Entering this game without a goal in three straight games, Vancouver FC was looking to get something going on Saturday, Sept. 21, and they did – just too late in the game to overcome a lead by visiting Forge FC.
Forge opened the scoring in the first half with a goal from David Choinière in the 35th minute, before doubling their lead via Béni Badibanga in the 53rd minute, putting them in the driver’s seat with over a half-hour still to play. Then, they sealed the game in the 83rd minute, as Noah Jensen slotted home from inside of the box to make it 3-0.
Vancouver clawed one back late in the game, as TJ Tahid found the net in the 88th minute to cut the deficit to two, but despite mounting a late push, Forge would hold on the rest of the way to clinch their spot in the 2024 Canadian Premier League playoffs and maintain their lead atop the CPL table.
“It’s been a tough few games,” Tahid commented. “So after not being able to score in those games, even after having some pretty good chances, being able to get this one today is a big positive to take out of this game and to go on to the next games knowing that we’re able to score.”
Vancouver’s head coach, Afshin Ghotbi, talked about the need to boost player confidence.
"When you’re a team on top of the table, when you’re a team that are winning games, even going at 60, 70 per cent of your potential, you know when to switch it on, and you know how to win games,"Ghotbi remarked.
"I think our players need a little bit more confidence, and that’s something we’ve been trying to help them with.”
Vancouver FC will head out on the road for their next match, to face Cavalry FC at ATCO Field on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m.
