History made.
Forge FC has become the first CPL side to qualify for the Scotiabank Champions League following tonight’s Concacaf League quarterfinal result against Costa Rican side Santos at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.
A massive come-from-behind tie that saw the Hamilton side win 3-0 on the night, 4-3 on aggregate.
Bobby Smyrniotis’ side, who came close to qualifying twice in the previous two Concacaf League editions, has qualified for the 2022 version of North American’s top domestic competition where they’ll play Concacaf’s best, including MLS and Liga MX clubs.
BEYOND THE PITCH: Forge FC advance to SF, qualify for Concacaf Champions League with resounding Leg 2 win vs. Santos || Match Analysis: Forge FC 3-0 Santos de Guápiles (4-3 agg.) — Concacaf League
TALK TO US NICEEEE!!! @TheChampions BOUND !! @ForgeFCHamilton @CPLsoccer @CanadaSoccerEN ??⚒⚒ https://t.co/Nq87JSqkYB
— Kwame Awuah (@kayawuah) November 3, 2021
What a great night for football in Canada and the city of Hamilton, massive result… Congrats Forge FC https://t.co/eXu1CkLSqL
— John Herdman (@coachherdman) November 3, 2021
Smyrniotis grins when asked if he has a sense of just how special this accomplishment is: "I think for the first time in three years I've shown a little more emotion after the game, celebrating with our fans."
— Charlie O'Connor-Clarke (@charliejclarke) November 3, 2021
Bobby Smyrniotis on his @ForgeFCHamilton group: "The players are superheroes."
— Charlie O'Connor-Clarke (@charliejclarke) November 3, 2021
In the future many @CPLsoccer teams will play in @TheChampions League. This team right here fittingly just became the first to ever make it. @ForgeFCHamilton are into the last 16 for 2022. A remarkable achievement ??⚽️. One of 4 ??MLS teams, Cruz Azul, Club Leon or Pumas awaits. pic.twitter.com/TpqDJkWFD4
— Kristian Jack (@KristianJack) November 3, 2021
“We are Champions League!” ?#ForgeFC | #SCL21 | @BartonBattalion pic.twitter.com/tjRrS4MEYM
— Forge FC (@ForgeFCHamilton) November 3, 2021
November 2nd, 2019 ➡️ @ForgeFCHamilton become the first #CanPL club to be crowned Champions
November 2nd, 2021 ➡️ @ForgeFCHamilton become the first #CanPL club to qualify for @TheChampions pic.twitter.com/KV6Rnh6ku8
— CanPL (@CPLsoccer) November 3, 2021
LET’S GO @ForgeFCHamilton ?#CanPL l @kayawuah pic.twitter.com/0i2c3TeEuY
— CanPL (@CPLsoccer) November 3, 2021
Incredible achievement from @ForgeFCHamilton. Sincere congrats to everyone involved with the organization. A statement night for domestic football in this country.
— Eoin O'Callaghan (@EoinOCallaghan) November 3, 2021
Also, a shout for Triston Henry. What happened last year was agonizing. On a night where Forge had close to zero margin for error the clean sheet was essential. He was spot on under that pressure. #CanPL
— Oliver Platt (@plattoli) November 3, 2021
One match to win, who is your current Canadian manager to get you that result?
If your answer isn't Bobby Smyrniotis then you are wrong!
Congrats @ForgeFCHamilton for an incredible win.
— Jeff Paulus, ChPC (@jeff_paulus) November 3, 2021
“It’s fantastic. It was the most important game in the team’s history. The heroes are the players for their dedication and commitment, happy to have qualified for the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League” @ForgeFCHamilton's Head Coach, Bobby Smyrniotis.#SCL21 pic.twitter.com/46LbrcAdU6
— Concacaf (@Concacaf) November 3, 2021
Congratulations to @ForgeFCHamilton for being the first Canadian team to qualify from Concacaf League to Concacaf Champions League. https://t.co/hCSeIUd0lz
— President's Office (@CanadaSoccerPO) November 3, 2021
Congratulations @ForgeFCHamilton! Amazing achievement for our entire @CPLsoccer project. https://t.co/kItdZCLxES
— Derek Martin (@WandererDerek) November 3, 2021
.@ForgeFCHamilton advances to League semis after 3-0 victory over Costa Rican teamhttps://t.co/g8inlkXUjO
— CBC Sports (@cbcsports) November 3, 2021