CF Montreal loses TELUS Canadian Championship Final to Forge FC

The slow-burn defeat mirrored CF Montreal’s difficult regular season

SportsNicolas Tremblay — Published October 23, 2026 4 minutes

Montreal’s regular season has been difficult, as the club finished second-last in Major League Soccer and last in the East Division before the final.

The first half featured high physical intensity and lots of stoppages as Montreal came out strong with a few scoring chances. 

Montreal forward Prince Owusu had the opportunity to open the scoring from a penalty in the 21st minute, but a diving save from Bertaud kept the game scoreless. Defender Antoine Batisse put Forge 1-0 up in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time.

The second half, while still intense, was slightly calmer than the first, with both teams sharing similar possession and offensive zone time.

Montreal forward Daniel Ríos scored in the 49th minute, tying the championship game and giving hope to Montreal fans. But defender Brayan Vera received a second yellow card in the 54th minute for diving, putting the team down to 10 men for the remainder of the game. 

Montreal captain Samuel Piette and forward Alexis Sánchez did not see any game time during the match, with Sánchez appearing disappointed on the sideline after interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy's decision.

Eullaffroy said he wanted to be creative and bring Sánchez on at the right moment to make a difference.

“What could I have done, maybe? Would it have worked? We'll never know. When it's a 10 against 11, you need a little more support on the field. I thought it was probably the best arrangement, keeping Prince until the end, who still had energy,” Eullaffroy said.

Eullaffroy also commented on Vera's second card. 

“The referee could have been a little more pedagogical and not give him the second yellow. I don't know, but it completely broke the good momentum we had in the second half,” Eullaffroy said. 

Montreal defender Luca Petrasso was satisfied with his team and personal performances overall, but the defeat was not the result he wanted.

“I think we’re all basically hit by a train in that sense. Play 120 minutes and losing penalties, down a man for probably almost 70 minutes and still created chances," Petrasso said. "I thought we started off really well. I thought we were energy, everything. Get a penalty, couldn't make it, it happens." 

The two 15-minute overtime periods were slower and less physical than the two first halves. Overtime was marked by solid occasional scoring attempts from both teams and important saves from the goalkeepers. 

After 120 minutes of play, it was time for penalty kicks. Owusu shot first for Montreal, but missed his second penalty of the game. Midfielder Hennadiy Synchuk also missed for Montreal, while Forge’s first two penalty takers converted their shots. James, Forge's fifth shooter, beat goalkeeper Sebastian Breza to give his team the victory.

Despite the defeat, Petrasso said Montreal’s goal is always to be competitive.

“You’ve got to suck it up. It is what it is. We lost, and we’ve got to move on. We’ve got to stick together as a team. That’s the most important part.” — Luca Petrasso, CF Montreal defender

Forge midfielder Noah Jensen praised Montreal’s efforts and strong start and looked back on his team’s defensive improvements over the season to reach this point.

“Before the game, I told everyone that I want us to be remembered as the first CPL [Canadian Premier League] team to lift that trophy, and in our stadium we have pictures of all the big moments our club has had,” Jensen said. “I told everyone I want to see the picture of our starting XI there and remember it as the day we won the Canadian Championship.” 

With the win, Hamilton’s team has earned a place in the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Forge head coach Bobby Smyrniotis said preparation is important for games like this.

“It's always a unique game when you play in a final, and we don't take much of what you see in the opponent, what their record is in the last few games, because you always know that you're going to get the best version of them and they're going to get the best version of us,” Smyrniotis said.

Saputo Stadium was not full, with 14,081 in attendance. However, club ultras filled the west end of the stadium, chanting and waving flags throughout the game. After the loss, the angry ultras voiced their disapproval by throwing smoke bombs and flares on the pitch.

CF Montreal continues the tail end of its season against Nashville SC on Oct. 24 at Saputo Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.