It's Forge vs. Cavalry in the opening weekend once again, with a clash set for April 5th in Hamilton.
This marks the fourth time the two giants meet to kick off the season, and the third consecutive year in a row.
Let's recap the first three times, shall we?
Forge FC 2-2 Cavalry FC
August 13, 2020
UPEI Artificial Turf Field, Charlottetown
With the 2020 season delayed for various months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Premier League opted for a short 1-month tournament in Prince Edward Island.
The opening match? The reigning champions against the reigning runner-ups. Forge vs. Cavalry.
The Cavs opened the scoring in the 11th minute through a Dom Zator header, before Anthony Novak tied things up for the Hammers with an acrobatic goal inside the six-yard box.
In the second half, Kyle Bekker gave Forge the lead, but classically, the Cavs salvaged a point at the death through Nathan Mavila, who converted his penalty.
Forge FC 2-2 Cavalry FC
April 15, 2023
Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton
In their opening match of the 2023 season, Forge and Cavalry once again drew 2-2.
Myer Bevan broke the deadlock in the 36th minute for the visitors, before Jordan Hamilton quickly leveled the score from the spot just 5 minutes later.
In the second half, Mikaël Cantave scored an absolute banger of a goal, putting Cavalry back in the lead. 10 minutes later, Noah Jensen tied things up for the Hammers.
Forge FC 2-1 Cavalry FC
April 13, 2024
Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton
Forge and Cavalry faced off in the season opener the year later, with the Hammers finally getting their first-ever win on opening day.
Sergio Camargo put Cavalry ahead in the 2nd half, while two quick goals from Tristan Borges and Beni Badibanga turned things around for the then-reigning Canadian Premier League champions.
On April 5, 2025, Forge will once against host Cavalry in the first matchweek of the season, but the context will be a bit different: The Cavs are the reigning league champs this time, not Forge.
