Forge FC 2025 soccer season
Forge FC 2025 football season
The 2025 Forge FC season is the seventh season in the history of Forge FC and the club's seventh season in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), the top flight in Canadian soccer . Forge are the defending CPL Shield winners, having finished first in the 2024 Canadian Premier League season .
In addition to the Canadian Premier League , the club competed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and will also contest the Canadian Championship .
Forge FC will enter the 2025 Canadian Premier League season as the reigning regular season winners after having finished first and claiming the CPL Shield in the 2024 season .[ 3] This was the club's second regular season title and sixth trophy in six years, continuing their dynasty .[ 4] In the CPL playoffs , Forge advanced to the 2024 CPL final where they were defeated by rival side Cavalry FC , finishing as runner-up.[ 5]
The Hammers will also compete in the 2025 Canadian Championship , a domestic cup organized by the Canadian Soccer Association . In the 2024 edition , Forge defeated MLS side CF Montréal in the quarter-final.[ 6] They were knocked out in the semi-final by Toronto FC , losing on away goals after tying 2–2 on aggregate .[ 7]
Forge qualified for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup as 2024 CPL regular season winners.[ 3] [ 8] This was Forge's third appearance in the competition and second appearance in a row. In the 2024 edition , Forge faced Mexican side C.D. Guadalajara in round one, losing 5–2 on aggregate.[ 9]
Head coach and sporting director Bobby Smyrniotis is contracted to return for his seventh season with the club after signing a four-year contract extension in 2023.[ 10] [ 11]
On November 21, 2024, CF Montréal declined its 2025 contract option on Forge loanee Matteo Schiavoni , ending his time with the Hammers;[ 12] Forge later confirmed this in a December roster update.[ 13] On December 16, Dominic Samuel and Forge together announced that the defender was leaving the club following the expiry of his contract at the end of the year.[ 14]
On December 12, 2024, Forge announced that Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson , Nana Ampomah , David Choinière , Elimane Cissé , Noah Jensen , and Khadim Kane all had guaranteed contracts through the 2025 season. The club later announced that it had triggered contract options for the 2025 season for Béni Badibanga ,[ 15] Christopher Kalongo ,[ 16] Jassem Koleilat ,[ 17] Malik Owolabi-Belewu ,[ 18] and Orlendis Benítez .[ 19] Forge also triggered its 2025 loan option for Daniel Parra from C.F. Monterrey .[ 20] Malcolm Duncan , Jordan Hamilton , Victor Klonaridis , Terran Campbell , Garven Metusala , and Sebastian Castello all departed the club.[ 21]
Forge opened its preseason in Hamilton in early January before traveling to Cancun for two weeks of training.[ 22] While there, the Hammers played friendlies against Liga Premier club Inter Playa del Carmen and MLS club Orlando City SC .[ 23] [ 24] Béni Badibanga was absent from the team during this period as he navigated a contract dispute.[ 25] [ 26]
CONCACAF Champions Cup [ edit ]
Forge drew Liga MX side C.F. Monterrey in round one of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.[ 27] [ 28] The match was noteworthy due to Monterrey's connection with York United FC , Forge's rival in the 905 Derby .[ 29] It was set to pit Forge loanee Daniel Parra against his parent club, Monterrey;[ 29] however, Parra transferred to Atlético Morelia just days before the tie's first leg.[ 30]
Forge hosted Monterrey in the tie 's first leg on February 5, looking to secure the club's first ever win in Champions Cup play.[ 31] In freezing conditions producing slippery turf, Monterrey scored two second half goals while Forge failed to capitalize on their chances, resulting in a 2–0 win for Rayados.[ 32] [ 33] The Hammers were without Malik Owolabi-Belewu (personal reasons), Béni Badibanga (contract dispute), and Elimane Cissé (injury).[ 34]
In the return leg a week later in Guadalupe, Nuevo León , Monterrey scored three unanswered goals to take a 3–0 win, eliminating Forge 5–0 on aggregate. Forge's best chance in the match came in the first half when Tristan Borges hit the crossbar, but the Hammers were ultimately unable to score. This was the third time Forge were eliminated in their opening Champions Cup tie.[ 35] [ 36]
As of February 11, 2025[update] [ 37] [ 38]
No.
