, but a goal-line clearance from Forge winger Hoce Massunda denied him. Marley Edwards also impressed after being introduced in the 63rd minute, as the 23-year-old Chilliwack, BC native nearly played the hero, blasting his shot agonizingly wide of the post on the final kick.
Just like that, the 2026 CPL season has come to a close. With playoff action on the horizon, tune in next week for dramatic football on Canadian soil!
