Forge Daily – November 20, 2024
Join host Mackenzie Barwell as she reflects on Forge FC’s remarkable 2024 season. From hosting CHIVAS FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup to securing monumental wins against CF Montréal and Toronto FC in the Canadian Championship, this episode celebrates Forge’s historic moments and unwavering resilience. Highlights include Kwasi Poku’s meteoric rise, the inaugural School Day Match, and a sixth consecutive CPL Final appearance. Tune in for key player insights, unforgettable match recaps, and reflections on Forge’s enduring legacy in Canadian soccer.

Key Takeaways:

CONCACAF Champions Cup Experience:

• Hosting CHIVAS FC in Hamilton marked Forge’s third international tournament appearance.
• Kevaughn Tavernier’s goal showcased the promise of the club’s young talent.

Milestones in the Canadian Championship:

• Forge defeated CF Montréal at Stade Saputo, their first victory over an MLS side, advancing to the semifinals.
• A thrilling 2-1 home victory over Toronto FC included Béni Badibanga’s long-range stunner and Kwasi Poku’s backheel goal.
• Over 14,000 students attended the inaugural School Day Match, creating a vibrant atmosphere at Tim Hortons Field.

Youth Development and Recognition:

• Kwasi Poku’s transformation into a star striker began during the Canadian Championship.
• Poku’s achievements include multiple goals, a U21 Player of the Year award, and a move to Belgium’s professional leagues.

CPL Dominance:

• Secured the CPL Shield and earned a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for a third time.
• Extended their record of six consecutive appearances in the CPL Final, demonstrating consistency and excellence.

Chapters:

⚽1:00 Hosting and going toe to toe with CHIVAS FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup

⚽ 4:00 Inaugural, record breaking and highly successful School Day Match

⚽6:00 Beating CF Montreal away in the TELUS Canadian Championship

⚽8:30 Beating Toronto FC at home in the TELUS Canadian Championship

⚽11:00 Seeing star striker and now Canada Soccer international, Kwasi Poku, move to Belgium and take his talents to the next level

⚽13:00 Making our sixth consecutive Canadian Premier League final & Qualifying for CONCACAF Champions Cup for a third time

⚽14:30 Winning Culture @ Forge FC

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Welcome to the final episode of Season 2! Today, Mackenzie and Coach Bobby wrap up the season by diving into Forge FC’s 2024 CPL final, their plans for the off-season, and reflecting on the year’s standout moments. Mackenzie also shares highlights from her Banff trip, recaps post-game player conversations, and talks about Coach Bobby’s end-of-season gift! Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

• The Calgary pitch was frozen solid—no flame thrower needed!
• Coach Bobby reflects on this season as one of Forge’s best, rivaling the 2021 campaign.
• Despite preparing for victory, Bobby acknowledges key player absences, like Garven Metusala, Daniel Parra, and a fully fit Tristan Borges.
• He describes the final as a “tale of two halves,” with Cavalry excelling in the first and Forge in the second.
• Subbing in Daniel Parra post-injury carried some risk but was necessary.
• Reflecting on early-season doubts, Bobby notes that while many thought this would be “the end of Forge,” the team’s foundation and resilience proved otherwise.

Chapters:

0:00 Calgary Travel

2:00 Post Game Conversations

5:30 Recapping 2024 CPL final

8:00 1st Half Performance

10:00 Second Half Reaction

13:00 Reflecting on the Season

16:00 Off-season Plans

19:00 End of season gift!

