Forge FC secured a place in the 2024 Canadian Championship quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over York United in Hamilton Wednesday night.
Jordan Hamilton scored a brace and David Choiniere scored a single to set up a two-legged with Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal in the next round later this month.
Forge FC struck early, when Hamilton found the net in the 8th minute. Nine minutes later David Choiniere doubled the lead. York’s confidence and discipline seemed to waver, when Elijah Adekugbe and Max Ferrari were both booked within a three-minute period.
Jordon Hamilton seemed to put the final nail in York’s coffin before halftime when he scored his second goal of the night on 39 minutes.
After halftime, Forge seemed content the three-goal advantage was enough to book their place in the quarter finals. As a result, York took the initiative and pushed Forge FC. But the home keeper Chris Kalongo made a succession of saves, denying the visitors on multiple occasions.
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Forge did still produce chances of their own in the second 45. But York United was better organized. Well-timed tackles, good clearances and great pressing on the midfield were enough to keep the home side from increasing their lead. Even Beni Badibanga became frustrated and was booked by the referee in the 61st minutes.
York’s eventual goal was too little too late. Edgar Martinez Huerta, a 60th minute substitute, found the net in the 87th minute. The 22 years old Mexican midfielder headed in a loose ball after Brian Wright header hit the cross bar following a good move from the right wing.