CF Montréal Faces Season-Defining Showdown Against Forge FC
Alright, let’s talk about a moment that might just define CF Montréal’s entire 2025 season — their high-stakes clash against Forge FC in the Canadian Championship. This isn’t just another midweek fixture; this is do-or-die, a real “final before the final.”
CF Montréal finds itself in a critical position. After a disappointing 1-0 loss in the first leg in Hamilton back on May 20th, they’re trailing and now absolutely must deliver at home. And let’s be honest, with their MLS playoff hopes all but gone — trailing by 14 points from the last qualifying spot — the Canadian Championship is their last real shot at glory this year.
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Head coach Marco Donadel didn’t mince words. He straight up called this game a final. Not in the mathematical sense, but in terms of attitude, urgency, and meaning. And he’s right — win this, and Montréal is just three games away from lifting the Voyageurs Cup and punching a ticket to the prestigious CONCACAF Champions Cup. That’s no small reward.
What makes this clash even more compelling is the weight of recent history. It was Forge FC, after all, that eliminated Montréal from this same tournament last year. That sting still lingers, and if that’s not enough to fuel motivation, Donadel questioned whether some players are in the right profession. That’s how serious it is.
Looking back, Montréal’s form has been patchy. Injuries, fatigue, and a brutal schedule — 7 games in just 22 days — left them struggling to find rhythm. And that includes the first-leg loss to Forge, where they looked flat, uninspired, and second-best across the board. Veteran defender Joel Waterman even admitted they lost every battle on the field that day.
But here’s the thing: this is still CF Montréal. They’ve got the talent, the home crowd, and now, presumably, a rested squad. Waterman says it best — tactics are important, sure, but right now, it’s all about willpower. They need to win individual duels, fight for every ball, and play like there’s no tomorrow.
Forge FC, though, is no pushover. They’re four-time Canadian Premier League champions and unbeaten in domestic play so far this season. They’ve been a force, and their striker Brian Wright — the match-winner from leg one — is in top form. Add to that the fact they recently took Monterrey to the limit in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and you know they’re legit.
Still, CF Montréal has every reason to believe they can flip the script. But they’ll need to show character, urgency, and — above all — heart. Because if they want this season to mean something, if they want to give their fans a reason to believe again, then this match isn’t optional. It’s essential.
So yes, it’s just a quarterfinal on paper. But in spirit? It’s a final. Let’s see if Montréal plays like it.
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