The eyes of the Canadian soccer world are on Hamilton this weekend, as Forge FC hosted Cavalry FC in Leg 1 of the inaugural Canadian Premier League Finals.
Saturday’s match saw Forge take a 1-0 lead heading into next week’s return leg in Calgary, with Tristan Borges beating Marco Carducci late in the first half (after the Cavs keeper saved his penalty attempt minutes before).
We also saw two controversial red cards, with both Cavalry’s Joel Waterman and Borges for the home side sent off, meaning they’ll be suspended for Leg 2.
On a wild day for the CPL, here’s the best of how soccer Twitter reacted to the spectacle at Tim Hortons Field.
All eyes on Hamilton across the country, including those of FC Edmonton coach Jeff Paulus.
My team is not in this final but my heart certainly is. As a Canadian football supporter, this is a proud moment!#CanPL #CanadaSoccer#CanadaProud
— Jeff_Paulus (@jeff_paulus) October 26, 2019
Historic day for @CPLsoccer and Canadian footy. Wishing both @CPLCavalryFC and @ForgeFCHamilton all the best! https://t.co/gRWPLP5Mh2
— Ben Fisk (@benfisk) October 26, 2019
Plus, the first mayoral wager in CPL history?
Mayor @FredEisenberger – challenge accepted. It’s on! I have no doubt the @CPLCavalryFC will do us proud as they take on @ForgeFCHamilton! #CanPLfinals #CavsFChttps://t.co/1Y4zqgzIA3
— Naheed Nenshi (@nenshi) October 25, 2019
Opinions were split on Joel Waterman’s red card, but not on Marco Carducci’s stunning save…
Soccer Gods giveth.
Soccer God's taketh away.Penalty, red card, still 0-0. #CanPL #CanPLFinals
— Sonja Cori Missio (@SonjaMissio) October 26, 2019
Justice! Thank you @mcarducci96
— Foot Soldiers Supporters Group (@footsoldierssg) October 26, 2019
Tristan Borges’ 45th-minute goal was wonderful in both of Canada’s official languages.
GOLAAAAAAZOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Qui d’autre que Tristan Borges pour briser l’impasse? 1-0 Forge ⚒? #FinaleCanPL #CanPLFinals
— Arcadio Marcuzzi (@_marcuzzi) October 26, 2019
It was Borges in the spotlight again in the second half, but for a different reason…
Wow. Borges off. Gone for the rest of the final. Might be the turning point of this #CPLfinal
— Steven Sandor (@stevensandor) October 26, 2019
NOT SO GORGEOUS NOW #CanPLFinals
— Matthew B. (@MattBInYYC) October 26, 2019
Opinions were, again, split.
Lost the plot!
— Jeff_Paulus (@jeff_paulus) October 26, 2019
Should that be a straight red ??
— Zachary Sukunda (@ZacharySukunda) October 26, 2019
This ref has always been shocking .. Never been apart of a game where he hasn’t dictated it, also gave me my first career red card. No idea how he still gets games ??♂️ #CanPL
— Jordan Hamilton (@jayhams) October 26, 2019
Plenty left to play for in Leg 2.
FT: Forge 1-0 Cavalry with Tristan Borges suspended for the 2nd leg. Not sure who really won that game. #CanPLFinals
— Tristan D'Amours (@tristandamours) October 26, 2019
#ForgeFC had to win the game, they did that, but this is a missed opportunity for them. They had #CavsFC on the ropes for most of the day. What an entertaining game, a lot to talk about out of it heading to Calgary for what should be an interesting second leg. #CanPLFinals
— Michael Leach (@MLeach680News) October 26, 2019
Ultimately, a positive result for the home side, but it’s not over yet.
Until next season at @TimHortonsField.
Thank you, @BartonBattalion!#ForgeFC | #CanPLFinals pic.twitter.com/qePrKbMTgM
— Forge FC (@ForgeFCHamilton) October 26, 2019
90 minutes to the title.
A 2-0 win clinches it.Bring your “A++++” game and we @footsoldierssg will carry you home.#canplfinals
— John Leung (@JohnLeungYYC) October 26, 2019
We’ll do it all again next week, this time in Calgary. Who will be crowned the first-ever CPL champion?