In this episode of Forge Daily, host Steve Milton and head coach Bobby Smyrniotis discuss Forge FC's recent experience in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against CF Monterrey. They delve into the challenges faced during travel, the team's performance in the matches, and the integration of new players. Bobby emphasizes the importance of taking chances in high-stakes games and reflects on the potential of younger players. The conversation also touches on the upcoming season, rivalries, community engagement through school day matches, and the team's preparation for the future.

Takeaways

• Forge FC faced tough competition against CF Monterrey.
• Travel challenges impacted the team's return home.
• The team showed resilience despite the losses.
• Bobby emphasizes the need to score chances.
• Integration of new players is crucial for success.
• Youth players showed promise in the final minutes.
• Community engagement is important for building support.
• Rivalries with Cavalry FC and York United are significant.
• The team aims to lift a trophy this season.
• Training camp will focus on preparing for a long season.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of the CONCACAF Experience

02:59 - Travel Challenges and Team Resilience

05:54 - Analysis of the Matches Against CF Monterey

09:06 - Team Development and Integration of New Players

12:06 - Youth Player Performance and Future Prospects

15:03 - Looking Ahead: Upcoming Season and Rivalries

18:10 - Community Engagement and School Day Matches

21:05 - The Importance of Local Rivalries

23:52 - Training Camp and Preparation for the Season

In this episode, Mac & Milty dive into Forge FC's upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup matchup against Monterrey, set for February 5th at home and February 11th away. They discuss the challenges of playing at altitude, the potential for Daniel Parra's return, and the Canadian Championship draw that pits Forge against Halifax in the first round. Plus, a look at Monterrey's league aspirations and Coach Bobby's thoughts on cold weather as a home-field advantage.

Chapters

0:00 Concacaf kickoff

3:20 Comparing Altitude

5:00 Drawing a Liga MX side

7:00 Daniel Parra

11:00 Canchamp Draw!

13:00 Revisiting Concacaf

14:35 Key Players & Considerations

Key Takeaways:

• The Concacaf kickoff is set! Forge FC will face Monterrey on February 5th at home and February 11th away.
• Hamilton has the option to re-sign Daniel Parra, with Milty noting they “kind of let him go,” leaving room for a possible return.
• Forge FC is set to take on Halifax in the first round of the Canadian Championship. A win would lead to a matchup against either CF Montreal or Toronto FC.
• Monterrey has the chance to secure the league championship if they succeed in Mexico this weekend.
• “Give me the cold!” Coach Bobby highlights the challenge of heat and altitude but insists nothing is tougher than playing on a snowy day at Tim Hortons Field.

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Welcome back to Forge Daily with your host, Mackenzie Barwell! In this episode, we dive into Forge FC's exciting Concacaf Champions Cup draw against CF Monterrey, the standout picks from the CPL U Sports Draft, and what it all means for Forge moving forward. Listen to hear Coach Bobby & Kyle Bekker’s thoughts on the news.

Chapters:

0:50 CONCACAF draw

2:00 Bobby’s Comments!

4:50 Chat w/ Kyle Bekker’s

10:00 USports Draft

Key Takeaways:

Concacaf Champions Cup: Forge FC draws Liga MX giants CF Monterrey in Round One.

Bobby Smyrniotis: Stresses using past experience to aim beyond qualification.

Kyle Bekker: Talks preparation, ambition, and challenges of off-season form.

CPL U Sports Draft:

• Paul Ekwueme (McMaster): Versatile local midfielder.
• Maxim Filion (Montréal): Strong striker adding depth.

Ticket Reminder: 2025 Season Seat Members get first access for February's Concacaf match.

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Instagram: @ForgeFC
TikTok: @ForgeFCHamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton