Cavalry FC are heading to the Canadian Premier League final after beating a team they have struggled with in the past: Hamilton Forge FC.

Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci is an original member of the club.

Over the years, it has had a lot of victories, but it has also suffered some heartbreaking defeats, most of them in the playoffs against Forge FC.

That’s why it was so satisfying to beat Forge 1-0 in Hamilton in the one-on-two playoff match this weekend.

“Yeah, it was great, obviously,” Carducci said, smiling.

“Historically speaking, it’s always a tough place to play, but of course in the playoffs it’s always been a hurdle that we haven’t been able to get over, so taking that first step was great. That’s great, but that’s exactly what it is, it’s the first step.

Indeed, the biggest prize will come on November 9 when Cavalry hosts the league final.

They will face the winner of Forge FC and Atlético Ottawa. Midfielder Fraser Aird says it will be great to play in front of the home fans.

“I mean, getting to the final is not easy,” Aird said.

“As a professional player, it’s never easy, and you can only do it a few times in your career. The fact that we are hosting a final in front of our fans and in front of our family, it is a great opportunity for the club and also a great opportunity for the players to get even more trophies.

For the fans

This is the first time Calgary has hosted the Canadian Premier League final since 2019.

Head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. says after having to play the CONCACAF home game in Victoria due to bad weather in Calgary, this game will be reserved for fans.

“To bring the final here and play the last game of the season here and have the opportunity to lift the trophy in front of them like we did last year with North Shield, I think it’s exceptional.”

“So this one is for the fans, and I think we’re already close to selling out, but we want to fill the seats and use that as our advantage for their support.”

In the record books

One more note from the match against Forge, Carducci assisted Tobias Warschewski on the only goal of the match. He became the first goalkeeper in league history to record an assist. He says it’s great to get into the record books for something like this.

“Well, first of all it’s a great feeling,” he said.

“I’m happy to be able to help on the other side.” Obviously my job is to keep the ball out of the net in our end and I was happy to be able to do that, but adding a little bit on the other side was great.

The league final will be played on Saturday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. at ATCO Field.