What Is 2019 Canadian Premier League Finals

Overview

The 2019 Canadian Premier League Finals marked the inaugural championship of Canada’s top-tier professional soccer league. It featured a two-leg final between Forge FC from Hamilton, Ontario, and Cavalry FC from Calgary, Alberta, culminating in a decisive aggregate victory.

The competition format emphasized home advantage and consistency across both matches, testing teams over two high-stakes games. The finals showcased emerging Canadian talent and set a precedent for future CPL postseasons.

• First leg date: October 26, 2019, held at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario, with an attendance of 11,143 fans.
• Second leg date: November 2, 2019, at ATCO Field in Foothills, Alberta, drawing 5,851 spectators.
• Aggregate score: Forge FC won 3–1 on aggregate after victories in both legs, marking the first CPL title in league history.
• First-leg result: Forge FC defeated Cavalry FC 1–0, with Tristan Borges scoring the decisive goal in the 68th minute.
• Second-leg result: Forge FC won 2–1, overcoming a 1–0 deficit after playoff-leading scorer Mohamed Farsi scored for Cavalry.

Match Details

Each leg of the final followed standard 90-minute regulation with stoppage time, and away goals did not count double—aggregate score determined the champion.

• First-leg venue: Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton, hosted the opening match, where Forge FC maintained a clean sheet and controlled possession.
• Second-leg venue: ATCO Field, part of Spruce Meadows, hosted the return leg in front of a passionate home crowd.
• Key player: Tristan Borges scored the winning goal in the first leg and earned the CPL Player of the Year award in 2019.
• Final goal: Kadell Thomas scored Forge FC’s second goal in the 89th minute of the second leg to seal the championship.
• Defensive effort: Forge FC conceded only one goal across both legs, highlighting their disciplined backline under manager Bobby Smyrniotis.
• Historic moment: The 2019 final established Forge FC as the league’s first champions and launched a rivalry with Cavalry FC.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key performance metrics and outcomes between the two legs of the 2019 CPL Finals.

The table highlights how Forge FC maintained consistent performance across both legs, winning each match and securing the title without needing extra time. The higher attendance in Hamilton reflected strong local support, while Calgary’s crowd remained vocal despite the loss. Both teams demonstrated high tactical discipline, but Forge FC’s clinical finishing made the difference.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Canadian Premier League Finals was a landmark event for Canadian soccer, establishing a new tradition and showcasing domestic talent on a national stage. It marked the successful launch of a long-awaited professional league.

• National identity: The final emphasized homegrown talent, with 18 of 22 starters in the second leg being Canadian citizens.
• League credibility: A competitive, well-attended final helped legitimize the CPL as a viable professional soccer league.
• Forge FC legacy: The win began Forge FC’s dominance, as they went on to win four of the first five CPL titles.
• Player development: The final elevated players like Tristan Borges and David Doneil into national spotlight.
• Future structure: The two-leg aggregate model was later replaced by a single championship match format in 2020.
• Media impact: The final was broadcast nationally on CBC and OneSoccer, increasing visibility for Canadian soccer.

The 2019 final set a strong foundation for the league’s growth, proving that professional soccer could thrive in Canada with the right investment and community support.