Forge Daily – November 20, 2024
Join host Mackenzie Barwell as she reflects on Forge FC’s remarkable 2024 season. From hosting CHIVAS FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup to securing monumental wins against CF Montréal and Toronto FC in the Canadian Championship, this episode celebrates Forge’s historic moments and unwavering resilience. Highlights include Kwasi Poku’s meteoric rise, the inaugural School Day Match, and a sixth consecutive CPL Final appearance. Tune in for key player insights, unforgettable match recaps, and reflections on Forge’s enduring legacy in Canadian soccer.

Key Takeaways:

CONCACAF Champions Cup Experience:

• Hosting CHIVAS FC in Hamilton marked Forge’s third international tournament appearance.
• Kevaughn Tavernier’s goal showcased the promise of the club’s young talent.

Milestones in the Canadian Championship:

• Forge defeated CF Montréal at Stade Saputo, their first victory over an MLS side, advancing to the semifinals.
• A thrilling 2-1 home victory over Toronto FC included Béni Badibanga’s long-range stunner and Kwasi Poku’s backheel goal.
• Over 14,000 students attended the inaugural School Day Match, creating a vibrant atmosphere at Tim Hortons Field.

Youth Development and Recognition:

• Kwasi Poku’s transformation into a star striker began during the Canadian Championship.
• Poku’s achievements include multiple goals, a U21 Player of the Year award, and a move to Belgium’s professional leagues.

CPL Dominance:

• Secured the CPL Shield and earned a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for a third time.
• Extended their record of six consecutive appearances in the CPL Final, demonstrating consistency and excellence.

Chapters:

⚽1:00 Hosting and going toe to toe with CHIVAS FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup

⚽ 4:00 Inaugural, record breaking and highly successful School Day Match

⚽6:00 Beating CF Montreal away in the TELUS Canadian Championship

⚽8:30 Beating Toronto FC at home in the TELUS Canadian Championship

⚽11:00 Seeing star striker and now Canada Soccer international, Kwasi Poku, move to Belgium and take his talents to the next level

⚽13:00 Making our sixth consecutive Canadian Premier League final & Qualifying for CONCACAF Champions Cup for a third time

⚽14:30 Winning Culture @ Forge FC

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Welcome to the final episode of Season 2! Today, Mackenzie and Coach Bobby wrap up the season by diving into Forge FC’s 2024 CPL final, their plans for the off-season, and reflecting on the year’s standout moments. Mackenzie also shares highlights from her Banff trip, recaps post-game player conversations, and talks about Coach Bobby’s end-of-season gift! Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

• The Calgary pitch was frozen solid—no flame thrower needed!
• Coach Bobby reflects on this season as one of Forge’s best, rivaling the 2021 campaign.
• Despite preparing for victory, Bobby acknowledges key player absences, like Garven Metusala, Daniel Parra, and a fully fit Tristan Borges.
• He describes the final as a “tale of two halves,” with Cavalry excelling in the first and Forge in the second.
• Subbing in Daniel Parra post-injury carried some risk but was necessary.
• Reflecting on early-season doubts, Bobby notes that while many thought this would be “the end of Forge,” the team’s foundation and resilience proved otherwise.

Chapters:

0:00 Calgary Travel

2:00 Post Game Conversations

5:30 Recapping 2024 CPL final

8:00 1st Half Performance

10:00 Second Half Reaction

13:00 Reflecting on the Season

16:00 Off-season Plans

19:00 End of season gift!

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Happy CPL Final Day, everyone! Join host Mackenzie Barwell as she checks in from Calgary, Alberta, recapping Forge FC’s intense 2-1 loss to Cavalry FC in the 2024 CPL Final. Mackenzie dives into the match's highs and lows, shares live fan reactions, and gives an inside look into the post-match press conference, featuring insights from coach Bobby Smyrniotis and Player of the Year, Tristan Borges. Despite the loss, Forge fans showed up in force and made themselves heard—experience the atmosphere and hear what’s next for Forge FC.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting 11 & Injuries: Forge’s lineup remained familiar, but key players Garven Metusala, Victor Loturi, and Amadou Kone were out with injuries.
• 1st Half Struggles: Forge conceded two goals early, struggling to find momentum amidst a charged crowd and cold conditions.
• 2nd Half Fight Back: Forge flipped the script with a determined response, controlling possession and netting one goal but ultimately falling short.
• Season Reflection: Bobby praised the team’s resilience, and Borges shared key takeaways from a successful season and journey to the final.

Chapters:

1. Setting the Scene!
2. Starting Lineup & Fan Presence
3. 1st Half Recap
4. 2nd Half Highlights
5. Season Reflections
6. Fan Atmosphere & Wrap-Up
   
   

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton