Alright, Sharms. You got your wish.

York is moving on to the quarterfinal on Sunday to face Atletico Ottawa in what could end up being the league’s next big rivalry following the comments exchanged between Ottawa coach Carlos Gonzalez and York’s bench boss Benjamin Mora earlier this month.

Pacific worked their butts off to make it there, playing good football coming into Wednesday’s affair while York had lost four of five to end the season.

York played a great defensive game and Oswaldo Leon outjumped Kunle Dada-Luke to get onto the end of a perfectly placed cross from Juan Cordova to put the Nine Stripes ahead and that’s all they needed, winning 2-0. 

Now we’re being treated to a double-header on Sunday with the aforementioned York-Ottawa quarterfinal and the first of two semi-finals between the CPL’s ‘OG’ rivalry: Forge and Cavalry. 

It’s going to be must-see drama that hopefully will live up to expectations. 

I was asked what my article would be about when I was lucky enough to be a guest on Tuesday’s episode of The Most Important Podcast In The World and after a couple of days to think, (and seeing everyone else do it), I’ve decided that since nobody asked, I’m going to name by CPL Team of the Season. 

With the amount of talent this season, there’s absolutely going to be some deserving names left off, but here we go:

Goalkeeper: Callum Irving

You could make the case for about 4 different keepers who have all had fantastic seasons, but I am going with Vancouver FC’s captain. He set a CPL record with 95 saves in a season, tied the record for 11 saves in a single game and made two penalty saves. He only put up 5 clean sheets, but he had arguably the weakest backline in the league in front of him. 

Honourable mentions: Thomas Vincensini, Emil Gazdov and Marco Carducci.

Backline: Themi Antonoglu, Alexander Achinioti-Jonsson, Daan Klomp, Fraser Aird

Throughout six years of the CPL, nobody has appeared in more matches in league history than Achinioti-Jonsson. This year was no exception as he’s played every minute for Forge. He led the league in total passes and blocks and he did it all while only being booked four times. The big Swede is an absolute rock and core piece of the Forge dynasty that led to one trophy so far and possibly a double. 

Honourable mentions: Thomas Meilleur-Giguere, Amer Didic and Daniel Nimick

Midfield: Tristen Borges, Manny Aparicio, Alessandro Hojabrpour, Kyle Bekker

I don’t know if you can tell, but Forge absolutely dominated the midfield this season and their captain was a big part of that. Another CPL original and recent guest on the podcast, Bekker had another banner year in orange. He finished second with six assists and added two goals. But it’s his box-to-box play and leadership that make him stand out on the pitch. Another great season in the books and he deserves the spot. 

Honourable Mentions: Ali Musse, Sean Young, Elijah Adekugbe

Forwards: Ruben del Campo, Tobias Warschewski

 He only went and did it. Five goals in his final three matches leapfrogged the former German youth international to the top of the Golden Boot race. Warschewski has found his scoring touch at the perfect time and is proving exactly why Cavalry brought him back into the CPL after a year away. He could be the missing piece to finally bring the North Star Cup to Calgary. 

Honourable Mentions: Brian Wright, Alejandro Diaz, Moses Dyer

So that’s Brett’s Best XI for this year. 

Did I get it right? Who did I snub? I’d love to hear your thoughts.