Forge FC officially clinched the 2025 Canadian Premier League Shield on Saturday afternoon in Hamilton, securing them their second consecutive regular season title.
The Hammers defeated York United 3-0 at Hamilton Stadium in the final match of their regular season campaign, meaning they finished the season ahead of second-place Atlético Ottawa. Captain Kyle Bekker was presented with the Shield on Saturday afternoo as the club celebrated the title in front of their home fans.
It has been a remarkable season for Forge, who have 58 points, which is a new club record and the second-most in a season in CPL history. They have lost just twice all year, having carried a 20-game league unbeaten run into late August. Their success in 2025 has been partly fuelled by incredible home form, with a 9-5-0 record at Hamilton Stadium. They and this year’s Atlético Ottawa are the only two sides ever to go unbeaten at home in an entire CPL season.
It’s been a full team effort for Forge, led by head coach Bobby Smyrniotis. In total, 26 players have played a minute in this regular season campaign, and 18 contributed a goal or an assist. They have scored a club-record 51 goals, and have conceded just 22 — again, in line for a team record if they concede one or fewer next weekend.
By winning the CPL Shield, Forge have qualified for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. They have previously appeared in the tournament three times, including the last two straight years, each time bowing out in the first round to Mexican opposition.
Having guaranteed that they will finish in first place, Forge also ensured the top seed in the 2025 CPL Playoffs. They will host Atlético Ottawa in the championship semifinal the weekend of Oct. 25-26, the winner of which will go straight to the CPL Final two weeks later as hosts. The losing side from that match remains alive but plays in the contender semifinal on Nov. 1-2 for the second spot in the Final.
This year’s CPL Shield is the sixth official trophy in Forge’s history. They have won four CPL championships (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023) by winning the playoffs, and also lifted the Shield in 2024.
The full schedule for the CPL Playoffs will be announced shortly.
