It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

After a long season with many twists and turns, we have finally arrived at the CPL Final and for the third time in six amazing seasons, the last two teams standing are Forge and Cavalry. 

The bags are packed and by the time you read this, The Most Important Podcast In The World will have touched down in Calgary to  watch the final in person.

It’s only fitting the last game will again be played by these two sides. After last year’s epic finale, and the history these teams have together, it just feels like there’s unfinished business and Cavalry still wants their revenge.

Cavalry has the advantage of hosting the final this year after Tobi Warschewski’s brilliant individual effort led to a 1-0 victory against Forge two weeks ago in Hamilton. 

It’s been a long season for both teams. They both played in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, played multiple matches in the Canadian Championship and continue to stand above the rest of the league.

In six years, these two teams have played each other 31 times. Eight of those have come in the playoffs. 

Dominick Zator, Joel Waterman, Nik Ledgerwood, Triston Henry, David Edgar, and Woobens Pacius are among the names that have been involved over the years, while some names have stayed the same.

A two-legged final in 2019 began at Tim Hortons Field. The first leg had a penalty save by Marco Carducci, multiple crossbars hit and two red cards handed out. Tristen Borges would score the only goal to give Forge the lead heading to Calgary. 

That’s where Forge’s defense would be the story, withstanding 14 shots and an unrelenting attack in the second half before eventually David Choiniere scored on a counter-attack in extra time to seal it for the Hamiltonians.

They two wouldn’t meet in the playoffs again until 2022: this time in a two-legged semi-final. In Calgary, Daan Klomp and Woobens Pacius traded goals in an exciting 1-1 draw. The tie would shift to Hamilton and again, both teams would be shown a red card in true Forge-Cavs style. Eventually, David Choiniere would find another big goal, Pacius doubled the lead from the spot. Myer Bevan would get one back for Cavalry but Forge would shut it down from there and again get the better of their foes. 

Finally, there’s 2023. First they met in the semi-final. Kyle Bekker was the man of the match with a goal and an assist and Forge would win the match 2-1 and earn home field advantage for the final. The Cavs met  them there after dispatching Pacific. But what more needs to be said about the 2023 final that hasn’t been said already? Crickets for 90 minutes, Ali Musse’s silencer, Beni Badibanga’s equalizer from the edge of the box, and finally that moment from Borges at the corner flag with Adam Jenkins’ fantastic call to go along with it. 

Which brings us to Saturday. Forge has history on their side, but Cavalry has  the momentum. 

Goaltending is close- Jassem Koleilat was fantastic against Ottawa last week, but I give the edge to the CPL OG Marco Carducci.

Defending-  the edge has to go to the home side as well. The fewest goals allowed in the regular season, and while Forge have a strong backline led by Achinioti-Jonsson, the Cavs defense of Daan Klomp, Callum Montgomery, Bradley Kamdem and Fraser Aird are just a touch stronger.

Midfield isn’t even close. Don’t get me wrong-Sergio Camargo had a great year, Ali Musse is an x-factor and Jay Herdman’s been a nice addition. But Forge’s midfield is ridiculous. Kyle Bekker, Tristen Borges and Alessandro Hojabrpour are all nominated for the Player of the Year AND Players’ Player of the Year. This trio has dominated up and down the pitch all season long and Forge will rely on them once more. 

Forwards are a tricky one to gauge. With Forge, you have David Choiniere and Beni Badibanga who know a thing or two about clutch goals. On the other end, you have Tobias Warschewski, the Golden Boot winner this year, who scored the lone goal in the semi-final. It’s another tough one, but I have to go with the man most in form and give the edge to Cavalry. 

Coaching is like choosing between your favourite meal served to you on a fancy plate, and your favourite meal served to you on a fancy plate with a beard. They’re both incredible. Give the advantage to Bobby Smyrniotis because of four CPL titles. 

Who do you think takes the title this year? Does Cavalry finally reach the mountain top, or does Forge complete the ‘drive for five’?

My prediction is 2-1 Cavalry with a Daan Klomp header off a set-piece making the difference. 

So with my track record of predictions this year, you can go ahead and congratulate Forge now.