Abbey Salam - July 23, 2025 11:53 AM
Hamilton, ON – Forge FC continues to etch its name into Canadian Premier League history, as the Hamilton-based club extended its remarkable unbeaten run to 15 consecutive league matches on Friday night. A hard-fought 2-0 victory over Pacific FC at Hamilton Stadium saw the reigning CPL Shield winners not only claim all three points but also set a new league record, surpassing their own previous best of 14 games set in the inaugural 2019 season.
The atmosphere at Hamilton Stadium was electric, anticipating a record-breaking night. While the first half remained scoreless despite Forge's dominant nine shots to Pacific's zero, the Hammers truly came alive in the latter stages. A well-taken penalty by defender Dan Nimick in the 78th minute broke the deadlock, followed just three minutes later by a clinical tap-in from Nana Ampomah, sealing the historic win.
A History Forged in Success
Forge FC, founded on May 6, 2017, and officially unveiled as a CPL team in July 2018, has consistently been at the forefront of the Canadian soccer landscape. Playing their home matches at Tim Hortons Field, the club adopted "spark orange," "platinum steel" grey, and "waterfall white" as their official colours, symbolizing the Hamilton region's industrial heritage and natural beauty.
Under the astute leadership of head coach and technical director Bobby Smyrniotis, who has been with the club since day one, Forge FC has amassed an unparalleled record of success. They are four-time CPL Champions (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023) and have appeared in every single CPL Final since the league's inception. This domestic dominance has also translated to continental appearances, with Forge being the first CPL side to compete in the CONCACAF League (2019) and the CONCACAF Champions League (2022), now known as the Concacaf Champions Cup. They are also the only CPL club to have reached a Canadian Championship final, doing so in 2020. This year, their impressive form extends to the Canadian Championship, where they have advanced to the semi-finals after knocking out MLS side CF Montréal.
Individual Brilliance and Collective Spirit
The recent victory against Pacific FC highlighted the contributions of key players. Dan Nimick, a 24-year-old centre-back, stepped up confidently to convert the crucial penalty. Nimick has been a consistent performer for Forge, and his post-match comments, echoing sentiments from teammate Ben Paton, suggest a squad that believes they still have another level to reach, even amid their record-breaking run. This self-awareness and hunger are hallmarks of a championship-calibre team.
Nana Ampomah, a 29-year-old Ghanaian winger who joined Forge FC in February 2024, demonstrated his attacking prowess with the decisive tap-in. Ampomah’s journey to Forge was delayed by work permit issues, but since his debut in June 2024, he has quickly become an impactful addition, showing his ability to find the back of the net. His goal against Pacific was his third for the club this season.
Beyond individual moments, the collective value of Forge FC is evident in their resilient team play and commitment to clean sheets. The 2-0 win over Pacific FC marked another clean sheet, underscoring their defensive solidity. The club's values, as articulated through their community engagement, emphasize unity, pride, and resilience, striving to inspire and uplift through the power of sport. This deep-rooted connection to Hamilton undoubtedly fuels their on-field performances.
The Road Ahead: Chasing More History
Despite their historic unbeaten run, Forge FC currently sits in second place in the CPL standings, just a single point behind Atlético Ottawa, who also secured a win on Friday night against Halifax. Seven of Forge's 15 unbeaten league matches have been draws, including two against the current league leaders. Head Coach Bobby Smyrniotis has expressed a desire to convert more of these draws into wins as they chase the unprecedented feat of a regular season and playoff double in the CPL.
As they prepare for their next league fixture against the HFX Wanderers, Forge FC carries immense confidence and the weight of expectation. Their journey this season, combining a record-breaking league run with a deep push in the Canadian Championship, truly suggests that this could be their greatest campaign yet.
The Hammers have repeatedly proven their elite status in the Canadian Premier League, and with this new record in hand, the target on their back only grows larger. The question now isn't if they'll make history, but how much more history they can make.
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