Forge FC to host rivals Cavalry FC at Tim Hortons Field in 2023 CPL opener

Forge FC will kick off its 2023 Canadian Premier League regular season schedule at home against bitter rivals Calvary FC.

The two sides will meet at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 15, at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton as part of the CPL’s opening weekend.

Bobby Smyrniotis’ Forge defeated Tommy Wheeldon Jr.’s Calgary-based side in last year’s Semi-Final, sending The Hammers to the Final en route to their third North Star Shield in four seasons.

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The league announced the opening matches for all eight clubs on Friday. The full 2023 schedule will be released on Monday.

The CPL season-opening match will feature a BC derby on Apr. 14, with expansion side Vancouver FC travelling to Pacific FC in the club’s inaugural match at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m.

Atlético Ottawa, 2022 regular season champion and playoff finalist, will host Halifax Wanderers in Ottawa at 1 p.m. on Apr. 15.

Opening weekend wraps up with a battle between York United FC and Valour FC at York Lions Stadium in Toronto on Apr. 16 at 2 p.m.

The CPL is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.

Three-time champions Forge will again be the favourites heading into the new season with its winning roster largely intact. David Choiniere, Ashtone Morgan, and Triston Henry were re-signed this offseason. More signings are expected in the coming weeks.