CF Monterrey is set to face Forge FC tonight at the Estadio BBVA for the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup first round tie, with Monterrey holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg. The battle promises to be intense as Forge FC seeks to overturn this deficit and advance to the next round.
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM EST, and it carries significant weight for both teams. Monterrey, having won the first leg at Hamilton Stadium thanks to goals from Nelson Deossa and Jordi Cortizo, will be aiming to secure their spot with minimal risk, needing merely a draw to qualify.
Meanwhile, Forge FC, the Canadian Premier League heavyweights, find themselves on the brink of elimination and must score at least three goals to have any hope of advancement. This requirement puts immense pressure on the club, which is seeking to turn around their fortunes after falling short last week.
Montgomery’s impressive performance on the road in the first leg—where they managed to dominate 52.6% possession—is one potential silver lining, but with Forge FC’s shorthandedness coming from being off their competitive feet for months, each match opportunity becomes ever so important as they seek to execute their game plan effectively.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the potential debut of Sergio Ramos, the legendary former Real Madrid defender recently signed by Monterrey. Coach Martin Demichelis cautioned against rushing the celebrated player back onto the pitch, stating, “Having a player like Sergio Ramos is not pressure; it's an honor.” He urged patience, highlighting Ramos’s absence from competitive play since May and the coaching staff’s desire to allow him to regain match fitness before appearing with the team.
With the stakes high, Forge FC’s head coach Bobby Smyrniotis expressed confidence, stating, “The game plan is clear... we know we’re going to come out and play some entertaining football.” The “Hammers” will rely on improving their finishing capabilities following missed opportunities during the last encounter.
The absence of competitive fixtures over the winter has them at somewhat of a disadvantage, as Monterrey has been active within the Liga MX, facing strong opposition and gaining momentum. While Forge FC remains optimistic, their earlier encounters against Mexican sides have not ended well, and the need for three clear goals puts them firmly at the underdog status.
The winner of this match will move on to meet the victor between Vancouver Whitecaps and Deportivo Saprissa—two other teams with rich offensive capabilities. Forge FC hopes to prove they can perform under pressure, even against the odds stacked against them.
Speculation around Ramos's involvement has generated excitement among fans of Monterrey, and the atmosphere will be electric as both the team and supporters seek to reaffirm their stature within the Concacaf tournament.
Despite the challenges, Forge FC has the talent to create chances, with glimpses of their potential from previous rounds evident. Players like Kevaughn Tavernier and David Choinière have shown they can score against top-tier teams, instilling some hope as they meet Monterrey again.
The Concacaf Champions Cup not only brings elite match-Ups like this to the forefront of international club competition but also provides opportunities for teams like Forge FC to showcase their capabilities on the world stage. The potential for history lies within tonight’s match.
For fans wishing to watch the match, Tubi will stream the action live, ensuring accessibility for those wanting to cheer either team on. Don’t miss the chance to catch what’s sure to be another memorable night of football.
Kickoff is just around the corner; as the dust settles from the first leg, expectations rise for both sides. Can Forge FC defy the odds and pull off the ultimate comeback or will Monterrey send them packing?