Name
Nationality
Position(s)
Date of birth (age)
Previous club
Notes
Goalkeepers
16
Jassem Koleilat
GK
(1999-07-30 ) July 30, 1999 (age 25)
Los Angeles FC 2
29
Christopher Kalongo
GK
(2002-01-07 ) January 7, 2002 (age 23)
Sigma FC
Emmanuel Marmolejo
GK
(2007-06-14 ) June 14, 2007 (age 17)
Sigma FC
U21 , DEV
Defenders
3
Marko Jevremović
DF
(1996-02-23 ) February 23, 1996 (age 28)
Athens Kallithea F.C.
INT
5
Daniel Nimick
DF
(2000-09-22 ) September 22, 2000 (age 24)
HFX Wanderers FC
24
Rezart Rama
DF
(2000-12-04 ) December 4, 2000 (age 24)
KF Egnatia
INT
81
Malik Owolabi-Belewu
DF
(2002-07-03 ) July 3, 2002 (age 22)
S.P.A.L.
INT
Midfielders
6
Ben Paton
MF
(2000-05-05 ) May 5, 2000 (age 24)
Ross County
8
Elimane Cissé
MF
(1995-03-12 ) March 12, 1995 (age 29)
Diambars FC
INT
10
Kyle Bekker
MF
(1990-09-02 ) September 2, 1990 (age 34)
North Carolina FC
13
Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson
MF
(1996-04-17 ) April 17, 1996 (age 28)
IFK Värnamo
INT
21
Alessandro Hojabrpour
MF
(2000-01-10 ) January 10, 2000 (age 25)
Pacific FC
22
Noah Jensen
MF
(1999-07-20 ) July 20, 1999 (age 25)
Oakland University
23[ 39]
Keito Lipovschek
MF
(2005-04-03 ) April 3, 2005 (age 19)
Fleetwood United
U21
26
Orlendis Benítez
MF
(1996-11-26 ) November 26, 1996 (age 28)
Simcoe County Rovers
32
Zayne Bruno
MF
(2007-01-23 ) January 23, 2007 (age 18)
Sigma FC
U21 , DEV
64
Khadim Kane
MF
(2005-05-17 ) May 17, 2005 (age 19)
CF Montréal U23
U21 , EYT
Forwards
7
David Choinière
FW
(1997-02-07 ) February 7, 1997 (age 28)
Montreal Impact
9
Brian Wright
FW
(1995-03-24 ) March 24, 1995 (age 29)
York United FC
11
Nana Opoku Ampomah
FW
(1996-01-02 ) January 2, 1996 (age 29)
Fortuna Düsseldorf
INT
12
Maxime Filion
FW
(2003-04-13 ) April 13, 2003 (age 21)
Montreal Carabins
STC
17
Hoce Massunda
FW
(2005-06-19 ) June 19, 2005 (age 19)
Sigma FC
STC
18
Molham Babouli
FW
(1993-01-02 ) January 2, 1993 (age 32)
York United FC
19
Tristan Borges
FW
(1998-08-26 ) August 26, 1998 (age 26)
OH Leuven
39
Béni Badibanga
FW
(1996-02-19 ) February 19, 1996 (age 28)
RAAL La Louvière
INT
41
Amadou Koné
FW
(2005-01-28 ) January 28, 2005 (age 20)
Carleton Ravens
U21 , STC
Contracts and transfers [ edit ]
No.
Pos.
Player
Contract details
Date
Source
10
MF
Kyle Bekker
Multi-year contract (length undisclosed)
January 9, 2025
[ 40]
19
FW
Tristan Borges
Multi-year contract (length undisclosed)
January 15, 2025
[ 41]
21
MF
Alessandro Hojabrpour
Multi-year contract (length undisclosed)
February 4, 2025
[ 42]
32
MF
Zayne Bruno
Development contract
February 4, 2025
[ 43]
41
MF
Amadou Koné
Short-term contract (length undisclosed)
February 4, 2025
[ 43]
No.
Pos.
Player
From club
Fee/notes
Date
Source
9
FW
Brian Wright
York United FC
Free
January 8, 2025
[ 44]
5
DF
Daniel Nimick
HFX Wanderers FC
Free
January 21, 2025
[ 45]
18
FW
Molham Babouli
York United FC
Free
January 23, 2025
[ 46]
24
DF
Rezart Rama
KF Egnatia
Free
January 28, 2025
[ 47]
3
DF
Marko Jevremović
Athens Kallithea F.C.