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Happy CPL Final Day, everyone! Join host Mackenzie Barwell as she checks in from Calgary, Alberta, recapping Forge FC’s intense 2-1 loss to Cavalry FC in the 2024 CPL Final. Mackenzie dives into the match's highs and lows, shares live fan reactions, and gives an inside look into the post-match press conference, featuring insights from coach Bobby Smyrniotis and Player of the Year, Tristan Borges. Despite the loss, Forge fans showed up in force and made themselves heard—experience the atmosphere and hear what’s next for Forge FC.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting 11 & Injuries: Forge’s lineup remained familiar, but key players Garven Metusala, Victor Loturi, and Amadou Kone were out with injuries.
• 1st Half Struggles: Forge conceded two goals early, struggling to find momentum amidst a charged crowd and cold conditions.
• 2nd Half Fight Back: Forge flipped the script with a determined response, controlling possession and netting one goal but ultimately falling short.
• Season Reflection: Bobby praised the team’s resilience, and Borges shared key takeaways from a successful season and journey to the final.

Chapters:

1. Setting the Scene!
2. Starting Lineup & Fan Presence
3. 1st Half Recap
4. 2nd Half Highlights
5. Season Reflections
6. Fan Atmosphere & Wrap-Up
   
   

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

CPL Final -1! In this episode, Mac catches up with Borges on everything from the Forge FC playoff journey to life outside the game, personal milestones, and a few fun stories. They dive into Forge’s relentless playoff mentality, what it’s like being nominated for two prestigious CPL awards, and the importance of mental and physical self-care in sports. Plus, Borges shares memories from his early days, hilarious field banter, and his thoughts on Liam's Halloween impersonation of Coach Bobby!

Key Takeaways:

Borges reflects on what makes Forge FC so dominant in the playoffs and shares insights on the unique team spirit that drives them.

Borges discusses on the highs and lows of traveling with the CPL, including some funny away trip stories.

There is a prospect of Borges starting a podcast with he and his friends, one story arises about them *accidentally* dining & dashing.

Borges discusses his nomination for CPL Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year, expressing pride and gratitude for the recognition. A clip from 2019 prompts Borges to reflect on his evolution as a player, noting both his technical growth and mental resilience.

Borges shares his thoughts on Halloween costumes, including Liam’s humorous impression of Coach Bobby.

Chapters:

0:00 Catching up w/ Borges

Playoff Mentality

Individual Nominations & Awards

Personal Growth

Confidence vs. Cavalry

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Welcome back to Behind the Beard! The 2024 CPL final is quickly approaching and we're diving into it with Coach Bobby Smyrniotis. We'll break down Forge FC's recent 1-0 win over Atlético Ottawa, discuss key players' return, talk about CPL award nominations, and preview Forge's upcoming face-off with Cavalry FC. Plus, Coach Bobby shares insights into team mentality, playoff intensity, and personal coaching reflections—oh, and the fun choppiness that comes with playing a final AWAY.

Key Takeaways:
* Despite Ottawa's shot advantage, Forge’s focus and momentum, especially in pressuring through corners, were key to their win.
* Bobby emphasizes a balance between focus and enjoyment in the final, a mentality shift that could set the tone for a relaxed yet competitive match.
* With four Forge players nominated for the CPL’s Player, Player of the Year, Forge’s talent and hard work are recognized on a league-wide scale.
* Coach Bobby also speaks to his 6th nomination for Coach of the Year.
* Forge and Cavalry’s repeated matchups lead to strategic familiarity. Bobby discusses how Forge prepares for a team that knows them well.
* Thursday, the CPL Awards will be broadcast on CBC gem & Saturday, the finals will stream on CBC Sports!

Chapters:
0:00 Fall in Calgary
3:15 Training Week
6:00 It’s about Enjoyment
8:00 Ottawa Recap
12:00 “We bend but we don’t break”
14:00 CPL Awards
18:00 Cavalry & the final
22:00 Bobby as a Halloween costume…

Forge Audio NetworkThe Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.Twitter: @ForgeFCHamiltonInstagram: @ForgeFCTikTok: @ForgeFCHamiltonFacebook: ForgeFCHamilton

In this episode of Forge Daily, Mackenzie recaps Forge FC's pivotal 1-0 victory over Atlético Ottawa, securing their sixth consecutive CPL Final appearance. Mackenzie shares player reactions from practice, insights from the post-match press conference, and an analysis of the game’s key moments, including Malik Owolabi-Belewu’s winning header. She also previews the highly anticipated final showdown with Cavalry FC, highlighting key players to watch.

