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Photo Credit: Jojo Yanjiao Qian
CPL-OPL Doubleheader: Forge, Sigma End Honours Even
By A rainy afternoon in Hamilton hosted a doubleheader, which saw the Canadian Premier League classic between Forge FC and Cavalry FC, as well as the Ontario Premier League 1 opener between Sigma and Unionville Milliken, take place.
Across 180 minutes of football, no team managed to take three points, with both games ending level. Here is the recap of both matches.
Forge 0-0 Cavalry: Hammers Hold Out for Point
The first clash in 2026 between Forge and Cavalry ended just as it started, as neither team found the back of the net in a goalless stalemate. In what was the 38th meeting between the pair all-time, it was only the second time that the contest ended without goals.
Forge came into the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat of Vancouver FC last Sunday. There were three changes to the starting 11 for the Hammers, as Dan Nimick, Ismael Oketokoun, and Maxime Filion all got the start.
As for the Cavs, who entered the weekend top of the league on goals scored, they also played their last game the Sunday prior, topping Atletico Ottawa 3-1 at home. Tommy Wheeldon Jr. decided not to make any adjustments to his starting lineup, maintaining the same 11.
The hosts started the brightest early on, and nearly found an opener less than five minutes in. After Filion did well to get a cross in the box, the ball touched several players before falling fortuitously to Oketokoun, but he could not beat Nate Ingham, who was there to make the stop.
A minute later, the Hamiltonians had another big chance. Off a free kick routine, Marko Jevremovic’s header towards the middle of the box found Antoine Batisse. The defender, who beat Bradley Kamdem to the ball, was kept out by Ingham, who was again called to action.
Forge continued to look the more dangerous side for the opening exchanges, as Tristan Borges also had an opportunity to break the deadlock. Found with enough space in the box, the skipper could only push his attempt wide of the target.
In total, Cavalry managed just one shot in the whole first half, to Forge’s 11. But, once the visitors fund their footing, they were able to stop their opponents from creating meaningful chances. As halftime came, there was certainly belief that something could change after the restart.
Neither manager decided to make a substitution during the interval, with the opening moments of the second half seeing Forge create another couple of chances. Hoce Massunda created some space to get a shot off, but Ingham was there to make the stop.
The game changed a few moments later. On a yellow card from the first half, Rezart Rama thought he was fouled, but the referee did not blow for one. The full back then got up and took down Goteh Ntignee. There was no hesitation from the referee as he called the play dead and showed Rama his second yellow of the match, sending him off.
Coach Bobby Smyrniotis challenged the decision, with the referee going over to the monitor to review the play. However, there was no change in the end, as the head official confirmed moments later that his initial call stood.
Cavalry’s best chance of the match came 13 minutes from time, when a crossfield pass found Adam Pearlman. The former HFX Wanderer laid it off for Harry Paton, who wore Forge colours last term. The midfielder’s effort from inside the box went well over the bar. It was a huge chance for the Cavs to take the lead late on.
With a few minutes left, Forge had another opportunity to put his side ahead. Noah Jensen created space on the right-hand side to play a cross. Finding fellow substitute Brian Wright, the striker’s header failed to hit the target. That was a massive let-off for the Cavs, as Wright was open in the box.
In the end, both sides had to be satisfied with a point. They go up to seven points from three games, with Cavalry leading the league on goals scored.
Next for Forge is a trip back to the west coast to take on Pacific. That match will take place next Sunday. Cavalry, who has now kept consecutive clean sheets against Forge for the second time, faces hosts Inter Toronto next Saturday.
Sigma 1-1 Unionville Milliken: Visitors Snatch Late Point
The other game of the day was in the night cap, where Sigma and Unionville Milliken were involved in a 1-1 draw in their OPL1 opener.
While it was the first league game of the season, both sides took the field last week in the OPL Cup. Sigma fell 3-1 at home to North Mississauga, resulting in their early elimination. Coach John Zervos made four changes to his starting 11 ahead of the match.
As for Unionville, who won the second division in 2025, they had a much more successful game in the OPL Cup, beating expansion side Kingston Sentinels 6-1 at home. Gaffer Nikola Stakic decided to make three adjustments to his side for the game in Hamilton.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, where a tough battle ensued between two sides who had not met since 2023. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 57th minute, when Josh Garcia put Sigma in front.
Unionville, unbeaten in their last seven OPL matches going back to last season, drew level nine minutes before the end. Lorenzo Abbaglivo came in clutch for the visitors, having come off the bench eight minutes prior.
The match ended 1-1, with the home team failing to hold onto their advantage. Both teams will return to the pitch next Saturday. For Sigma, it will be their first away match of the campaign when they face Simcoe County Rovers. As for Unionville, they return home as they face another new team in the division, International FC.
Header Image Photo Credit: Jojo Yanjiao Qian
