Forge FC lost 1-0 to Honduran club Club Deportivo Marathón in the Concacaf Champions League play-in game Tuesday. The result means Hamilton’s club misses out on one of their chances of qualifying for next season’s Concacaf Champions League.
An 18th minute goal by Edwin Solany Solano Martinez was enough to send the home side through Tuesday.
Forge FC captain Kyle Bekker was sent off with red card for a bad tackle in the 86th minute. Forge FC coach was also sent off Bobby Smyrniotis for arguing with the referee in time added on.
“I think everybody knows how difficult it is to win here,” said Peter Reynders, Forge FC assistant coach following the game. “We had a game plan. They did it perfect. We played a very good game, had our chances. But sometimes other things happen.
“It was a difference between physical and more technical. That’s how I see it. I think we played a very good game – a high-intensity game with a lot of duels. But I think we had our chances.”
Forge FC can still qualify for the 2021 Concacaf Champions League if they win the Canadian Championship match against Toronto FC to be held in 2021. Forge FC was competing in Tuesday’s play-in game due to losing in the Concacaf League quarterfinals last week.
Forge FC will compete in next season’s Concacaf League as the 2020 Canadian Premier League champions, with a chance to qualify for the 2022 Concacaf Champions League.
See photos from Tuesday’s match below: