What Is 2020 Canadian Premier League Finals

Overview

The 2020 Canadian Premier League (CPL) Finals marked the second championship decider in the league’s history, concluding the shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the inaugural 2019 season, the 2020 format culminated in a two-leg final between the top two teams after a compact Island Games tournament held in Prince Edward Island.

Forge FC, representing Hamilton, faced Atlético Ottawa, the expansion side led by Canadian soccer legend D.C. United alum Mauro Biello. Despite Ottawa’s strong campaign, Forge emerged victorious with a 2–0 aggregate score, cementing their status as the league’s first dominant club.

• Final dates: The first leg was played on September 19, 2020, and the second leg on September 26, 2020, both in Hamilton.
• Champion:Forge FC claimed their second consecutive CPL title, becoming the first team in league history to achieve a back-to-back championship.
• Venue: Both legs were hosted at Tim Hortons Field, Forge FC’s home stadium, due to travel and safety restrictions during the pandemic.
• Aggregate score: Forge FC won 2–0 on aggregate, with goals from Tristan Borges and David Choinière securing the victory.
• Attendance: Matches were played behind closed doors, marking the first CPL finals with zero in-person spectators due to public health protocols.

How the CPL Finals Format Works

The Canadian Premier League Finals determine the league champion through a playoff structure that evolved slightly in 2020 due to the pandemic. The format shifted from a single-site tournament to a two-leg final between the top two teams after a round-robin stage.

• Two-leg final: The champion is decided by aggregate goals over two matches, with away goals not used as a tiebreaker in 2020.
• Island Games: The entire 2020 season was condensed into a 21-match tournament hosted in Charlottetown, PEI, from August to September.
• Qualification: The top two teams from the Island Games standings advanced to the final, with Forge FC finishing first and Ottawa second.
• Home advantage: The first-place team earned the right to host both legs, a significant edge due to pandemic-related travel limitations.
• Player eligibility: Rosters included a mix of Canadian internationals and emerging domestic talent, with minimum U-21 player requirements per match.
• Championship trophy: The winner receives the North Star Cup, the official CPL championship trophy, first awarded in 2019.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2019 and 2020 Canadian Premier League Finals:

The 2020 final maintained the two-leg structure but was impacted by the pandemic, resulting in centralized play and no away games. Forge FC’s repeat victory underscored their consistency, while Atlético Ottawa’s rise signaled growing competitiveness across the league. The absence of fans and altered scheduling highlighted the challenges of organizing a national league during a global health crisis.

Why It Matters

The 2020 CPL Finals were significant not only for determining a champion but also for proving the league’s resilience during unprecedented circumstances. Forge FC’s success reinforced the importance of strong club infrastructure and youth development in Canada’s top-flight soccer.

• Historic repeat: Forge FC became the first team in CPL history to win back-to-back championships, setting a new benchmark for excellence.
• Domestic development: The league continued to prioritize Canadian talent, with over 70% of minutes allocated to domestic players during the 2020 season.
• Pandemic adaptation: The successful execution of the Island Games demonstrated the CPL’s ability to adapt to health crises while maintaining competitive integrity.
• Media growth: The finals were broadcast nationally on TSN and CBC, increasing visibility for Canadian professional soccer.
• Youth opportunities: Several U-21 players made key contributions, including David Choinière, who scored in the second leg.
• Future expansion: Ottawa’s strong performance in their debut season laid the groundwork for future franchise growth and regional rivalries.

The 2020 Canadian Premier League Finals not only crowned a champion but also solidified the league’s role in developing Canadian soccer talent and navigating challenges in a rapidly changing sports landscape.