2023 Forge FC season

Forge FC entered the season as the reigning Canadian Premier League champions after having won the 2022 Canadian Premier League final against Atlético Ottawa.{{cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-atletico-ottawa-0-2-forge-fc-cpl-final-2022 |title=Match Analysis: Atlético Ottawa 0-2 Forge FC — CPL Final 2022 |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |website=Canadian Premier League |date=October 30, 2022 |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101200339/https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-atletico-ottawa-0-2-forge-fc-cpl-final-2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |url-status=live}} This was the club's third CPL title and fourth finals appearance in four years, leading to the Canadian Premier League and several pundits to declare Forge FC to be a dynasty.{{multiref2

|1={{cite web |title=Dynasty Win: Forge FC Claims Third North Star Shield |url=https://northerntribune.ca/2022-canadian-premier-league-forge-win/ |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=John |last=Jacques |date=October 30, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031004207/https://northerntribune.ca/2022-canadian-premier-league-forge-win/ |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |url-status=live}}

|2={{Cite tweet |user=CPLsoccer |author=Canadian Premier League |author-link=Canadian Premier League |number=1586895638952050688 |title=Dynasty. For the third time in four seasons, @ForgeFCHamilton are the team that lifts the North Star Shield, and the celebrations are just beginning |date=October 30, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101074837/https://twitter.com/CPLsoccer/status/1586895638952050688 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |url-status=live}}

|3={{Cite news |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/soccer/opinion/2022/10/31/you-can-say-it-forge-is-a-dynasty.html |title=You can say it: Forge is a dynasty |first=Steve |last=Milton |work=The Hamilton Spectator |date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101072525/https://www.thespec.com/sports/soccer/opinion/2022/10/31/you-can-say-it-forge-is-a-dynasty.html |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |url-status=live}}

|4={{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/podcasts/footy-prime/this-just-in--cpl-dynasty--epl-surprises-and-who-manages-the-bes.html |title=This Just In! CPL Dynasty, EPL surprises and who manages the best style? |website=Toronto Star |date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101200336/https://www.thestar.com/podcasts/footy-prime/this-just-in--cpl-dynasty--epl-surprises-and-who-manages-the-bes.html |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |url-status=live}}

|5={{Cite tweet |user=footy_prime |author=Footy Prime |number=1586871312785580034 |title=Hammer it into the record books, Bobby has Forged a dynasty in Hamilton! |date=October 30, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |retweet=Craig Forrest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209011928/https://twitter.com/footy_prime/status/1586871312785580034 |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |url-status=live}}}}

Beginning this season, the top five CPL teams will qualify for the playoffs and both the Canadian Premier League champion and regular season winner will qualify for the newly reorganized and expanded CONCACAF Champions Cup.{{Cite press release |url=https://canpl.ca/article/canadian-premier-league-announces-new-playoff-format |title=Canadian Premier League announces new playoff format |publisher=Canadian Premier League |date=March 15, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606114839/https://canpl.ca/article/canadian-premier-league-announces-new-playoff-format |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://onesoccer.ca/a/concacaf-unveils-rebranded-premier-club-competition-concacaf-champions-cup |title=Concacaf unveils rebranded premier club competition, Concacaf Champions Cup |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor-Clarke |work=OneSoccer |date=June 6, 2023 |access-date=June 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610192134/https://onesoccer.ca/a/concacaf-unveils-rebranded-premier-club-competition-concacaf-champions-cup |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |url-status=live}} Along with the Champions Cup spot awarded to the winner of the Canadian Championship, Forge has three qualification paths to the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. As a result of the reorganization, the 2022 CPL champions were not given a spot in any CONCACAF competitions, making this the first season in Forge's history not to include any international competitive matches.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/soccer/opinion/2023/02/24/forge-fc-hamilton-training-camp.html |title=Forge FC is back on the pitch |first=Steve |last=Milton |work=The Hamilton Spectator |date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=June 5, 2023 |quote=For the first time in their short history, the Hammers won’t play a big-competition international game. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404154949/https://www.thespec.com/sports/soccer/opinion/2023/02/24/forge-fc-hamilton-training-camp.html |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/soccer/opinion/2023/04/13/forge-fc-wants-to-win-everything.html |title=Forge FC wants to 'win everything' |first=Steve |last=Milton |work=The Hamilton Spectator |date=April 13, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602210050/https://www.thespec.com/sports/soccer/opinion/2023/04/13/forge-fc-wants-to-win-everything.html |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |url-status=live}} The club's goal entering the 2023 season was to return to international competition and qualify for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.{{Cite episode |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hKlaMl96iPSjyfEoPs9pa |title=Donald Trump makes history |transcript=Forge FC gets set for game No. 1 |series=Good Morning Hamilton With Rick Zamperin |minutes=36 |last=Zamperin |first=Rick (host) |network=Corus Radio |station=Global News Radio 900 CHML |date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |quote=I think the goal is to make sure that this club is playing in Champions League in 2024.}}

Forge retained most of its roster from the previous season;{{Cite news |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9624360/forge-fc-fifth-cpl-season-2023-hamilton/ |title=Only 'small tweaks' for Forge FC amid few player changes into fifth CPL season |first=Don |last=Mitchell |work=Global News |date=April 14, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601085257/https://globalnews.ca/news/9624360/forge-fc-fifth-cpl-season-2023-hamilton/ |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |url-status=live}} the club's highest profile off-season move was to add Canadian international Manjrekar James to replace outgoing cenre-back Daniël Krutzen in defence.{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/forge-fc-manjrekar-james/ |title=Manjrekar James Comes To The Hammer |first=John |last=Jacques |work=Northern Tribune |date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501181012/https://northerntribune.ca/forge-fc-manjrekar-james/ |archive-date=May 1, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.insauga.com/new-defender-james-brings-champions-league-experience-to-hamiltons-forge-fc/ |title=New defender James brings Champions League experience to Hamilton's Forge FC |first=Anthony |last=Urciuoli |work=insauga |date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628010342/https://www.insauga.com/new-defender-james-brings-champions-league-experience-to-hamiltons-forge-fc/ |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |url-status=live}} Entering the season, Forge FC were favoured to repeat as Canadian Premier League champions.{{Cite web |url=https://onesoccer.ca/a/forge-fc-season-preview-will-anyone-slow-down-cpl-1st-dynasty |title=Forge FC Season Preview: Will anyone slow down CPL's 1st dynasty? |first=Alexandre |last=Gangué-Ruzic |work=OneSoccer |date=April 14, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |quote=Forge are a consensus favourite when it comes to the team that they’ll deploy on the field. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602091757/https://onesoccer.ca/a/forge-fc-season-preview-will-anyone-slow-down-cpl-1st-dynasty |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/cpl5x5-forge-fc-stats-storylines-key-players-more |title=CPL5x5: Forge FC stats, storylines, key players & more |first=Benedict |last=Rhodes |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |quote=They’re clearly intent on getting back to [the CPL finals] again for a fifth consecutive season, and they have every chance to do so. |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230821234002/https://canpl.ca/article/cpl5x5-forge-fc-stats-storylines-key-players-more |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |url-status=live}}

{{football squad on pitch|align=left|clear=none

| GK_nat = CAN | GK = Henry

| RB_nat = ALB | RB = Rama

| RCB_nat = SWE | RCB = Achinioti-Jönsson (C)

