Forge FC Beat Atletico Ottawa 2-1 in Canadian Premier League Away Test

Forge FC secured a valuable 2-1 away victory over Atletico Ottawa in Canadian Premier League action on October 18, 2026, with Tristan Borges and Kwasi Poku scoring at TD Place Stadium. The result strengthens Forge FC’s push in the CPL standings while leaving Atletico Ottawa to reflect on a home performance that promised more than it delivered.

Match Overview

Forge FC started with intent, pressing high and forcing Atletico Ottawa into hurried decisions at the back. The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute when Tristan Borges cut inside from the right and curled a precise left-footed effort beyond the Ottawa goalkeeper. Atletico Ottawa responded well before half-time, enjoying more possession and forcing several set pieces, but Forge’s defensive block held firm.

The home side found their equalizer in the 58th minute through Samuel Salter, who met a deep cross with a powerful header. That goal lifted the crowd and shifted the momentum briefly toward Atletico Ottawa, but Forge FC remained dangerous on the counter. The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Kwasi Poku raced onto a through ball, held off a defender, and finished low into the far corner for a 2-1 lead.

Key Moments

• 23’ – Tristan Borges opens the scoring: A composed finish from the edge of the box after a quick Forge transition.
• 41’ – Ottawa’s best first-half chance: A close-range header forced a sharp save from the Forge goalkeeper.
• 58’ – Samuel Salter equalizes: The Ottawa forward powered a header home from a well-delivered cross.
• 81’ – Kwasi Poku wins it: A clinical counter-attacking finish restored Forge’s lead and silenced the home support.
• 90+3’ – Late Ottawa pressure: Atletico Ottawa sent bodies forward, but Forge defended their box with discipline.

Tactical Story

Forge FC’s 4-3-3 shape was built around aggressive pressing in wide areas. Borges and Poku constantly attacked the space behind Atletico Ottawa’s full-backs, while the midfield trio screened the central lane and forced Ottawa to play sideways. The away side did not dominate possession, but they controlled the most dangerous moments of the match.

Atletico Ottawa, by contrast, wanted to build patiently through midfield and use Salter as a focal point. That plan worked in patches, especially after half-time, but the home side struggled to turn territory into clear chances. When Forge reclaimed the lead late on, Ottawa’s response was energetic but lacked the composure needed to break down a compact defensive block.

Standout Players

Tristan Borges was central to Forge FC’s best attacking work, combining intelligent movement with a decisive finish. Kwasi Poku’s pace proved difficult to handle all evening, and his winning goal underlined why he is such a threat in transition. For Atletico Ottawa, Samuel Salter was the brightest attacking outlet, while the midfield worked hard to keep the team in the contest until the final whistle.

Table and Season Impact

The win gives Forge FC important momentum in the Canadian Premier League standings and reinforces their reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous away sides. For Atletico Ottawa, the defeat is a missed opportunity to build momentum at home, though the performance showed enough attacking promise to suggest better results are within reach. With the CPL season entering a decisive stretch, both clubs will know that fine margins such as these often shape the final playoff picture.