Atletico Ottawa 1-2 Forge FC produced a tense, late-season Canadian Premier League encounter in which Forge FC’s cutting edge in the final third proved the difference. The visitors struck early, absorbed pressure after Ottawa’s equaliser, and found the winning goal late on to take all three points from a difficult away fixture.

Match overview

Forge FC began with purpose and pressed Atletico Ottawa high up the pitch, forcing turnovers in midfield and preventing the home side from settling into a passing rhythm. That approach paid off in the first half, but Ottawa responded well after the break and levelled through a well-worked attacking move. Just as the match appeared to be drifting toward a draw, Forge FC found one more decisive moment, converting a late chance to secure a 2-1 victory.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Forge FC opened the scoring after a quick transition, with Tristan Borges finishing calmly from the edge of the area.
• 54th minute: Atletico Ottawa equalised when Ballou Tabla drifted inside from the left and curled a low effort beyond the goalkeeper.
• 67th minute: Ottawa’s goalkeeper made a strong save to deny Forge a second goal during a spell of sustained pressure.
• 82nd minute: Forge FC grabbed the winner as Kwasi Poku latched onto a loose ball in the box and powered it home.
• 90+4th minute: Ottawa pushed numbers forward in stoppage time, but Forge defended their box with composure to see out the result.

Tactical story

Forge FC’s high press was the defining tactical feature of the match. By closing down Ottawa’s central midfielders quickly, the visitors disrupted the home side’s build-up and created several chances from turnovers. Ottawa adjusted after half-time, using wider positions and quicker switches of play to stretch Forge’s defensive block. The equaliser came from exactly that pattern, but Forge’s experience and game management in the closing stages proved decisive. Their midfield dropped slightly deeper late on, inviting pressure while protecting the central lane, and the winning goal arrived from a rare transition opportunity.

Standout players

Borges was central to Forge’s best attacking moments, linking midfield and attack with sharp movement and composed finishing. Poku’s late winner underlined his impact as a substitute, while Forge’s goalkeeper handled several dangerous Ottawa crosses and set pieces with authority. For Ottawa, Tabla was the most threatening outlet, and their goalkeeper kept the home side in the contest with a pair of important saves.

Season impact

The result strengthens Forge FC’s position in the Canadian Premier League standings and reinforces their reputation as one of the league’s most resilient away teams. For Atletico Ottawa, the defeat is a frustrating setback in the push for a favourable playoff position, especially after a second-half performance that merited more. Ottawa will need to turn territorial pressure into points quickly, while Forge can take confidence from another narrow but professionally managed victory.