After another great weekend of football in the CPL, we find the table in a total log-jam in the middle of the pack. Second through 6th are all separated by only three points. 

Halifax and Valour both lost, widening the gap for both teams  to 8 points out of a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Pacific picked up a big win in Ottawa, and Vancouver & Forge shared the points in a 6-goal thriller.

Also a big shoutout to Stephen Eustaquio, giving the CPL a shoutout live in his postgame interview following Canada’s 2-0 loss against Argentina in the Copa America semis.

We are nearly at the halfway point for the CPL season, so next week we will take a look at how each time has progressed in the second quarter of the season compared to the first (and laugh at what the hell I was thinking).

Until  then, we also have to point out the two clubs who had an extra game this week.

Both Pacific and Forge played the first legs of their Canadian Championship semi-finals against MLS squads earlier this week and it is very possible we could see an all-CPL final.

If you remember, I wrote about the Canadian Championship in my second CPL Corner. I said a CPL team could win the tournament this year if they got a couple bounces, but I also said it was more likely that it wouldn’t happen this year. If Forge or Pacific can  pull it off, it will be the happiest I’ve ever been to be wrong.

I’m still disappointed by the lack of Canadians being played by the MLS sides in this event. TFC and VWFC only started three domestic players each and brought two in as subs. But that’s a rant for another day.

Forge finds itself 90 minutes away from defeating a second MLS side in the Cup, after an incredible 2-1 victory at home. Beni Badibanga is possibly the most exciting player in the CPL.   What an insane goal he scored from his own side of half, catching Luka Gavran well off his line. Kwasi Poku doubled Forge’s pleasure only three minutes later and if it wasn’t for Prince Owusu’s late goal, Forge would be in a comfortable spot heading to BMO Field. Bobby Smyrnoitis’ side should  be flowing with confidence  heading into the second leg and I like their chances against a TFC side that’s winless in its last 10 matches.

Pacific has a tall task ahead of them heading into the second leg at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps were able to find a second half goal off the head of Ryan Gauld and it was all the defending champions needed to pick up the 1-0 win. Vancouver is  the side I think mostly everyone expected to win their third straight Voyageurs Cup. 

But Pacific is still very much in with a shot here. The Caps have been unconvincing in the Canadian Championship. They were abysmal in the second leg at home against Cavalry, advancing only on away goals and the game comes after the bloody stupid Leagues Cup so depending on how Vancouver performs there, they may not be at match fitness. 

Meanwhile Pacific are still the best defensive team in CPL with only 10 goals against, but they are desperate to find the net. Josh Heard is the player I’ll be looking to see step up on the big stage.

If they can’t, Forge would have to beat all three MLS teams to win the Cup, and what a story that would be.

But we will find out in the second legs of the Canadian Championship semis in…

SEVEN WEEKS?!