Hojabrpour Headlines Forge Departures

Perrenial title contenders Forge FC has confirmed the remainder of the club’s departures, with yet another big name set to leave the club.

The Hammers had already confirmed defenders Garven Metusala, Malcom Duncan, and Dominic Samuel would depart, with today’s news confirming the long-rumoured departure of key midfield cog Alessandro Hojabrpour following the end of his contract.

The tough and tireless 25-year-old has flourished in Forge’s midfield after arriving from a title-winning Pacific side in 2022, coming just two games shy of 100 for the Hammers after cementing his spot as a strong starter for Bobby Smyrniotis.

We’re told his next move is already sorted, which should come as no surprise given that he’d clock in as one of the hottest free agents of the league’s offseason.

Also departing are forwards Jordan Hamilton and Terran Campbell.

Campbell had moved to Hamilton alongside Hojabrpour after the duo won the league there with Pacific, tallying 18 goals in 78 appearances before departing this year.

His final season in orange was marred by injuries, with Campbell – who now plays as a centre-forward but started his CPL career as a midfielder – completing just eleven appearances in 2024. Coming off a tough season, the Burnaby native will be looking to bounce back quickly.

Former TFC striker Jordan Hamilton, 28, arrived highly-touted in 2022 following spells with Indy Eleven and Sligo Rovers. Racking up just seven goals in the seasons since, however, he hasn’t reached the heights many believed he could in CPL.

With Forge bringing in York United’s Brian Wright following the striker’s award-winning season – with Molham Babouli likely coming in too – the final third for the perennial title contenders will look quite different this year.

The club has also confirmed that local youngster Sebastian Castillo will not be returning, with midseason reinforcement Victor Klonaridis having already left.

There’s still a lot of stability with the club’s core: club originals Kyle Bekker and Tristan Borges committed to new multi-year deals, with Alexander Achioniti-Jonsson still under contract.

Heavy hitters like Beni Badibanga and Malik Owolabi-Belewu had their options triggered, alongside goalkeeper duo Christopher Kalongo and Jassem Koleilat. CF Monterrey’s Daniel Parra had his loan option triggered (although a Liga MX move remains a possibility), with former Cuban international Orlendis Benitez being given a contract for the full season.

The Hamilton-based club is presently in Cancun to prepare for their continental matches against CF Monterrey next month. With Forge touted as the perennial flagbearer of the league, the expectations for its upcoming games – and further roster signings – will be high.

Forge isn’t the only trophy-hoisting side to lose out on star talent, with Cavalry’s Daan Klomp currently abroad in anticipating of a new opportunity outside of Canada. The league looks likely to gain some of its star talent back, however, with Marco Bustos rumoured to be locked in to return.

Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques