Forge FC extended its unbeaten streak to 11 matches in a row, and in dramatic fashion, holding HFX Wanderers FC to a 1-1 draw at Wanderers Grounds courtesy of a last-gasp equalizer by David Edgar.
In this rematch of an earlier reverse fixture last weekend, the Wanderers played host to Hamilton’s Forge FC, with HFX attacker Akeem Garcia once again opening the scoring around the half-time mark, finding the back of the net with a coolly-placed one-time shot off an Elton John line-breaking pass in the 43rd minute of play.
The Wanderers held that 1-0 lead throughout regulation time in the second half, with HFX striker Tomasz Skublak nearly adding a second in the 73rd minute, outstretching a leg to try and meet a high, looping cross, but just getting his angles wrong, sending the ball slightly wide of the post.
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Forge’s relentless pressure in the second half paid dividends once again, with Edgar finding the back of the net on a free header, crafted by some intricate passing in the box, coupled with a set-up header by Giuliano Frano. The 1-1 draw sees these two teams split points for the second time in four days.
HFX returns to action on Sept. 21, taking on Valour FC at Wanderers Grounds (2:00 p.m. AT/1:00 p.m. ET, available on OneSoccer). Meanwhile, Forge takes a much-needed break before hosting Pacific FC 10 days later at Tim Hortons Field (Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET, available on OneSoccer).
Box Score
Goals
43′ – Akeem Garcia (HFX Wanderers FC)
93′ – David Edgar (Forge FC)
Discipline
53′ Yellow – David Edgar (Forge FC)
Three key performers
David Edgar (Forge FC)
When you score a 93rd-minute equalizer, it’s easy to see why you’d be a standout. But, beyond his late heroics, Edgar was solid in the backline, though he’ll want a redo on that marking job on Garcia for the game’s opening goal.
Akeem Garcia (HFX Wanderers)
Garcia was in good form once again for the Wanderers, providing an attacking outlet for his teammates, and finding the back of the net in fine fashion, nearly crafting a 1-0 win against the league leader in the process.
Kyle Bekker (Forge FC)
Lead his team in passes with 91 completed, which is particularly telling of the tale of this match, as HFX’s own leader in this category, Duran Lee, only posted 38. Bekker was everywhere in midfield, and recovered possession a number of times, too.