| LCB_nat = CAN | LCB = James

| LB_nat = CAN | LB = Kwasi Poku

| RCM_nat = MLI | RCM = Sissoko

| DM_nat = CAN | DM = Hojabrpour

| LCM_nat = CAN | LCM = Jensen

| RW_nat = CAN | RW = Choinière

| LW_nat = CAN | LW = Borges

| CF_nat = CAN | CF = Hamilton

| caption = Forge FC's opening day starting lineup against Cavalry FC

}}

Forge began its season on April 15 at home against rivals Cavalry FC.{{Cite press release |url=https://canpl.ca/article/2023-cpl-season-schedule-matchups-revealed-for-opening-weekend-april-14-16 |title=2023 CPL Season Schedule: Matchups revealed for opening weekend, April 14-16 |publisher=Canadian Premier League |location=Toronto, ON |date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-to-host-cavalry-fc-on-opening-weekend-of-2023-canadian-premier-league-season |title=Forge FC To Host Cavalry FC On Opening Weekend of 2023 Canadian Premier League Season |publisher=Forge FC |date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} This was a rematch of the 2022 playoff semifinal where Forge defeated Cavalry 3–2 on aggregate on their way to the championship.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/preview-forge-fc-vs-cavalry-fc-2023-match-2 |title=Preview: Forge FC vs. Cavalry FC — 2023 Match #2 |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 14, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Club captain Kyle Bekker served the second game of a two-match suspension following his red card in the second leg of that semifinal, while midfielder Sebastian Castello missed the match due to injury.{{Cite tweet |user=plattoli |author=Oliver Platt |number=1586099727635910656 |title=Forge captain Kyle Bekker's suspension has been reduced to two matches upon appeal — one for the offence and one for his second red card of the season. He will be unavailable for Sunday's final. |date=October 28, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Manjrekar James made his debut for the club in an entertaining match where Forge came back from 1–0 and 2–1 deficits to secure a 2–2 draw.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/video/recap-forge-fc-2-2-cavalry-fc-cpl-match-2 |title=Highlights: Forge FC 2-2 Cavalry FC — CPL Match #2 |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/soccer/opinion/2023/04/16/hamilton-forge-open-cpl-season-entertainingly-but-settle-for-draw.html |title=Hamilton Forge open CPL season entertainingly but settle for draw |first=Steve |last=Milton |work=The Hamilton Spectator |date=April 16, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Forge's first goal came from a Jordan Hamilton penalty in the 41st minute after he was hauled down by Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci.{{Cite news |url=https://calgarysun.com/sports/soccer/calgary-cavalry/cavalry-steps-in-right-direction-by-drawing-with-nemesis-forge |title=Cavalry steps in right direction by drawing with nemesis Forge |first=Todd |last=Saelhof |work=Calgary Sun |date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Noah Jensen scored on a volley in the 76th minute to tie the match 2–2, helping to earn himself Player of the Match honours and a spot in the CPL Team of the Week.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-forge-cavalry-trade-blows-in-sizzling-opener-at-tim-hortons-field |title=Match Analysis: Forge, Cavalry trade blows in sizzling opener at Tim Hortons Field |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/gatorade-team-of-the-week-2023-week-1 |title=Gatorade Team of the Week (Week 1) |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} For the fifth consecutive year, Forge were unable to win on opening day; this draw brought their record in season openers to three draws and two losses.

Three days later, Forge entered the Canadian Championship in the preliminary round with a home match against FC Laval, making this the second year in a row that the Hammers hosted a PLSQ side.{{Cite web |url=https://onesoccer.ca/a/1-key-question-for-each-canadian-championship-match-up-in-opening-round |title=1 Key Question for each Canadian Championship match-up in opening round |first=Alexandre |last=Gangué-Ruzic |work=OneSoccer |date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/canadian-championship-2023-opening-day-preview/ |title=Canadian Championship Preliminary Round: Day One Preview |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=John |last=Jacques |date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Entering the match, Forge coach Bobby Smyrniotis highlighted the importance of this cup tournament for the club, describing it as "a competition that we want" and the Voyageurs Cup as "a trophy that we don’t have in our cabinet."{{Cite news |url=https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/canadian-championship-represents-unfinished-business-for-cpl-powerhouse-forge-fc-1.1947202 |title=Canadian Championship represents unfinished business for CPL powerhouse Forge FC |first=Neil |last=Davidson |agency=The Canadian Press |work=TSN |date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/2023-canadian-championship-forge-laval-preview/ |title='A Trophy We Don't Have In Our Cabinet': Forge Hungry For Voyageurs Cup |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=John |last=Jacques |date=April 17, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Heavily favoured against their semi-pro opponent, Forge delivered with a 3–0 win.{{Cite web |url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/forge-fc-hamilton-advance-to-quarter-finals-after-a-30-win-over-fc-laval |title=Forge FC Hamilton advance to Quarter-Finals after a 3:0 win over FC Laval |work=Canada Soccer |date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Noah Jensen was the star again, scoring a brace, while Woobens Pacius scored a penalty.{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/recap-hammers-get-the-job-done-in-canadian-championship/ |title=Recap: Hammers Get The Job Done In Canadian Championship |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=David |last=Parkes |date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://totalsoccernews.com/forge-fc-advances-to-canadian-championship-quarterfinals-with-photo-gallery/ |title=Forge FC advances to Canadian Championship quarterfinals – with photo gallery |first=Nick |last=Iwanyshyn |work=Total Soccer News |date=April 19, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} The match was Tristan Borges's 100th for Forge in all competitions, making him the fifth player in club history to achieve this milestone.{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/tim-hortons-field-triple-header-2023/ |title=Tim Hortons Field Triple-Header Sees One Winner |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=David |last=Parkes |date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} The win advanced Forge to the Canadian Championship quarter-finals where they would face Atlético Ottawa.{{Cite web |url=https://www.canadasoccer.com/news/canadian-championship-quarter-finals-round-set-for-9-10-may |title=Canadian Championship Quarter-Finals Round set for 9-10 May |work=Canada Soccer |date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/national-sports/atletico-ottawa-york-united-advance-to-canadian-championship-quarterfinals-6880291 |title=Atletico Ottawa, York United advance to Canadian Championship quarterfinals |first=Neil |last=Davidson |agency=The Canadian Press |work=Times Colonist |date=April 19, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}

On April 22, Forge hosted HFX Wanderers FC for the first time under their new head coach, Patrice Gheisar.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/preview-forge-fc-vs-halifax-wanderers-2023-match-6 |title=Preview: Forge FC vs. Halifax Wanderers – 2023 Match #6 |first=Benedict |last=Rhodes |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/sports-pmn/canadian-premier-league-teams-wrap-up-busy-first-week-facing-familiar-foes |title=Canadian Premier League teams wrap up busy first week facing familiar foes |first=Neil |last=Davidson |agency=The Canadian Press |work=National Post |date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Gheisar and Bobby Smyrniotis had previously coached against each other in League1 Ontario where Gheisar coached Vaughan Azzurri and Smyrniotis coached Sigma FC. After the Wanderers took a 1–0 first half lead, Woobens Pacius scored a late 89th minute equaliser to lift the Hammers to a 1–1 draw.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-halifax-agonizingly-close-to-first-victory-of-2023-but-pacius-rescues-forge-late |title=Match Analysis: Halifax agonizingly close to first victory of 2023, but Pacius rescues Forge late |first=Benedict |last=Rhodes |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/opinion/2023/04/25/stoney-creek-sabres-open-well-at-nationals.html |title=Stoney Creek Sabres open well at nationals |at=Section: Forge rally for draw |first=Steve |last=Milton |work=The Hamilton Spectator |date=April 25, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} He was the beneficiary of a favourable deflection that came off of a shot from Aboubacar Sissoko. Notwithstanding the equalizer, Forge struggled to convert their scoring chances into goals, leading Smyrniotis to comment after the match that the team needed to "be a little more clinical in the final third [of the field]."{{Cite web |url=https://onesoccer.ca/a/agr-high-press-how-aformation-tweak-inspired-vancouver-fc-s-historic-1st-win |title=AGR's High-Press: How a formation tweak inspired Vancouver FC's historic 1st win |at=Section: Halifax takes another step forward against Forge |first=Alexandre |last=Gangué-Ruzic |work=OneSoccer |date=April 24, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} For midfielder Alessandro Hojabrpour, the match was his 100th in all competitions for CPL clubs, split between Pacific FC and Forge.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/cpl-centurions-forges-alessandro-hojabrpour-hits-100-games-for-cpl-clubs-in-all-competitions |title=CPL Centurions: Forge's Alessandro Hojabrpour hits 100 games for CPL clubs in all competitions |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 25, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}

In their next match, Forge played away from home at Starlight Stadium against Pacific FC in a battle of the only ever CPL champions.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/preview-pacific-fc-vs-forge-fc-2023-match-12 |title=Preview: Pacific FC vs. Forge FC — 2023 Match #12 |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 28, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/sports/pfc-and-forge-fc-set-to-meet-in-battle-of-cpl-historical-heavyweights-6929555 |title=PFC and Forge FC set to meet in battle of CPL historical heavyweights |first=Cleve |last=Dheensaw |work=Times Colonist |date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Goalkeeper Christopher Kalongo picked up an injury before the match, joining the still-injured Sebastian Castello as unavailable. Returning from injury was Kyle Bekker who made his season debut in the match.{{Cite tweet |user=ForgeFCHamilton |author=Forge FC |number=1652810135679516674 |title=BEKKS IS BACK 📢 |date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-forge-fc-hold-off-late-pacific-surge-for-1-0-win-on-van-isle |title=Match Analysis: Forge FC hold off late Pacific surge for 1-0 win on Van Isle |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Woobens Pacius headed in an Ashtone Morgan cross in the 17th minute that stood up as the match winner as Forge won 1–0 in Langford.{{Cite web |url=http://onesoccer.ca/a/agr-s-high-press-forge-crafts-defensive-masterclass-to-grab-first-league-win-of-2023 |title=AGR's High Press: Forge crafts defensive masterclass to grab first league win of 2023 |at=Section: Forge flexes experience in clinical road victory |first=Alexandre |last=Gangué-Ruzic |work=OneSoccer |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} It was Pacius's third goal in three games, tying him with Tristan Borges for first all-time in goals in all competitions for Forge FC.{{Cite tweet |user=AlexGangueRuzic |first=Alexandre |last=Gangué-Ruzic |number=1652840208512225280 |title=Woobens Pacius is starting to heat up, as he's got goals in back-to-back #CanPL matches, and 3 in 3 games (all comps) |date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite tweet |user=truenorthfoot |author=TrueNorthFoot |number=1653018394789138432 |title=⚒️🟠 Woobens Pacius has become Forge FC's joint all-time top scorer with 24 goals alongside Tristan Borges ⚽️ |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite episode |url=https://watch.onesoccer.ca/player/vod/645147550d8b050475787efc/4207/one-soccer-today-1679717801639 |title=OneSoccer Today - May 2 |minutes=24 |series=OneSoccer Today |publisher=OneSoccer |last=Jenkins |first=Adam (host) |date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023 |url-access=subscription}} After the match, Bobby Smyrniotis drew attention to Pacius by comparing him and his scoring ability to that of Canadian international Cyle Larin, Smyrniotis's former protégé.{{Cite news |url=https://www.transfermarkt.com/woobens-pacius-meet-the-forge-fc-star-already-compared-to-cyle-larin/view/news/421071 |title=Woobens Pacius: Meet the Forge FC star already compared to Cyle Larin |first=Manuel |last=Veth |work=Transfermarkt |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} Manjrekar James was dominant in defence to help stymie Pacific and secure the clean sheet, earning him Player of the Match. He was joined by Ashtone Morgan and Aboubacar Sissoko in being named to the CPL Team of the Week, and he was honoured as the CPL Player of the Week.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/gatorade-team-of-the-week-week-3 |title=Gatorade Team of the Week (Week 3) |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}{{Cite tweet |author=Canadian Premier League |author-link=Canadian Premier League |user=CPLsoccer |number=1653444318617559040 |title=A brick wall at the back 🧱 @ForgeFCHamilton's @ManjrekarJames is the CPL Player of the Week, presented by @MapleLodgeFarms! 🔨 |date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}}

Forge ended April undefeated, tied with Valour FC atop the CPL standings.{{cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/forge-fcs-bobby-smyrniotis-named-cpl-manager-of-the-month-for-april |title=Forge FC's Bobby Smyrniotis named CPL Manager of the Month for April |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=July 2, 2023}} For the team's success, Bobby Smyrniotis was named the CPL Manager of the Month.

Forge continued their winning ways with a 1–0 road win on May 5 against 905 Derby rival York United FC.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-campbell-screamer-secures-forge-derby-win-at-york-united |title=Match Analysis: Campbell screamer secures Forge derby win at York United |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://13thmansports.ca/2023/05/06/in-a-derby-of-derbies-forge-edge-york/ |title=In a derby of derbies, Forge edge York |first=Thomas |last=Hewitt |work=13th Man Sports |date=May 6, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Terran Campbell scored the match's only goal in the 21st minute in an intense match that included a red card to Ashtone Morgan.{{efn-lr|name=fn1|Morgan's red card suspension was withdrawn by Canada Soccer following an appeal.{{Cite web |url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/cpl-match-week-4-decisions-related-to-claims-of-wrongful-dismissal/ |title=CPL Match Week 4 - Decisions related to Claims of Wrongful Dismissal |work=Canada Soccer |date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}}} Khadim Kane made his professional debut for Forge in the match as a substitute.{{Cite press release |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/forge-fc-blanks-york-united-fc-1-0/n-5956941 |title=Forge FC Blanks York United FC, 1-0 |publisher=Forge FC |via=OurSports Central |location=North York, ON |date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}

On May 9, Forge returned to Canadian Championship action in a quarter-final matchup against Atlético Ottawa in Hamilton.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/preview-forge-fc-vs-atletico-ottawa-2023-canadian-championship |title=Preview: Forge FC vs. Atlético Ottawa — 2023 Canadian Championship |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 8, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} This was the first meeting between these two teams since the 2022 CPL Final. Kyle Bekker scored the game's opening goal in the 76th minute, only to have Atlético's Ollie Bassett score an equalizing penalty in the 87th minute to force the match to a penalty shoot-out.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-forge-break-penalty-kick-curse-overcome-ottawa-to-reach-canchamp-semis |title=Match Analysis: Forge break penalty kick curse, overcome Ottawa to reach CanChamp semis |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 9, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/forge-fc-hamilton-advance-to-the-semi-finals-after-3-2-win-on-kicks |title=Forge FC Hamilton advance to the Semi-Finals after 3-2 win on kicks |work=Canada Soccer |date=May 9, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Noah Jensen, Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson, and Aboubacar Sissoko scored for Forge while Triston Henry made two saves to lead Forge to a 3–2 win. This was the Hammers' first ever win in a penalty shoot-out and qualified the team for the Canadian Championship semi-finals.

Returning to CPL play, Forge defeated Valour 3–2 on May 13 for their third consecutive league win.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/video/recap-forge-fc-3-2-valour-fc-cpl-match-17 |title=Highlights: Forge FC 3-2 Valour FC — CPL Match #17 |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor-Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Kwasi Poku broke the deadlock with a 77th-minute winner while Jordan Hamilton scored the 200th goal in Forge's history.{{Cite tweet |user=martyn_bailey |first=Martin |last=Bailey |number=1657495033379995649 |title=Hamilton scores the 200th goal in @ForgeFCHamilton history. Captain Bekker got 199 and 201. |retweet=Charlie O'Connor-Clarke [@charliejclarke] |date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Forge then hosted expansion side Vancouver FC on May 19 in the first ever match between the two clubs.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/preview-forge-fc-vs-vancouver-fc-2023-match-21 |title=Preview: Forge FC vs. Vancouver FC — 2023 Match #21 |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 18, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Christopher Kalongo secured his first clean sheet for Forge in a 0–0 draw.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/video/recap-forge-fc-fc-0-0-vancouver-fc-cpl-match-21 |title=Highlights: Forge FC FC 0-0 Vancouver FC — CPL Match #21 |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 19, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} This was Forge's first ever scoreless draw at home in league play.{{efn-lr|name=fn2|Forge had previously drawn 0–0 at home against Panamanian club Independiente in the 2021 CONCACAF League and against CF Montréal in the 2021 Canadian Championship.}}

File: Goalkeeper Triston Henry.jpg

Forge then travelled to Montreal's Saputo Stadium to face CF Montréal on May 24 in the semi-final of the Canadian Championship.{{Cite news |url=https://montrealgazette.com/pmn/sports-pmn/cf-montreal-and-forge-fc-clash-with-spot-in-canadian-championship-final-on-the-line/wcm/f01032cd-f1c8-4f14-8481-0e9a55311e32 |title=CF Montreal and Forge FC clash with spot in Canadian Championship final on the line |first=Elias |last=Grigoriadis |work=Montreal Gazette |agency=The Canadian Press |date=May 23, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} This was Forge's third consecutive year facing CF Montréal in the tournament after losing to them in penalties following a 0–0 draw in 2021 and losing 3–0 thanks to a Sunusi Ibrahim hat-trick in 2022.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/preview-cf-montreal-vs-forge-fc-2023-canadian-championship |title=Preview: CF Montréal vs. Forge FC — 2023 Canadian Championship |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 23, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Forge held their own for a large stretch of the match before ultimately falling 2–0, eliminating them from the competition.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-cf-montreal-ride-2nd-half-surge-to-bump-forge-fc-in-canchamp-sf |title=Match Analysis: CF Montréal ride 2nd-half surge to bump Forge FC in CanChamp SF |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 24, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.rds.ca/soccer/cfm/le-cf-montreal-cherche-a-se-relancer-en-triomphant-lors-du-championnat-canadien-1.17208855 |title=Le CF Montréal cherche à se relancer en triomphant lors du Championnat canadien |trans-title=CF Montreal looking to relaunch by triumphing at the Canadian Championship |language=fr |first=Simon |last=Servant |work=RDS |agency=La Presse Canadienne |date=May 23, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Ariel Lassiter opened the scoring for Montreal in the 53rd minute with a goal that deflected in off of Alessandro Hojabrpour and Sunisi Imbrahim put the match away with a powerful shot from inside the penalty box in the 78th minute.{{Cite news |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9721714/cf-montreal-down-forge-fc/ |title=CF Montreal advances to Canadian Championship final with win over Forge FC |first=Elias |last=Grigoriadis |work=Global News |agency=The Canadian Press |date=May 23, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/2023-canadian-championship-cf-montreal-forge-fc/ |title=CF Montreal Bests Forge FC To Reach Canadian Championship Final |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=Elias |last=Laradi |date=May 24, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}

On May 27, David Choinière scored in second half stoppage time secure a 1–0 road win against Atlético Ottawa at TD Place Stadium.{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/2023-canadian-premier-league-forge-atletico-ottawa-recap/ |title=Atletico Ottawa 0-1 Forge: Hammers Win Late On |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=David |last=Parkes |date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Triston Henry made eight saves to earn a clean sheet as well as a spot in the CPL Team of the Week and CPL Player of the Week honours.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/gatorade-team-of-the-week-week-7 |title=Gatorade Team of the Week (Week 7) |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}{{Cite tweet |author=Canadian Premier League |author-link=Canadian Premier League |user=CPLsoccer |number=1663591192645206043 |title=After a brilliant performance to help earn @ForgeFCHamilton three points on the road in Ottawa, goalkeeper @tristonjavon is the CPL Player of the Week, presented by @MapleLodgeFarms 🧤 |date=May 30, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} At the quarter mark of the season, Forge had four wins and three draws and were off to their best start to a CPL season in club history.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/the-biggest-storyline-for-each-cpl-club-as-2023-season-reaches-quarter-mark |title=The biggest storyline for each CPL club as 2023 season reaches quarter mark |at=Section: Forge FC’s unmatched depth leads to an unprecedented start |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 31, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} The club's undefeated run ended in their very next match back home on May 31 with a 2–1 loss to York United.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/video/recap-forge-fc-1-2-york-united-cpl-match-29 |title=Highlights: Forge FC 1-2 York United — CPL Match #29 |first=Charlie |last=O'Connor-Clarke |work=Canadian Premier League |date=May 31, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}} Terran Campbell scored a 76th equalizer to erase an earlier own goal from Alessandro Hojabrpour, however the match was ultimately decided in York's favour with a Brem Soumaoro stoppage time screamer.

Forge held first place in the CPL table for the duration of the month. At its conclusion, Triston Henry was honoured by the league as its Goalkeeper of the Month for May.{{Cite tweet |number=1666852703849291776 |user=CPLsoccer |author=Canadian Premier League |author-link=Canadian Premier League |title=The Goalkeeper of the Month for May 2023, presented by @AllstateCanada, is @ForgeFCHamilton's @tristonjavon! 🧤 |date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2023}}

{{Updated|October 28, 2023|{{cite web |title=Roster |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/roster/ |publisher=Forge FC |access-date=October 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028143738/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/roster/ |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |url-status=live}}}}

{{see also|Canadian Premier League#Players}}

As a Canadian Premier League club, Forge FC's roster must conform to the league's roster rules and regulations.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/roster-rules/ |title=2023 CPL Roster Rules & Regulations |work=Canadian Premier League |date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724115604/https://canpl.ca/roster-rules/ |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |url-status=deviated}}

On July 20, the Canadian Premier League introduced a new Exceptional Young Talent (EYT) roster subcategory retroactive to July 14. CPL teams can name a maximum of two domestic U-18 players to this category and they do not count against the club's salary cap or 23-player main roster. On the day that the new roster subcategory was announced, Forge designated 18-year-old midfielder Khadim Kane as an EYT.{{Cite press release |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/canadian-premier-league-announces-expansion-of-developmental-roster/n-5991653 |title=Canadian Premier League Announces Expansion of Developmental Roster |publisher=Canadian Premier League |via=OurSports Central |location=Toronto, ON |date=July 20, 2023 |access-date=July 20, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/canadian-premier-league-exceptional-young-talent/ |title=CPL Expands Roster Sizes With New 'Exceptional Youth Talent' Rule |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=John |last=Jacques |date=July 20, 2023 |access-date=July 20, 2023}}

The 2023 transfer windows were open from February{{nbsp}}10 to May{{nbsp}}4 and from July{{nbsp}}7 to August{{nbsp}}4.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/roster-rules/#1650986874624-05f2ed87-6406 |title=2023 CPL Roster Rules & Regulations |at=Section: Transfer Window |work=Canadian Premier League |date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724115604/https://canpl.ca/roster-rules/ |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |url-status=live}} The Canadian Premier League also institutes a roster freeze; after September{{nbsp}}1, clubs may only sign new players in cases of "extreme hardship".

Forge FC made the following selections in the 2023 CPL–U Sports Draft.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/cpl/cpl-usports-draft-1.6687756 |title=Canadian Premier League teams add young talent to rosters via U Sports draft |website=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.insauga.com/forge-fc-of-hamilton-go-local-in-cpl-u-sports-draft/ |title=Forge FC of Hamilton go local in CPL-U Sports draft |first=Nathan |last=Sager |website=insauga.com |date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022}} Draft picks are not automatically signed to the team roster. Only those who are signed to a contract will be listed as transfers in.

Forge FC is affiliated with Sigma FC of League1 Ontario as part of the CPL's Downward Player Movement Pilot Project.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/canadian-premier-league-announces-downward-player-movement-pilot-project |title=Canadian Premier League announces downward player movement pilot project |work=Canadian Premier League |date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=April 22, 2023}}{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-announce-sigma-fc-as-affiliate-league1-club-as-part-of-the-canadian-premier-leagues-downward-player-movement-pilot-project |title=Forge FC Announce Sigma FC as Affiliate League1 Club as Part of the Canadian Premier League's Downward Player Movement Pilot Project |publisher=Forge FC |date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=April 22, 2023}} The following Forge FC players featured for Sigma FC during the 2023 League1 Ontario season.

{{updated|September 6, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/ownership/ |title=Club Ownership |work=Forge FC |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907014734/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/ownership/ |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/soccer-operations/ |title=Soccer Operations |work=Forge FC |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907014735/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/soccer-operations/ |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |url-status=live}}

File: Bobby Smyrniotis Forge FC.jpg

On April 12, Costa Smyrniotis left the club to join the CPL as Executive Vice President, Soccer. He had been the club's Director of Football and Business since 2018 and had been a key architect of the team's early success, including three CPL championships.{{Cite press release |url=https://canpl.ca/article/canadian-premier-league-hires-costa-smyrniotis-as-executive-vice-president-soccer |title=Canadian Premier League hires Costa Smyrniotis as Executive Vice President, Soccer |publisher=Canadian Premier League |date=April 12, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/forge-fc-executive-costa-smyrniotis-joins-canadian-premier-league-front-office/article_05529e14-e5f4-59b0-85d8-9b2564ca5712.html |title=Forge FC executive Costa Smyrniotis joins Canadian Premier League front office |work=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto |date=April 12, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2023}}

On May 1, Forge announced that it had signed technical director and head coach Bobby Smyrniotis to a four-year contract extension and expanded his role as head coach and sporting director.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/soccer/opinion/2023/05/01/forge-fc-locks-in-coach-bobby-smyrniotis-for-four-more-years.html |title=Forge FC locks in coach Bobby Smyrniotis for four more years |first=Steve |last=Milton |work=The Hamilton Spectator |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2023}} He had previously been linked to CF Montréal's head coaching vacancy as well as others in MLS and Europe during the preceding off-season.{{multiref2

|1={{Cite news |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/mls/club-de-foot-montreal/wilfried-nancy-cf-montreal-columbus-crew |title=CF Montréal in disarray as head coach Wilfried Nancy bolts for Columbus |first=Herb |last=Zurkowsky |work=Montreal Gazette |date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2023}}

|2={{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/cf-montreal-bobby-smyrniotis/ |title=With Nancy Gone, Could Smyrniotis Land The CF Montreal Job? |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=John |last=Jacques |date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2023}}

|3={{Cite news |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/sports/1903195/bobby-smyrniotis-forge-fc-cpl-soccer-canada-mls |title=Bobby Smyrniotis « mérite sa chance » à la tête d'une équipe de la MLS |trans-title=Bobby Smyrniotis 'deserves his chance' at the helm of an MLS team |language=fr |first=Raphaël |last=Guillemette |publisher=Radio-Canada |website=Ici.Radio-Canada.ca |date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2023}}

|4={{Cite news |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/opinion/2022/12/07/forge-interested-in-hearing-more-about-womens-pro-league.html |title=Forge interested in hearing more about women's pro league |first=Steve |last=Milton |work=The Hamilton Spectator |date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2023}}

|5={{Cite news |url=https://www.tvasports.ca/2022/12/08/bobby-smyrniotis-je-ne-le-vois-pas-du-tout-a-montreal |title=Bobby Smyrniotis: «Je ne le vois pas du tout à Montréal» |trans-title=Bobby Smyrniotis: "I don't see it at all at Montreal" |language=fr |work=TVA Sports |date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2023}}

|6={{Cite episode |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/34vXAwhPdbFOfkFMsr7wkw |title=CPL Newsroom presented by Volkswagen - 2023 Season Preview Show |minutes=18 |series=CPL Newsroom |publisher=Canadian Premier League |last=Jack |first=Kristian (host) |date=April 11, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2023 |quote=Bobby Smyrniotis returns as head coach despite rumours swirling around Europe and MLS of his departure in the off-season.}}}} Over the following days, the club also announced the promotions of Jelani Smith to director of soccer operations and Nicole Demers to vice president of business operations.{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-announce-promotion-of-jelani-smith-to-director-of-soccer-operations |title=Forge FC Announce Promotion of Jelani Smith to Director of Soccer Operations |publisher=Forge FC |date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/sports-pmn/forge-fc-promotes-jelani-smith-as-it-continues-to-revamp-front-office-structure |title=Forge FC promotes Jelani Smith as it continues to revamp front office structure |agency=The Canadian Press |work=National Post |date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023}}

On March 31, Forge announced Hamilton United Elite as an official Forge FC Development Club, joining Sigma FC in the club's youth structure. As part of the agreement, Forge will provide technical leadership and guidance to Hamilton United's coaching staff as well as season passes to their youth players. Hamilton United has also changed its logo and colours to match Forge's orange, grey, and white.{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/official-local-youth-club-hamilton-united-elite-announced-as-forge-fc-development-club |title=Official: Local Youth Club Hamilton United Elite Announced As Forge FC Development Club |publisher=Forge FC |location=Hamilton, Ontario |date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023}}

On April 13, Forge made another partnership announcement by revealing eight official "Forge FC Youth Partner Clubs":{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-announce-eight-partner-clubs |title=Forge FC Announce Eight Partner Clubs |publisher=Forge FC |location=Hamilton, Ontario |date=April 13, 2023 |access-date=April 16, 2023}}

{{columns-list|

• Mount Hamilton YSC
• Saltfleet Stoney Creek SC
• Flamborough Dundas SC
• Force Academy
• Oakville SC
• Ancaster Legacy FC
• Grimsby Town YSC
• St. Catharines Roma Wolves

}}

On April 21, the CPL announced a "downward player movement pilot project" to allow its clubs to each have an affiliate club that they can send players to get additional game time.{{cite web |url=https://northerntribune.ca/canadian-premier-league-downward-player-movement-project/ |title=CPL Introduces Affiliation Pilot Project With Lower Divisions |publisher=Northern Tribune |first=Nelson |last=Mahmoudi |date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=April 22, 2023}} That same day, Forge announced Sigma FC as their affiliate. Forge quickly took advantage of the affiliation by sending Malcolm Duncan and Khadim Kane to Sigma to start in a match the next day.{{Cite web |url=https://www.league1ontario.com/game/show/38362453 |title=ProStars FC at Sigma FC |work=League1 Ontario |date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=May 14, 2023}}{{Cite tweet |author=Benedict Rhodes |user=BTFR17 |number=1649793533702807552 |title=Forge are already taking advantage of the new player movement pilot project that @CPLsoccer announced yesterday, as Malcolm Duncan and Khadim Kane start for Sigma FC ↔️ |date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=May 14, 2023}}

On September 9, Forge hosted its second annual Spark Summit, an event aimed at connecting and inspiring professional women in the sports and entertainment industry.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VPUnE-s6tg |title=The 2nd Annual 'Spark Summit' celebrates women in sports |first=Tim (host) |last=Bolen |publisher=CHCH |via=YouTube |date=August 30, 2023 |access-date=December 17, 2023}}{{Cite Instagram |user=forgefc |author=Forge FC |postid=CxBABzSsG7I |title=Another successful Spark Summit in the books |date=September 10, 2023 |access-date=December 17, 2023}} Other club initiatives during the season included youth soccer clinics,{{Cite web |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/youth-soccer-skills-clinic/ |title=Youth Soccer Skills Clinic |work=Forge FC |access-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905195758/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/youth-soccer-skills-clinic/ |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |url-status=live}} a high-performance training program,{{Cite web |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/highperformance/ |title=Forge FC High Performance Training Program |work=Forge FC |access-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905195758/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/highperformance/ |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |url-status=live}} a coaches clinic,{{Cite web |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/video/forge-fc-coaches-clinic-empowering-coaches-for-success |title=Forge FC Coaches Clinic: Empowering Coaches for Success |work=Forge FC |date=May 17, 2023 |access-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905195758/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/video/forge-fc-coaches-clinic-empowering-coaches-for-success |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |url-status=live}} an international night,{{Cite web |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-international-night-celebrating-diversity-and-football-in-hamilton |title=Forge FC International Night: Celebrating Diversity and Football in Hamilton! |work=Forge FC |date=July 28, 2023 |access-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905195758/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-international-night-celebrating-diversity-and-football-in-hamilton |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |url-status=live}} and a food drive in support of Good Shepherd.{{Cite web |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-food-drive-in-support-of-good-shepherd |title=Forge FC Food Drive in Support of Good Shepherd |work=Forge FC |date=August 2, 2023 |access-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905195758/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-food-drive-in-support-of-good-shepherd |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |url-status=live}}

Forge FC unveiled its 2023 primary and alternate kits at a supporters event on March 14 hosted at Tim Hortons Field. Both kits draw inspiration from Hamilton's city flag by featuring a six-link chain that represents the communities of Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek. The kits continue to be produced by Macron and sponsored by Tim Hortons for a fifth consecutive season and for the first time feature sponsorship from CIBC on the left sleeve.{{Cite web |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-2023-macron-club-kits-unveiled |title=Forge FC 2023 Macron Club Kits Unveiled |publisher=Forge FC |date=March 14, 2023 |access-date=March 16, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://news.sportslogos.net/2023/03/15/chain-reaction-city-of-hamilton-flag-inspires-2023-kits-for-canpls-forge-fc/soccer/ |title=Chain Reaction: Hamilton Flag Inspires 2023 Kits for CanPL's Forge FC |first=Glenn |last=Cook |publisher=SportsLogos.Net News |date=March 15, 2023 |access-date=March 16, 2023}}

On February 13, Forge took to the field to begin its preseason.{{Cite tweet |author=Forge FC |user=ForgeFCHamilton |number=1625172241192304644 |date=February 13, 2023 |title=First touches of the preseason |location= |access-date=February 13, 2023}} The club travelled to Costa Rica on March 16 for two weeks of training in Alajuela where they played friendlies against Primera División sides Cartaginés, LD Alajuelense, and Deportivo Saprissa, as well as the Costa Rica national under-20 football team.{{Cite tweet |user=ForgeFCHamilton |author=Forge FC |number=1638956747522973725 |title=Views from our friendly against @Cartagines yesterday |date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=March 23, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/opinion/2023/03/13/local-synchro-skaters-are-no-2-in-the-world.html |title=Local synchro skaters are No. 2 in the world |at=Forge will be a little warmer |work=The Hamilton Spectator |first=Steve |last=Milton |date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023}}{{Cite news |url=https://observador.cr/saprissa-sienta-precedente-al-despedir-a-jeaustin-campos-tras-denuncias-de-javon-east-por-insultos-racistas/ |title=Saprissa sienta precedente al despedir a Jeaustin Campos tras denuncias de Javon East por insultos racistas |trans-title=Saprissa sets precedent by firing Jeaustin Campos after complaints by Javon East for racist insults |language=es |first=Hermes |last=Solano |work=El Observador |date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=June 17, 2023 |quote=Los insultos denunciados se habrían dado el lunes de la semana pasada, en un amistoso del conjunto saprissista contra el Forge FC de Canadá. [The insults denounced would have occurred on Monday of last week, in a friendly of the Saprissista team against Forge FC of Canada.]}}{{Cite instagram |user=forgefc |author=Forge FC |postid=CqYcaj4L2Jr |title=Scenes from our friendly against the Costa Rica U20 (@fedefutbolcrc) 🇨🇷 side earlier this week |location=Alajuela, Costa Rica |date=March 29, 2023 |acccess-date=March 30, 2023}} The team also played preseason friendlies against League1 Ontario side Sigma FC, NCAA Division I's Syracuse Orange and Akron Zips, U Sports's York Lions, and fellow CPL side and 905 Derby rival York United.{{multiref2

|1={{Cite web |url=https://gozips.com/news/2023/2/17/akron-mens-soccer-announces-spring-exhibition-schedule |title=Akron Men's Soccer Announces Spring Exhibition Schedule |work=Akron Zips |date=February 17, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023}}

|2={{Cite web |url=https://cuse.com/news/2023/2/20/mens-soccer-announces-2023-spring-exhibition-schedule |title=Men's Soccer Announces 2023 Spring Exhibition Schedule |work=Syracuse Orange |date=February 20, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023}}

|3={{Cite web |url=https://yorkunitedfc.canpl.ca/article/revealed-pre-season-fixtures-announced-as-nine-stripes-preparations-intensify |title=Revealed! Pre-Season Fixtures Announced As Nine Stripes' Preparations Intensify |work=York United FC |date=February 21, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023}}

|4={{Cite tweet |user=ZipsMSoc |author=Akron Zips M Soccer |author-link=Akron Zips men's soccer |number=1632537818823098370 |title=🗣️ Quote from the boss on today's spring match with Forge FC! Out of respect for our opponent and their preparation for the upcoming season, we will not be sharing any game details. All the best this season Forge FC! Thanks for hosting the Zips! 👏 |date=March 5, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023}}}}

{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFFF|Fixtures|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= March 4

|time= 2:00pm

|round= Friendly

|score=

|report=

|team1= Forge FC {{fbaicon|CAN}}

|goals1=

|team2= {{fbaicon|USA}} Syracuse Orange

|goals2=

|stadium = Tim Hortons Field

|location = Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance =

|referee =

|result=

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= March 5

|time= 2:00pm

|round= Friendly

|score=

|report=

|team1= Forge FC {{fbaicon|CAN}}

|goals1=

|team2= {{fbaicon|USA}} Akron Zips

|goals2=

|stadium = Tim Hortons Field

|location = Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance =

|referee =

|result=

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= March 20

|time=

|round= Friendly

|score=

|report=

|team1= Deportivo Saprissa {{fbaicon|CRC}}

|goals1=

|team2= {{fbaicon|CAN}} Forge FC

|goals2=

|stadium =

|location =

|attendance =

|referee =

|result=

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= March 22

|time=

|round= Friendly

|score=

|report=

|team1= C.S. Cartaginés {{fbaicon|CRC}}

|goals1=

|team2= {{fbaicon|CAN}} Forge FC

|goals2=

|stadium = Estadio José Rafael Fello Meza Ivankovich

|location = Cartago, Costa Rica

|attendance =

|referee =

|result=

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= March 27

|time=

|round= Friendly

|score= 0–7{{Cite tweet |author=Kevin Jiménez |user=KevinJimenezCR |number=1640468571301253122 |title=La selección nacional Sub 20 perdió 7-0 ante el Forge FC de Canadá en un amistoso en el Proyecto Goal este lunes, los canadienses se encuentran en pretemporada en el país. |trans-title=The Under 20 national team lost 7-0 to Canada's Forge FC in a friendly at the Goal Project this Monday, the Canadians are in preseason in the country. |language=es |date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=June 17, 2023}}

|report=

|team1= Costa Rica U20 {{fbaicon|CRC}}

|goals1=

|team2= {{fbaicon|CAN}} Forge FC

|goals2=

|stadium = Proyecto Goal

|location = Alajuela, Costa Rica

|attendance =

|referee =

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= April 1

|time=

|round= Friendly

|score=

|report=

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

|team2= York United FC

|goals2=

|stadium = Tim Hortons Field

|location = Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance =

|referee = Marie-Soleil Beaudoin

|result=

}}

Matches are listed in Hamilton local time: Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4)

{{Fb overview|c=3 |u=October 28

|c1 = Canadian Premier League

|fm1=April 15 |lm1=October 7 |sr1=Matchday 1 |w1=11 |d1=9 |l1=8 |f1=39 |a1=32 |fp1=2nd

|c2 = CPL Playoffs

|fm2=October 14 |lm2=October 28 |sr2=First semifinal |w2=2 |d2=0 |l2=0 |f2=4 |a2=2 |fp2=Winners

|c3 = Canadian Championship

|fm3=April 18 |lm3=May 24 |sr3=Preliminary round |w3=1 |d3=1 |l3=1 |f3=4 |a3=3 |fp3=Semi-finals

}}

{{main|2023 Canadian Premier League season}}

{{:2023 Canadian Premier League season|transcludesection=regular|showteam=FOR}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b|header=Match

|label1= Result

|res1= D/D/W/W/W/D/W/L/D/L/L/L/W/L/W/D/W/W/L/D/D/D/W/D/W/W/L/L

|label2= Position

|res2= 4/5/2/1/1/1/1/1/1/3/3/3/2/3/2/3/3/2/3/3/4/5/3/3/3/2/2/2

|color_W=green2|text_W=Win

|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw

|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss

|color_1-2=green1|color_3=green2|color_4-5=green3

|updated= complete

|source=#Matches

}}

Forge FC's opening weekend match against Cavalry FC was announced on January 27, 2023. The rest of the schedule was announced on January 30.{{Cite press release |url=https://canpl.ca/article/cpl-announces-full-2023-regular-season-schedule-presented-by-westjet |title=CPL announces full 2023 regular season schedule presented by WestJet |publisher=Canadian Premier League |location=Toronto, ON |date=January 30, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}}{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-2023-cpl-regular-season-schedule-announced |title=Forge FC 2023 CPL Regular Season Schedule Announced |publisher=Forge FC |date=January 30, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= April 15

|time= 4:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 1

|score= 2–2

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/dw1uqz0b3jyrvok56tng0874k/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Hamilton {{goal|41|pen.}}
• Rama {{yel|42}}
• Choinière {{yel|74}}
• Jensen {{goal|76}}
• Morgan {{yel|88}}

|team2= Cavalry FC

|goals2=

• Bevan {{goal|36}}, {{yel|44}}
• Daley {{yel|59}}
• Cantave {{goal|64}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 6,892

|referee = Marie-Soleil Beaudoin

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= April 22

|time= 4:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 2

|score= 1–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/dwy13gdh53mv4ru587w01vggk/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• James {{yel|77}}
• Pacius {{goal|89}}

|team2= HFX Wanderers FC

|goals2=

• Ferrin {{goal|42}}
• Callegari {{yel|49}}
• Nimick {{yel|74}}
• Ferrazzo {{yel|88}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 3,827

|referee = Fabrizio Stasolla

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= April 30

|time= 8:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 3

|score= 0–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/dyjz23r3lifebcxrj3d3718us/highlights

|team1= Pacific FC

|goals1=

• Young {{yel|68}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Pacius {{goal|17}}, {{yel|57}}
• Henry {{yel|88}}

|stadium= Starlight Stadium

|location= Langford, British Columbia

|attendance = 3,378

|referee = Renzo Villanueva

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= May 5

|time= 7:30{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 4

|score= 0–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/dytng0jbwsospffqnxddb69sk/highlights

|team1= York United FC

|goals1=

• Adekugbe {{yel|67}}
• Alou {{yel|76}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Campbell {{goal|21}}
• Rama {{yel|39}}
• Owolabi-Belewu {{yel|68}}
• Kwasi Poku {{yel|80}}
• Morgan {{sent off|0|90+1}}
• Kane {{yel|90+6}}
• Sissoko {{yel|90+7}}

|stadium= York Lions Stadium

|location= Toronto, Ontario

|attendance = 1,016

|referee = Myriam Marcotte

|result= W

|note=Ashtone Morgan's red card was later rescinded.{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/2023-canadian-premier-league-week-5-preview/ |title=CPL: Five Things To Watch For Matchweek Five |at=Section: Referee Spotlight |first=John |last=Jacques |work=Northern Tribune |date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=July 26, 2023}}

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= May 13

|time= 4:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 5

|score= 3–2

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/dzyfuetw3ru0ceg69ea66copg/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Hamilton {{goal|33}}
• Bekker {{goal|50}}
• Kwasi Poku {{goal|77}}
• Henry {{yel|83}}

|team2= Valour FC

|goals2=

• Williams {{goal|30}}
• Samaké {{goal|74}}
• Campbell {{yel|90+2}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 4,807

|referee = David Barrie

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= May 19

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 6

|score= 0–0

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e1181ddfquoslwq1hg4q8f7ys/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Hojabrpour {{yel|45}}
• Metusala {{yel|50}}

|team2= Vancouver FC

|goals2=

• Moazeni Zadeh {{yel|47}}
• Bakare {{yel|88}}
• Robe {{yel|90+2}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 4,378

|referee = Myriam Marcotte

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= May 27

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 7

|score= 0–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e2430ia9o1tzu2a0b14ewqxw4/highlights

|team1= Atlético Ottawa

|goals1=

• Espejo {{yel|30}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Duncan {{yel|48}}
• Owolabi-Belewu {{yel|64}}
• Choinière {{goal|90+1}}

|stadium= TD Place Stadium

|location= Ottawa, Ontario

|attendance = 4,520

|referee = Renzo Villanueva

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= May 31

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 8

|score= 1–2

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e36jt8gts0h1st90nvwbo41sk/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Rama {{yel|10}}
• Henry {{yel|10}}
• James {{yel|25}}
• Campbell {{goal|76}}
• Jensen {{yel|84}}

|team2= York United FC

|goals2=

• Hojabrpour {{goal|53|o.g.}}
• De Rosario {{yel|68}}
• Faye {{yel|70}}
• Ricci {{yel|74}}
• Babouli {{yel|80}}
• Giantsopoulos {{yel|83}}
• Soumaoro {{goal|90+3}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 4,225

|referee = Mathieu Souaré

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= June 3

|time= 4:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 9

|score= 1–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e3po4myi1ojmaa05t3tqttxxw/highlights

|team1= Cavalry FC

|goals1=

• Musse {{goal|9}}
• Daley {{yel|19}}
• Chima {{yel|43}}
• Camargo {{yel|65}}
• Kamdem {{yel|86}}
• Alarcón {{yel|87}}
• Trafford {{yel|89}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Sissoko {{yel|30}}
• Achinioti-Jönsson {{yel|75}}
• Jordan Hamilton {{goal|90+4}}

|stadium= ATCO Field

|location= Foothills County, Alberta

|attendance = 3,503

|referee = Scott Bowman

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= June 10

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 10

|score= 0–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e53nyk6wd9nrok0rzjlirsdg4/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• James {{yel|33}}

|team2= Pacific FC

|goals2=

• Reid {{yel|29}}
• Daniels {{goal|85}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 5,013

|referee = Yusri Rudolf

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= June 16

|time= 8:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 11

|score= 2–0

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e5nnpjl7880zpq3r5b8t74z6c/highlights

|team1= Valour FC

|goals1=

• Pianelli {{goal|39}}
• Campbell {{yel|60}}
• Ponce {{goal|63}}
• Ulloa {{yel|74}}
• Mzoughi {{yel|90+1}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Rama {{yel|38}}

|stadium= IG Field

|location= Winnipeg, Manitoba

|attendance = 3,350

|referee = Renzo Villanueva

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= June 20

|time= 10:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 12

|score= 2–0

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e6qqhft2x8ctt38c1gq0078d0/highlights

|team1= Vancouver FC

|goals1=

• Tahid {{goal|35}}
• Kinani {{goal|39}}
• Moazeni Zadeh {{yel|70}}
• Romeo {{yel|81}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Samuel {{yel|21}}

|stadium= Willoughby Community Park

|location= Langley, British Columbia

|attendance = 2,149

|referee = Seyed-Mohammad Mohseni

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= June 25

|time= 6:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 13

|score= 4–3

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e82xj2p95ttqrjo7rklw0i7f8/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Niba {{goal|4|o.g.}}
• Campbell {{goal|11||32}}
• Pacius {{yel|45+2}}, {{goal|81}}
• Sissoko {{yel|55}}
• Samuel {{yel|67}}

|team2= Atlético Ottawa

|goals2=

• Antinoro {{goal|1}}
• Niba {{yel|45+4}}
• Tissot {{goal|64}}
• Salter {{yel|67}}
• dos Santos {{goal|72}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 6,917

|referee = Michael Venne

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= June 30

|time= 6:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 14

|score= 2–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/e8cn0j33m7gd72pkcghxkp9uc/highlights

|team1= HFX Wanderers FC

|goals1=

• Ferrin {{goal|25}}
• Timoteo {{yel|35}}
• Giraldo {{yel|46}}
• Loughrey {{yel|86}}
• Nimick {{goal|90+10|pen.}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Owolabi-Belewu {{yel|61}}
• Kwasi Poku {{yel|72}}
• Bekker {{goal|88}}
• Henry {{yel|90+8}}
• Samuel {{yel|90+11}}

|stadium= Wanderers Grounds

|location= Halifax, Nova Scotia

|attendance = 6,145

|referee = Marie-Soleil Beaudoin

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= July 9

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 15

|score= 0–4

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/eaa941ma6psi9ym7e26yxd5hw/highlights

|team1= York United FC

|goals1=

• Ricci {{yel|35}}
• Babouli {{sent off|0|85}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Jensen {{yel|15}}
• Campbell {{goal|25||33||54}}
• Owolabi-Belewu {{yel|36}}
• James {{yel|45+3}}
• Borges {{goal|47}}
• Rama {{yel|63}}
• Pacius {{yel|90+2}}

|stadium= York Lions Stadium

|location= Toronto, Ontario

|attendance = 1,464

|referee = Yusri Rudolf

|result= W

|note= Molham Babouli was sent off for York United FC while on the bench.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/video/recap-york-united-0-4-forge-fc-cpl-match-55 |title=Highlights: York United 0-4 Forge FC — CPL Match #55 |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=July 9, 2023 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |quote=Mo Babouli was shown a red card on the York bench.}}

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= July 15

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 16

|score= 1–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/ebn7lqw5i7ysnat4cn5je2fpw/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Campbell {{goal|66}}

|team2= Valour FC

|goals2=

• Mzoughi {{yel|71}}
• Campbell {{yel|82}}
• Cela {{goal|85}}
• Baquero {{yel|89}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 5,179

|referee = Ben Hoskins

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= July 21

|time= 10:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 17

|score= 0–2

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/ec6li2ua4k5csyemhhnglapsk/highlights

|team1= Pacific FC

|goals1=

• Toussaint {{yel|45}}
• Heard {{yel|71}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Kwasi Poku {{goal|6}}
• Choinière {{goal|38}}
• Metusala {{yel|75}}

|stadium= Starlight Stadium

|location= Langford, British Columbia

|attendance = 3,311

|referee = Michael Venne

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= July 28

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 18

|score= 2–0

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/ed9vkfp1o64pkpcx34v7cnlsk/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Sissoko {{goal|71}}
• Pacius {{goal|73}}
• Borges {{yel|90+1}}

|team2= Vancouver FC

|goals2=

• Kwak {{yel|53}}
• Gyimah {{yel|90+3}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 5,232

|referee = Robert D'Alesio

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= August 4

|time= 9:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 19

|score= 3–0

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/eef8pnt57hr1qaxcn7zkvbz84/highlights

|team1= Cavalry FC

|goals1=

• Kobza {{goal|49}}
• Daley {{yel|51}}
• Akio {{goal|61}}, {{yel|62}}
• Aird {{goal|82|p}}
• Shome {{yel|90+5}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

|stadium= ATCO Field

|location= Foothills County

|attendance = 4,106

|referee = Ben Hoskins

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= August 12

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 20

|score= 3–3

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/eg2q8yvdb59epj2s4upgn2syc/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Bekker {{goal|27}}, {{yel|68}}
• Borges {{yel|45+1}}
• Campbell {{goal|54||76}}
• Owolabi-Belewu {{yel|89}}

|team2= York United FC

|goals2=

• Gee {{yel|38}}
• Gagnon-Laparé {{yel|45+1}}
• dos Santos {{goal|48}}
• Wright {{goal|66}}
• Babouli {{goal|70}}, {{yel|74}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 5,071

|referee = Renzo Villanueva

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= August 19

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 21

|score= 1–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/eh6nx6bzalgjb36o3ihmqdpuc/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• James {{yel|28}}
• Badibanga {{yel|65}}, {{goal|79}}

|team2= HFX Wanderers FC

|goals2=

• Nimick {{goal|29|p}}, {{yel|58}}
• Fillion {{yel|62}}
• Fernandez {{yel|73}}
• Coimbra {{yel|78}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 4,824

|referee = Carly Shaw-MacLaren

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= August 26

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 22

|score= 0–0

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/eibxed7tjdjkinmwu6xifiluc/highlights

|team1= Atlético Ottawa

|goals1=

• Iliadis {{yel|49}}
• Verhoven {{yel|84}}
• Singh {{yel|90+3}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

|stadium= TD Place Stadium

|location= Ottawa, Ontario

|attendance = 5,211

|referee = Yusri Rudolf

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= September 3

|time= 5:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 23

|score= 0–3

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/ejfp07apsjz2bitsuyqi8fklw/highlights

|team1= Vancouver FC

|goals1=

• Cantave {{yel|51}}
• Bakare {{yel|73}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Pacius {{goal|19||28||47|p}}
• Kwasi Poku {{sent off|0|87}}

|stadium= Willoughby Community Park

|location= Langley, British Columbia

|attendance = 2,378

|referee = Alain Ruch

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= September 9

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 24

|score= 0–0

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/ekjdxl06j8ta2y0j2o8ktcydw/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

|team2= Cavalry FC

|goals2=

• Daley {{yel|38}}
• Field {{yel|48}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 6,751

|referee = Michael Venne

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= September 17

|time= 2:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 25

|score= 2–3

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/em6pz5unegvtc8xn67hb2rlzo/highlights

|team1= Valour FC

|goals1=

• Williams {{goal|13}}
• de Brienne {{goal|57}}
• Pianelli {{yel|82}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Sissoko {{goal|11}}
• Rama {{yel|27}}
• Kane {{yel|35}}
• Badibanga {{yel|59}}, {{goal|84}}
• Pacius {{goal|66}}, {{yel|88}}

|stadium= IG Field

|location= Winnipeg, Manitoba

|attendance = 3,311

|referee = Fabrizio Stasolla

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= September 23

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 26

|score= 3–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/enlkkjsh68lg0k0bu0d1ubvh0/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Rama {{goal|5}}
• Hojabrpour {{yel|14}}
• Pacius {{goal|44}}
• Sissoko {{yel|45+10}}
• Hamilton {{goal|90+6}}

|team2= Pacific FC

|goals2=

• Daniels {{goal|3}}
• Heard {{yel|76}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 5,327

|referee = Yusri Rudolf

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= September 30

|time= 2:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 27

|score= 2–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/eofxy0utussi3t2hm0yx8g4d0/highlights

|team1= HFX Wanderers FC

|goals1=

• Ferrin {{goal|12}}
• Nimick {{goal|45+2|p}}
• Coimbra {{yel|58}}
• Timoteo {{yel|68}}
• Loughrey {{yel|90+3}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• Pacius {{goal|34}}
• Sissoko {{yel|37}}
• Hojabrpour {{yel|41}}
• Bekker {{yel|85}}
• Rama {{yel|87}}

|stadium= Wanderers Grounds

|location= Halifax, Nova Scotia

|attendance = 6,254

|referee = Michael Venne

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= October 7

|time= 5:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= 28

|score= 0–1

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/epun4tvo2j9osns8y6wmsn9xw/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Pacius {{yel|28}}
• James {{yel|32}}
• Achinioti-Jönsson {{yel|43}}

|team2= Atlético Ottawa

|goals2=

• Iliadis {{yel|43}}, {{goal|54}}
• Ouimette {{yel|74}}
• Verhoven {{yel|81}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 6,013

|referee = Scott Bowman

|result= L

|note= This match was originally scheduled for 4:00{{nbsp}}pm.{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/schedule-update-forge-fc-vs-atletico-ottawa-to-kick-off-at-500-p-m-et-on-saturday-october-7 |title=Schedule Update: Forge FC vs. Atlético Ottawa to kick-off at 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 7 |publisher=Forge FC |date=October 2, 2023 |access-date=October 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002183536/https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/schedule-update-forge-fc-vs-atletico-ottawa-to-kick-off-at-500-p-m-et-on-saturday-october-7 |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |url-status=live}}

