Abbey Salam - August 02, 2025 11:00 AM

A record-breaking performance under the lights as Forge extends unbeaten run and solidifies dynasty.

The atmosphere at Tim Hortons Field was electric, a familiar hum of anticipation that has become a staple for Forge FC home matches. On a night that will be etched into the club's history books, the Hamilton faithful witnessed a spectacle of pure footballing dominance. 

Under the floodlights, Forge delivered a stunning 5-0 victory over Valour FC, a result that felt less like a game and more like a coronation, confirming their place at the pinnacle of the Canadian Premier League.

A First-Half Blitz Sets the Tone - The match was a rollercoaster from the very first whistle, but it was a ride that only the home fans truly enjoyed. The Forge machine, led by manager Bobby Smyrniotis, was relentless. It was clear early on that Valour, despite their best efforts, were in for a long night. 

The first goal arrived in the 26th minute, sparking an eruption from the stands. It was Tristan Borges who broke the deadlock, smashing home a deflected shot after some intricate play down the left flank. The crowd roared his name, a familiar chant for a player who has been a cornerstone of the club's success.

The energy was palpable, and the home team fed off it. Before Valour could even catch their breath, Mo Babouli added a second in the 43rd minute, tapping in a rebound from a Nana Ampomah shot. 

The stadium was in a frenzy, the orange scarves waving in unison. As the first half drew to a close, a third goal was added by none other than Nana Ampomah, who, after receiving a brilliant through-ball from captain Kyle Bekker, slotted his shot coolly under the goalkeeper. The scoreboard flashed 3-0, and the fans knew they were witnessing something special.

Second Half Onslaught and Unbeaten History - The second half was a continuation of Forge's masterclass. The atmosphere shifted from anticipation to celebration, the crowd cheering every pass and move. David Choinière made it four in the 66th minute, finishing off a beautiful one-two with Rezart Rama. Then, to cap off a historic night, substitute Noah Jensen tapped in a low cross from Nana Ampomah, completing the 5-0 rout in the 72nd minute. 

The final whistle blew to a thunderous applause, a recognition of both a historic home win and the club’s incredible 17-match unbeaten run this season—a new league record that showcases their individual and collective values of relentless pursuit of excellence.

The key actors of the night were a mix of established stars and rising talents. Nana Ampomah was arguably the player of the match, assisting three goals and scoring one himself, a performance that highlighted his immense value and form. Midfield maestro Kyle Bekker showcased his enduring class with a key assist, a testament to his career as a leader and a foundational piece of the Forge dynasty. Tristan Borges, a beloved figure and a veteran of the club, notched his first goal of the season, a timely reminder of his attacking prowess.

For Valour, it was a night to forget. Their recent form, which has seen them on a five-match losing streak, was brutally exposed. With a record of 4-2-11, they currently sit in a difficult 6th place in the standings. Their goalkeeper, Callum Weir, a short-term injury replacement, faced an onslaught and can hardly be blamed for the scoreline. 

Their manager, Phillip Dos Santos, a respected figure who has a history of building teams from the ground up, faces a challenging task to restore confidence and get his team back on track.

Managerial Chess and Squad Depth - Forge's success is deeply intertwined with the strategic genius of Bobby Smyrniotis. His ability to rotate the squad and have substitutes like Noah Jensen make an immediate impact speaks volumes about his coaching career and the high standards he instills. The relationship between Smyrniotis and his players is clearly built on trust and a shared vision of success.

For Valour, the situation is more complex. While they have a manager with a clear plan, they have been plagued by a string of bad luck, including injuries to key goalkeepers. The team's recent struggles underscore a need for greater collective cohesion and clinical finishing.