Match Recap: Forge FC vs CF Monterrey (Leg 1)

In what will end up being one of the coldest nights in this year’s competition, Mexican giants CF Monterrey demonstrated their championship pedigree with a 2-0 victory over Forge FC at Hamilton Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite entering as clear underdogs, the Canadian Premier League side showed remarkable quality in the opening half, creating several dangerous opportunities that could have altered the match’s trajectory. Forge’s most promising chance came in the 30th minute when Rezart Rama found Bian Wright in space, though the opportunity went begging.

The five-time Champions Cup winners adjusted to the bitter conditions after the break, displaying their class in the 53rd minute. A brilliant sequence saw Óliver Torres connect with Roberto de la Rosa at the edge of the penalty area, before Nelson Deossa fired home into the top corner. Jordi Cortizo doubled the lead in the 66th minute with a stunning free kick, effectively putting the first leg beyond reach.

Forge nearly pulled one back through Alex Achinioti-Jönsson’s effort that whispered past the post, but it proved to be their final clear opportunity of the night.

The Canadian side’s lack of match fitness – coming off a seven-week break – may have proved decisive, particularly after their strong first-half showing suggested an upset was possible. Forge now faces an uphill battle in the return leg at Estadio BBVA, where they’ll need to overcome both a two-goal deficit and a passionate crowd of over 53,000.

Match Details

Competition: CONCACAF Champions CUp

Date: 2/5/2025

Venue: Hamilton Stadium (formally Tim Horton’s Field

Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET

Team Lineups

Forge: Koleilat; Rama (Kane 90+1′), Achinioti-Jönsson, Nimick, Jevremović (Paton 83′); Hojabrpour, Bekker (Ampomah 84′), Borges; Choinière (Jensen 75′), Wright (Filion 75′), Babouli

CF Monterrey: Cardenas; Chávez, Moreno (Rodriguez 46′), Leone, Arteaga; Deossa (Basulto 64′), Ambriz (Soto 75′), Fimbres (Canales 82′), Óliver (Cortizo 64′); Alvarado, de la Rosa