Forge FC earned a late 1-1 draw against HFX Wanderers at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton Saturday.
Massimo Ferrin had given the visiting Wanderers the lead shortly before half time. And it looked as though the single goal could be enough for the Halifax club to take the three points back to the east coast.
But Forge FC striker Woobens Pacius equalized for the hosts in the 89th minute, via a fortuitous ricochet, to ensure the points were shared.
Gheisar not surprised by impressive Ferrin
Ferrins goal was his second of the young season. The 24-year-old only signed with HFX Wanderers from Ontario1 League’s Vaughan Azzurri in the off-season.
But Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar was confident his new forward could make a rapid and successful transition to the Canadian Premier League.
“I’ve known Mass for eight years, so I’m not surprised with what he’s doing,” said Ghesar after the match. “And I think there’s a lot more to come. I think he has a lot left in the tank. And there’s a lot of guys having great performances as well.
“Hopefully we continue growing and getting better.”
Smyrniotis wants Forge FC to be ‘clinical’
Title holders Forge FC sit on only two points after to home matches to open the 2023 Canadian Premier League season. And head coach Bobby Smyrniotis is clear about what he wants to see from his champions.
“We have to be a little more clinical in the final third,” admitted Forge FC head coach Bobby Smyrniotis after the match. “We got a lot of the ball. We got a lot of opportunities. It’s not just possession to possess. We got in behind them in a lot of situations. We’re in the final third. We’re in their penalty box. We’ve got to be clinical.
- Photo gallery: Forge FC and HFX Wanderers draw 1-1
But Smyrniotis still had praise for his squad’s efforts in sticking to their tasks and eventually earning the point the at least deserved.
“Credit to the guys because we kept on going. That’s where the goal comes from. It comes from all of the processes of our play.”
Forge FC next travel to Vancouver Island to play Pacific FC Sunday, April 30. While HFX Wanderers host expansion club Vancouver FC Saturday, April 29.