Free
January 31, 2025
[ 48]
23
MF
Keito Lipovschek
Fleetwood United
Free
February 4, 2025
[ 43]
6
MF
Ben Paton
Ross County
Free
February 4, 2025
[ 43]
GK
Emmanuel Marmolejo
Sigma FC
Development contract
February 4, 2025
[ 43]
17
FW
Hoce Massunda
Sigma FC
Short-term contract (length undisclosed)
February 4, 2025
[ 43]
12
FW
Maxime Filion
Montreal Carabins
Short-term contract (length undisclosed)
February 4, 2025
[ 43]
Forge FC made two selections in the 2025 CPL–U Sports Draft on December 5, 2024.[ 50] [ 51] Draft picks are not automatically signed to the team roster; only those who are signed to a contract will be listed as transfers in.
Round
Selection
Pos.
Player
Nationality
University
1
7
MF
Paul Ekwueme
Canada
McMaster
2
15
FW
Maxime Filion
Canada
Montréal
On January 30, Forge announced WeatherTech Canada as the club's new "front-of-jersey" sponsor.[ 58]
Matches are listed in Hamilton local time: Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4 ) from March 9 until November 2, and Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5 ) otherwise.
Competition
First match
Last match
Starting round
Final position
Record
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Win %
Canadian Premier League
April 5
October 18
Matchday 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
+0
! —
Canadian Championship
May 7
Preliminary round
0
0
0
0
0
0
+0
! —
CONCACAF Champions Cup
February 5
February 11
Round one
Round one
2
0
0
2
0
5
−5
00 0.00
Total
2
0
0
2
0
5
−5
00 0.00
Canadian Premier League [ edit ]
Match 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Result Position
Source:
#Matches W = Win;
D = Draw;
L = Loss
The Canadian Premier League announced each team's home openers on February 10.[ 59] The full regular season schedule was released on February 12.[ 60]
Canadian Championship [ edit ]
The draw for the preliminary round and quarterfinals was held on December 12, 2024.[ 61]
The preliminary round schedule was announced on February 18.[ 62]
CONCACAF Champions Cup [ edit ]
The CONCACAF Champions Cup draw was held on December 10, 2024, with Forge drawing Liga MX side C.F. Monterrey in round one.[ 27] [ 28] Having qualified as CPL regular season winners, Forge entered the competition in round one and began play in February 2025.[ 8]
The round one schedule was announced on December 13, 2024.[ 63]
^ The Hamilton Sports Group announced that Tim Hortons Field will be renamed with a new rights partner for 2025.[ 1] The stadium is temporarily referred to as Hamilton Stadium until a permanent name is determined.[ 2]
^ Daniel Parra's loan ended on February 2 when he transferred to Atlético Morelia .[ 30]
^ Beattie, Samantha (December 18, 2024). "New name coming for Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton as 10-year agreement ends" . CBC News . Archived from the original on December 18, 2024. Retrieved December 18, 2024 .
^ "Match Preview: Forge FC vs. CF Monterrey (Leg 1) -- 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup" . Canadian Premier League . February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025 . opting not to train on the pitch at Hamilton Stadium.
^ a b Radley, Scott (October 17, 2024). "After first-place finish, Forge FC is chasing CPL history" . The Hamilton Spectator . Archived from the original on October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024 .
^ Dichter, Myles (October 24, 2024). "Hamilton Forge FC's championship pedigree a model other franchises can only dream of" . CBC Sports . Archived from the original on October 24, 2024.
^ Hall, Vicki (November 9, 2024). "Calgary's Cavalry FC dethrones Hamilton's Forge FC for 1st-ever Canadian Premier League title" . CBC Sports . The Canadian Press . Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024 .
^ Grigoriadis, Elias (May 22, 2024). "CPL's Forge FC upsets CF Montreal, advances to Canadian Championship semifinal" . The Hamilton Spectator . The Canadian Press . Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024 .
^ Chidley-Hill, John (August 28, 2024). "Forge FC 'made us work for it,' says Toronto FC coach after team beats Hamilton 1-0 in semifinal" . CBC News . The Canadian Press . Archived from the original on September 21, 2024. Retrieved October 25, 2024 .
^ a b "Concacaf confirms important details for 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup" (Press release). Miami, FL: CONCACAF . October 25, 2024. Retrieved October 25, 2024 .
^ "Mexico's Chivas Guadalajara knocks Hamilton's Forge FC out of CONCACAF Champions Cup" . CBC News . The Canadian Press . February 14, 2024. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 21, 2024 .
^ "Forge FC Announce Extension and Expanded Role For Bobby Smyrniotis" (Press release). Forge FC. May 1, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2023 .
