Forge FC managed to secure a 1-1 draw against FC Supra du Quebec in the Canadian Championship semifinal first leg with Daniel Krutzen’s late equalizer at Stade Boreale. Supra took the lead through Ibrahim Conde, but struggled to close out the game once again.
Supra head coach Nick Razzaghi expressed mixed feelings about the result, acknowledging the team’s character and defensive solidity but also highlighting room for improvement. Both teams made significant lineup changes from their previous encounter in the Canadian Premier League.
Forge, a consistent force in the CPL, adjusted their game after a slow start and displayed a more characteristic performance. Coach Bobby Smyrniotis emphasized the importance of avoiding complacency despite past success.
The match saw Supra take the lead in the 36th minute after a swift counterattack orchestrated by Conde and Kwemi. Despite Forge’s immediate response and relentless pressure, they went into halftime trailing.
In the second half, Forge continued to press forward in search of the equalizer, testing Supra’s defense repeatedly. Krutzen’s crucial goal in stoppage time leveled the score, salvaging a draw for Forge and setting up an intriguing second leg in Hamilton.
Forge’s dominance at home has been a consistent theme, with the team establishing their stadium as a formidable fortress. The return leg of the semifinal is scheduled for September 15, promising another exciting clash between these two Canadian soccer powerhouses.