Cavalry FC advanced to the final of the Canadian Premier League by beating a team with which it had problems in the past, Hamilton Forge FC.

Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci is an original member of the club.

He has had many wins over the years but has also suffered some heartbreaking losses; most of these happened in the play-offs against Forge FC.

That’s why it was so satisfying to beat Forge 1-0 in Hamilton in a two-on-one play-off match at the weekend.

“Yeah, it felt great, honestly,” said a smiling Carducci.

“Historically speaking, it’s always been a tough place to go and play, but of course there’s always been a hurdle in the play-offs that we haven’t been able to overcome, so it was amazing to take that first step. “It feels great but that’s exactly what it is, this first step .”

Indeed, the biggest prize will be awarded on November 9, when the Cavalry will host the league final.

They will play the winner of Forge FC and Atlético Ottawa. Midfielder Fraser Aird says it will be great to play in front of his hometown fans.

“I mean, it’s not easy to make the final,” Aird said.

“As a professional player it’s never easy and you can only do it a few times throughout your career. “To be able to host a final in front of our fans and family is a great opportunity for the club and also a great opportunity for the players to win more silverware.”

for fans

Calgary is hosting the Canadian Premier League final for the first time since 2019.

Head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said this game will be for the fans after having to play the CONCACAF home game in Victoria due to bad weather in Calgary.

“To get the final here, to play our last game of the season here and to have the opportunity to lift the trophy like we did in the Northern Shield last year, I think it’s phenomenal.”

“So this time it’s for the fans and I think we’re already close to selling the tickets, but we want to pick up the seats and use them to our advantage as supporters.”

For the record books

Another note from the match against Forge, Carducci assisted Tobias Warschewski for the only goal of the match. He became the first goalkeeper in league history to provide an assist. He says it’s great that something like this is in the record books.

“Well, first of all, it feels great,” he said.

“I’m glad I could help the other side. “Obviously my job is to keep the ball out of the net and I was happy to be able to do that, but it felt great to add a little bit at the other end as well.”

The league final will be played at ATCO Field on Saturday, November 9 at 13.00.