Hamilton’s Forge FC strikes first in inaugural Canadian Premier League Finals

You can say that Forge FC has a ‘leg up’ in the first-ever Canadian Premier League Finals.

Tristan Borges scored in injury time just before the halftime whistle as the Hamilton side blanked visiting Cavalry FC 1-0 in the first leg of the CPL Finals on Saturday afternoon at Tim Hortons Field.

In front of an announced crowd of 10,486 fans, Borges powered a left-footed strike from just inside the box into the corner of the goal less than 10 minutes after Cavalry FC defender Joel Waterman was given a red card for denying a clear scoring chance by handling the ball inside the box.

Borges’ ensuing penalty kick was stopped by Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci.

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Forge FC was also reduced to 10 men in the 69th minute when Borges was red-carded for kicking at Cavalry defender Jay Wheeldon.

Saturday’s game marked the eighth time that Forge and Cavalry have met this season, with the Hamilton club leading the series 4-3-1.

The second and final leg of the CPL Finals will be played Nov. 2 in Calgary.

Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET.

0:28 Hamilton’s Forge FC kick off inaugural season with downtown rally