Calgary Cavalry in the CPL finals

Cavalry FC is heading to the Canadian Premier League finals after defeating a team they have struggled against in the past: Hamilton Forge FC.

Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci is an original member of the club.

Over the years, he has had many victories, but he has also suffered some painful defeats – most of them in the playoffs against Forge FC.

That’s why it was so satisfying to beat Forge 1-0 in Hamilton in the weekend’s head-to-head play-off match.

“Yes, of course, it was great,” said a smiling Carducci.

“Historically, it’s always a tough place to play, but obviously in the playoffs there were always some hurdles that we weren’t able to overcome, so to take that first step was awesome. It feels great, but that’s the point, it’s the first step.

Indeed, the bigger prize will be awarded on November 9, when Kavaleria hosts the league final.

They will face the winner of Forge FC and Atlético Ottawa. Midfielder Fraser Aird says it will be great to play in front of his hometown fans.

“I mean, getting to the finals is not easy,” Aird said.

“It’s never easy for a professional player and it only happens a few times in your career. The fact that we are hosting the final in front of our fans and our family is a great opportunity for the club and also a great opportunity for the players to win more trophies.

For fans

This is the first time Calgary has hosted the Canadian Premier League final since 2019.

Head Coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. says after having to play a CONCACAF home game in Victoria due to bad weather in Calgary, this game will be for the fans.

I think it’s special to host the final here and play the last game of the season here and be able to lift the trophy in front of us like we did last year with the North Shield.

“So this is for the fans and I think we’re close to selling out, but we want to fill the seats and use them to our advantage as a way to support them.”

For the record books

One more note from the match against Forge: Carducci assisted in the only goal of the match, scored by Tobias Warschewski. He became the first goalkeeper in league history to record an assist. He says it’s great to be in the record books for something like this.

“Well, first of all, it feels great,” he said.

“I’m glad I can help on the other side. Obviously my job is to keep the ball out of the net on our side and I was happy to do that, but adding a little bit of the ball on the other side was great.

The league final will be played on Saturday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. at ATCO Field.