^ Milton, Steve (May 1, 2023). "Forge FC locks in coach Bobby Smyrniotis for four more years" . The Hamilton Spectator . Retrieved May 1, 2023 .
^ "Leading scorer Martinez a free agent after CF Montreal declines option" . The Hamilton Spectator . The Canadian Press . November 21, 2024. Archived from the original on November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 27, 2024 .
^ "Forge FC announce end-of-season roster updates" . Canadian Premier League . December 9, 2024. Archived from the original on December 9, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2024 .
^ a b Jacques, John (December 16, 2024). "Forge Original Dominic Samuel Departs" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved December 16, 2024 .
^ Jacques, John (December 24, 2024). "Forge Triggers Badibanga Option" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on December 24, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024 .
^ "Forge FC Exercises 2025 Option on Goalkeeper Christopher Kalongo" . Forge FC . January 2, 2025. Archived from the original on January 2, 2025. Retrieved January 2, 2025 .
^ Jacques, John (December 27, 2024). "Forge Triggers Koleilat Option For 2025" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2024 .
^ Jacques, John (December 20, 2024). "Forge Triggers Owolabi-Belewu Option" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on December 21, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024 .
^ "Forge FC Exercises 2025 Option on Forward Orlendis Benítez" . Forge FC . January 3, 2025. Retrieved January 3, 2025 .
^ a b c d "Forge are making moves: Malcolm Duncan and Garven Metusala have left the club" . TrueNorthFoot . January 7, 2025. Archived from the original on January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2025 .
^ "Atletico Ottawa adds experience in form of Mexican midfielder Juan (Coque) Castro" . Yahoo Sports . The Canadian Press . January 17, 2025. Archived from the original on January 18, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025 .
^ Jacques, John (January 6, 2025). "Forge Kicks Off Preseason Camp Ahead Of Continental Bout" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on January 30, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025 .
^ Inter Playa del Carmen [@clubinterplayadelcarmen] (January 24, 2025). "¡Cerramos preparación! 👊🏻 Los playenses de @ligatdp se enfrentaron al @forgefc, equipo que milita en la Liga Premier de Canadá" [We're closing our preparation! 👊🏻 The @ligatdp team from Playa faced @forgefc, a team that plays in the Canadian Premier League.] (in Spanish). Retrieved January 30, 2025 – via Instagram .
^ Orlando City SC [@orlandocitysc] (January 28, 2025). "In a fight with @forgefc 🥊" . Retrieved January 30, 2025 – via Instagram .
^ "Beni Badibanga says he terminated his Forge contract for "just cause": The details" . True North Foot . January 18, 2025. Archived from the original on January 19, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025 .
^ Jacques, John (January 19, 2025). "The Curious Case Of Beni Badibanga" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025 .
^ a b Davidson, Neil (December 10, 2024). "Whitecaps to face Costa Rica's Saprissa in CONCACAF Champions Cup" . TSN . The Canadian Press . Archived from the original on December 11, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024 .
^ a b "2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Draw Reveals Round One matchups" (Press release). Miami, FL: CONCACAF . December 10, 2024. Archived from the original on December 11, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024 .
^ a b Cardenas, Jahir (December 10, 2024). "Dónde juega Forge y por qué enfrentará a Rayados en la Concacaf" [Where Forge plays and why they will face Rayados in Concacaf]. Diario AS (in Spanish). Archived from the original on December 11, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2025 .
^ a b c Jacques, John (February 2, 2025). "Daniel Parra Returns To Atletico Morelia" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 3, 2025 .
^ "Forge hosts Rayados, Real Estelí welcomes Tigres UANL" . CONCACAF . February 3, 2025. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2025 .
^ "CF Monterrey survives chilly conditions to down Forge in CONCACAF cup play" . TSN . Hamilton, ON. The Canadian Press . February 5, 2025. Archived from the original on February 13, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025 .
^ Parkes, David (February 6, 2025). "Forge 0-2 Monterrey: Rayados Prevail on Icy Pitch" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on February 13, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025 .
^ Jacques, John (February 5, 2025). "Champions Cup Preview: Forge vs CF Monterrey" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025 .
^ "Monterrey cruises to win over Canada's Forge FC, advances in CONCACAF Champions Cup" . TSN . Guadalupe, Mexico. The Canadian Press . February 11, 2025. Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025 .
^ Parkes, David (February 12, 2025). "Monterrey 3-0 Forge: Rayados Too Strong for Hammers" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on February 13, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025 .
^ "Roster" . Forge FC . Archived from the original on February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025 .