Key Takeaways:

1. Forge's Strong Lineup: The team set the tone early with a balanced lineup, including Noah Jensen’s return to midfield and Dominic Samuel’s standout debut at center back.
2. Game-Changing Moments: Malik Owolabi-Belewu’s decisive goal in the second half secured Forge's victory, while Jassem Kolielat's stellar performance in goal marked his eighth clean sheet.
3. Anticipating the Cavalry Final: The upcoming rematch with Cavalry promises intensity; Forge and Cavalry have been nearly inseparable across their 31 matchups, with Tobias Warschewski and Marco Carducci as key players to watch.
4. Excitement for Daniel Parra’s Return: After serving a three-game suspension, Parra's readiness and insights bring optimism to Forge’s preparations for the final.

Chapters:

Atlético Recap

First Half Highlights

Second Half Goal

Cavalry Final Preview

Daniels Return!

Jassem’s Thoughts..

CPL & CBC!

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

In this episode of Mac's Access, host Mac sits down with Forge FC's Dav to chat about everything from his recent off-field activities to his thoughts on playing internationally and the mindset going into playoffs. They discuss his brother’s appearance in the Canada vs. Panama match alongside Forge’s own Kwasi, and dive into the team’s motivation and challenges ahead of Champions Cup play. Dav shares memorable moments from his career and reflects on how his calm demeanor serves him on and off the field.

Key Takeaways:

• Dav’s favorite weather for playing and recent activities, including Friendsgiving and tennis.
• Insights on Kwasi's CPL U21 Player of the Year nomination and Dav's view on his brother’s crossover with Kwasi.
• The team's current mindset and preparation as they approach the playoffs through a less direct path.
• Champions Cup qualification as a strong motivator for Forge FC, going beyond just adding trophies.
• Dav’s memorable moments in international play, including his Antigua goal.
• How his calm demeanor benefits his performance and the team’s approach to reigniting momentum after recent losses.

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome to Mac’s Access + Recent Activities

3:50 Dav’s Ideal Pet..

5:00 Friends Giving!

7:00 Team Vibe as Playoffs Approach

10:30 Motivation Beyond Trophies: Champions Cup Spot

13:50 Navigating Negative Results & Performances

16:00 The Calm Approach

18:00 The Fire to Win

19:30 Kwasi’s Nomination & Canada vs. Panama

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

In this semi-final episode of Behind the Beard, Mac and Coach Bobby dive into Forge FC’s journey through the CPL playoffs, starting with a deep dive into the first semi-final match. They discuss key player roles, highlight defensive heroics, and analyze the team’s dynamic adaptability. The episode covers press conference insights on resilience and mindset, and Bobby reflects on Kwasi Poku’s nomination for U-21 Canadian Player of the Year. Looking ahead to the next semi-final match against Atlético Ottawa, they discuss Forge’s tactical preparation, and the episode closes with a lighthearted riddle segment for a fun twist.

Key Takeaways:

• Game highlights from the semi-final 1 matchup, including Borges’s role and Ale’s vital defensive contributions.
• The strategic shifts and composure required to maintain control, particularly when Cavalry adopted a low block.
• Key quotes from Bobby on handling pressure and adjusting to challenges in high-stakes games.
• Discussion of Kwasi Poku’s CPL U-21 Player of the Year nomination, highlighting his exceptional stats and impact.
• Tactical outlook for the upcoming semi-final against Atlético Ottawa, including counter-attack and set-piece strategies.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction & Halloween..

4:00 Semi-Final 1 Recap

5:00 Ale’s Defensive Heroics

6:00 The Goal and Team’s Second-Half Push

14:00 CPL Award Nominations

16:00 Preview of Semi-Final 2 Against Atlético Ottawa

18:00 Closing Thoughts on Playoff Mentality

20:00 Riddles…

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton