Cavalry FC is headed to the Canadian Premier League final after beating a team they’ve had trouble with in the past: Hamilton Forge FC.

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

Over the years they have won a lot, but they have also suffered some heartbreaking losses, 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 one-on-two playoff game.

“Yeah, it obviously felt great,” Carducci said, smiling.

“Historically speaking, it’s always a tough place to go to play, but of course in the playoffs there’s always been a little hurdle that we haven’t been able to overcome, so taking that first step was incredible. “It feels great, but that’s exactly what it is, it’s the first step.”

In fact, the biggest prize will come on November 9, when the Cavalry 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 the home fans.

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

“As a professional player, it is never easy and you can only do it a few times in your career. The fact that we organize a final in front of our fans and in front of our family is a great opportunity for the club and also a great opportunity for the players to win more titles.”

for the 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 his CONCACAF home game in Victoria due to bad weather in Calgary, this game will be for the fans.

“To bring the final here and have the last game of the season here and have the opportunity to lift the trophy in front of them like we did last year with the North Shield, I think it’s exceptional.”

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

In the record books

One more note from the game against Forge, Carducci assisted on Tobias Warschewski’s only goal of the game. He becomes the first goaltender in league history to record an assist. He says it’s cool to get into the record books for something like that.

“Well, first of all it’s a great feeling,” he said.

“I’m happy to be able to 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 be able to do that, but adding a little bit on the other side was great.”

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