^ "Hamilton Forge FC" . CONCACAF . Archived from the original on February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025 .
^ a b "Monterrey 3-0 Forge (Feb 11, 2025) Final Score" . ESPN . February 11, 2025. Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025 .
^ "Captain Kyle Bekker, 'heart and soul' of Forge FC, signs new contract with CPL powerhouse" . CBC News . The Canadian Press . January 9, 2025. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025 .
^ "Borges Is Back With Forge FC" . Forge FC . January 15, 2025. Archived from the original on January 17, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025 .
^ "Influential midfielder Alessandro Hojabrpour re-signs with CPL's Forge FC" . TSN . The Canadian Press . February 4, 2025. Archived from the original on February 5, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025 .
^ a b c d e f g Jacques, John (February 4, 2025). "Paton Pounces On CPL: Midfielder Signs With Forge" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on February 5, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025 .
^ "Former York United forward Brian Wright joins Forge FC on multi-year contract" . CBC News . The Canadian Press . January 9, 2025. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 14, 2025 .
^ Jacques, John (January 21, 2025). "Official: Forge Lands Star CPL Defender Dan Nimick" . Northern Tribune . Retrieved January 24, 2025 .
^ "Veteran forward Mo Babouli rejoins Forge FC after stint with CPL rival York United" . The Hamilton Spectator . The Canadian Press . January 23, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025 .
^ "Two-time CPL champion Rezart Rama returns to Forge FC on multi-year deal" . Canadian Premier League . January 28, 2025. Archived from the original on January 30, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025 .
^ "Forge FC Signs Serbian Left-Back Marko Jevremović to Multi-Year Deal" . Forge FC . January 31, 2025. Archived from the original on January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2025 .
^ Jacques, John (January 17, 2025). "Hojabrpour Headlines Forge Departures" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on January 19, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2025 .
^ Jacques, John (December 6, 2024). "2025 CPL-U Sports Draft Roundup" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on December 6, 2024. Retrieved December 6, 2024 .
^ Hewitt, Thomas (December 6, 2024). "CPL-U Sports Draft: Valour takes Jevontae Layne first overall as exciting, young crop emerges" . Canadian Soccer Daily . Archived from the original on December 6, 2024. Retrieved December 6, 2024 .
^ a b c d "Forge exercise 6 options, confirm departures of Hojabrpour, Metusala, 7 others" . Canadian Premier League . January 17, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025 .
^ "Vancouver FC sign all time CPL leading goalscorer Terran Campbell" . Vancouver FC . February 12, 2025. Archived from the original on February 13, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025 .
^ a b Jacques, John (January 7, 2025). "Forge Confirms Metusala Exit" . Northern Tribune . Archived from the original on January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2025 .
^ Μανταιοσ, Γιωργοσ (December 17, 2024). "Παίκτης της Λαμίας ο Κλωναρίδης" [Klonaridis is a Lamia player] (in Greek). Athens-Macedonian News Agency . Archived from the original on December 17, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2025 .
^ "Victor Klonaridis departs Forge after just 3 matches" . TrueNorthFoot . January 2, 2025. Archived from the original on January 3, 2025. Retrieved January 3, 2025 .
^ "Switchbacks add Garven Métusala to defensive corps" . USL Championship . Colorado Springs, CO. January 8, 2025. Archived from the original on January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025 .
^ "Forge FC Announced WeatherTech Canada as Front of Jersey Sponsor" (Press release). Forge FC. January 30, 2025. Archived from the original on January 30, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025 .
^ "Eight Canadian Premier League home openers to be played from coast to coast in April 2025" . Canadian Premier League . February 10, 2025. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved February 10, 2025 .
^ "2025 Canadian Premier League regular season schedule revealed" . Canadian Premier League . February 12, 2025. Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025 .
^ "2025 Telus Canadian Championship preliminary round matchups confirmed" . Canadian Premier League . December 12, 2024. Archived from the original on December 13, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024 .
^ Tierney, Mitchell (February 18, 2025). "2025 Telus Canadian Championship preliminary round schedule announced" . Canadian Premier League . Archived from the original on February 18, 2025. Retrieved February 18, 2025 .
^ "Concacaf announces schedule for 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One and Round of 16 matches" (Press release). Miami, FL: CONCACAF . December 13, 2024. Archived from the original on December 13, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024 .
^ "Monterrey 2-0 Forge (Feb 5, 2025) Final Score" . ESPN . February 5, 2025. Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025 .
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