The 2024 CPL Final is headed to Alberta, as Cavalry FC defeated Forge FC 1-0 at Tim Hortons Field in Sunday’s qualifying semi-final clash.

For the third time in club history, Cavalry will play in the league’s championship match, as they’ll look to win their first North Star Cup.

After a back-and-forth opening 20 minutes, the first big chance of the game presented itself for Forge, as Béni Badibanga curled in a cross to the back post. Kyle Bekker got his head on it to direct it goalward, but his attempt hit the post and bounced away. Moments later, Tobias Warschewski tested Forge keeper Jassem Koleilat, but the shot was saved — and on the ensuing corner, the Cavs again came close to scoring, but Alessandro Hojabrpour was stationed on the goal line to clear the ball away just in time.

Just before the half-hour mark, Cavalry found the opening goal. Goalkeeper Marco Carducci sent a long ball down the pitch to Warschewski, who brought it down well and fought off Garven Metusala to bear in on goal. The German forward managed to dribble past an oncoming Koleilat and slotted it into an open goal to put the visitors in front.

Forge had the better of the chances in the rest of the first half, including one goalmouth scramble that seemed destined to end in the back of the net, were it not for a foul as Carducci took a boot to the head. So, the half ended with Cavalry ahead by a goal.

Early in the second half, Forge spent a good deal of time buzzing around the penalty area, and had a great chance to equalize about 10 minutes in, but Alessandro Hojabrpour’s shot went straight at Carducci for a straightforward save.

Forge continued to probe, desperately searching for an equalizer. Head coach Bobby Smyrniotis went to his bench for reinforcements, bringing on the likes of Noah Jensen, Jordan Hamilton and Dominic Samuel, attempting to add some attacking firepower.

They generated a handful of excellent chances; Kyle Bekker took a well-driven shot from the top of the box in the 84th minute, but put it just over the bar.

Forge continued peppering the box through the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Cavalry’s defence continued to hold firm.

The final whistle sent the Cavs bench into jubilant cheers, as the Calgary side confirmed that they’ll host the CPL Final for the first time since 2019.

BOX SCORE

Lineups 

Forge FC: Koleilat; Duncan (Samuel 80′), Achinioti-Jönsson, Metusala (Hamilton 80′), Owolabi-Belewu; Bekker, Hojabrpour, Borges (Jensen 64′); Choinière, Ampomah, Badibanga

Cavalry FC: Carducci; Aird (Kobza 87′), Klomp, Montgomery, Kamdem; Shome, Gutiérrez; Musse (Shaw 87′), Camargo (Wähling 90′), Herdman (Trafford 71′); Warschewski

Goals

27′ — Tobias Warschewski (Cavalry FC)

Discipline

90+4’ — Yellow: Malik Owolabi-Belewu (Forge FC)