}}

{{main|2023 Canadian Premier League season#Playoffs}}

Forge qualified for the CPL playoffs on September 23.{{Cite tweet |author=Canadian Premier League |author-link=Canadian Premier League |user=CPLsoccer |number=1705661056125706568 |title=The Hammers are heading back to the postseason 🔨 Three-time #CanPL champions @ForgeFCHamilton have clinched a playoff spot! ✅ |date=September 23, 2023 |access-date=September 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924161018/https://twitter.com/CPLsoccer/status/1705661056125706568 |archive-date=September 24, 2023 |url-status=live}} As the second-place finishers in the regular season, they opened the playoffs away at regular season winners Cavalry FC on October 14 in the Page playoff first semifinal.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/canadian-premier-league-announces-2023-playoffs-matchups-schedule |title=Canadian Premier League Announces 2023 Playoffs Matchups, Schedule |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=October 7, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2023}} After defeating Cavalry 2–1 and earning the right to host the final in Hamilton at Tim Hortons Field, the league announced that the final would be played on October 28 at 6:00{{nbsp}}pm.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/canadian-premier-league-announces-remaining-playoff-schedule-2023-cpl-final-details |title=Canadian Premier League announces remaining playoff schedule, 2023 CPL Final details |work=Canadian Premier League |date=October 14, 2023 |access-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015155930/https://canpl.ca/article/canadian-premier-league-announces-remaining-playoff-schedule-2023-cpl-final-details |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |url-status=live}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= October 14

|time= 5:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= First semifinal

|score= 1–2

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/4in679xk973y20hthwttb2238/highlights

|team1= Cavalry FC

|goals1=

• Camargo {{yel|26}}
• Mason {{goal|80}}
• Kamdem {{yel|90+10}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

• James {{yel|20}}
• Hojabrpour {{goal|29}}, {{yel|57}}
• Bekker {{goal|50}}
• Rama {{yel|90+1}}
• Sissoko {{yel|90+10}}

|stadium= ATCO Field

|location= Foothills County, Alberta

|attendance = 4,385

|referee = Scott Bowman

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= October 28

|time= 6:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= Final

|score= 2–1

|aet= yes

|report= https://canpl.ca/matchcentre/1m0nj59a9756rj6r5s22n19n8/highlights

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• James {{yel|14}}
• Samuel {{yel|105}}
• Badibanga {{goal|105+2}}
• Borges {{yel|105+5}}, {{goal|111}}
• Henry {{yel|120+4}}

|team2= Cavalry FC

|goals2=

• Camargo {{yel|30}}
• Bevan {{yel|40}}
• Daley {{yel|57}}
• Trafford {{yel|72}}
• Musse {{goal|101}}
• Kamdem {{yel|105+5}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance = 13,925

|referee = Marie-Soleil Beaudoin

|result= W

}}

{{main article|2023 Canadian Championship}}

Canada Soccer announced the draw procedure for the Canadian Championship on January 17, 2023;{{Cite web |url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/canada-soccer-prepares-for-biggest-canadian-championship-ever-starting-in-april/ |title=Canada Soccer prepares for biggest Canadian Championship ever starting in April |work=Canadian Soccer Association |date=January 17, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}} the draw was held on January 31.{{cite web |url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/canada-soccer-conducts-official-draw-for-the-2023-canadian-championship/ |title=Canada Soccer conducts Official Draw for the 2023 Canadian Championship |work=Canadian Soccer Association |date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}}{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-to-host-fc-laval-in-2023-canadian-championship |title=Forge FC To Host FC Laval In 2023 Canadian Championship |publisher=Forge FC |date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}} Fixtures were announced on February 7 for the preliminary round,{{Cite web |url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/canadian-championship-to-kick-off-in-hamilton-and-montreal-on-18-april/ |title=Canadian Championship to kick off in Hamilton and Montréal on 18 April |work=Canada Soccer |date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}}{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-to-host-2023-canadian-championship-preliminary-round-on-april-18 |title=Forge FC To Host 2023 Canadian Championship Preliminary Round On April 18 |publisher=Forge FC |date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}} April 21 for the quarter-finals,{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-to-host-atletico-ottawa-in-the-canadian-championship-quarter-final-round-on-may-9 |title=Forge FC To Host Atlético Ottawa In The Canadian Championship Quarter-Final Round On May 9 |publisher=Forge FC |date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}} and May 11 for the semi-finals.{{Cite web |url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/canadian-championship-semi-finals-set-for-24-may-doubleheader/ |title=Canadian Championship Semi-Finals set for 24 May Doubleheader |work=Canada Soccer |date=May 11, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}}{{Cite press release |url=https://forgefc.canpl.ca/article/forge-fc-canadian-championship-semi-final-match-date-announced |title=Forge FC Canadian Championship Semi-Final Match Date Announced |publisher=Forge FC |date=May 11, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= April 18

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= Preliminary round

|score= 3–0

|report= https://canadasoccer.com/events/championship-match/?matchId=3403

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Jensen {{goal|37||55}}
• Pacius {{goal|57|p}}, {{yel|69}}

|team2= FC Laval

|goals2=

• Lefèvre {{yel|54}}
• Gouab {{yel|56}}

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance= 2,117

|referee= Scott Bowman

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= May 9

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= Quarter-finals

|score= 1–1

|report= https://canadasoccer.com/events/championship-match/?matchId=3408

|team1= Forge FC

|goals1=

• Hojabrpour {{yel|55}}
• Bekker {{goal|76}}
• James {{yel|86}}
• Rama {{yel|90+7}}

|team2= Atlético Ottawa

|goals2=

• Verhoeven {{yel|83}}
• Bassett {{goal|87|p}}
• dos Santos {{yel|90}}

| penaltyscore= 3–2

| penalties1=

• Borges {{penmiss}}
• Jensen {{pengoal}}
• Pacius {{penmiss}}
• Achinioti-Jönsson {{pengoal}}
• Hamilton {{penmiss}}
• Sissoko {{pengoal}}

| penalties2=

• {{penmiss}} Shaw
• {{penmiss}} Bassett
• {{penmiss}} Salter
• {{pengoal}} Santos
• {{pengoal}} Singh
• {{penmiss}} Verhoven

|stadium= Tim Hortons Field

|location= Hamilton, Ontario

|attendance= 2,979

|referee= Filip Dujic

|result= D

|note= Although Atlético Ottawa was drawn as the home team, this match was played in Hamilton due to Atlético opting out of hosting.{{Cite news |url=https://northerntribune.ca/ottawa-halifax-to-play-cup-match-in-toronto/ |title=Ottawa, Halifax To Play Cup Match In Toronto |first=John |last=Jacques |work=Northern Tribune |date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=April 21, 2023 |quote=Atletico Ottawa has also released a club statement confirming that it made an administrative error in opting out as a host club for this year’s iteration of the tournament when it only meant to opt out of the opening round.}}

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date= May 24

|time= 7:00{{nbsp}}pm

|round= Semi-finals

|score= 2–0

|report= https://canadasoccer.com/championship-match/?matchId=3411

|team1= CF Montréal

|goals1=

• Lassiter {{goal|54}}
• Ibrahim {{goal|78}}

|team2= Forge FC

|goals2=

|stadium= Saputo Stadium

|location= Montreal, Quebec

|attendance= 10,062

|referee= Pierre-Luc Lauziere

|result= L

}}

{{As of|2023|10|28|df=US}}

{{Efs start|Canadian Premier League|CPL Playoffs|Canadian Championship}}

|-

{{Efs player|no=1 |nat=CAN|name=Triston Henry |pos=GK|27+0|0|2+0|0|3+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=2 |nat=CAN|name=Malcolm Duncan |pos=DF|2+7|0|0+0|0|0+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=4 |nat=CAN|name=Dominic Samuel |pos=DF|12+7|0|0+2|0|1+2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=5 |nat=CAN|name=Manjrekar James |pos=DF|26+0|0|2+0|0|3+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=7 |nat=CAN|name=David Choinière |pos=FW|11+4|2|0+2|0|2+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=9 |nat=CAN|name=Jordan Hamilton |pos=FW|7+10|4|0+2|0|0+3|0}}

{{Efs player|no=10|nat=CAN|name=Kyle Bekker |pos=MF|24+2|3|2+0|1|2+0|1}}

{{Efs player|no=12|nat=CAN|name=Sebastian Castello |pos=MF|0+2|0|0+0|0|0+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=13|nat=SWE|name=Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson |pos=MF|24+3|0|2+0|0|3+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=14|nat=CAN|name=Terran Campbell |pos=FW|24+4|10|2+0|0|2+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=17|nat=CAN|name=Woobens Pacius |pos=FW|15+13|10|0+0|0|3+0|1}}

{{Efs player|no=19|nat=CAN|name=Tristan Borges |pos=FW|11+13|1|0+1|1|3+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=20|nat=CAN|name=Kwasi Poku |pos=MF|16+5|2|2+0|0|0+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=21|nat=CAN|name=Alessandro Hojabrpour |pos=MF|16+5|0|2+0|1|2+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=22|nat=CAN|name=Noah Jensen |pos=MF|10+9|1|2+0|0|1+2|2}}

{{Efs player|no=23|nat=HAI|name=Garven Metusala |pos=DF|14+3|0|2+0|0|1+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=24|nat=ALB|name=Rezart Rama |pos=DF|25+1|1|2+0|0|2+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=29|nat=CAN|name=Christopher Kalongo |pos=GK|1+1|0|0+0|0|0+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=33|nat=MLI|name=Aboubacar Sissoko |pos=MF|16+9|2|0+2|0|2+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=37|nat=CAN|name=Kevaughn Tavernier |pos=FW|1+1|0|0+0|0|0+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=39|nat=BEL|name=Béni Badibanga |pos=FW|9+1|2|2+0|1|0+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=64|nat=CAN|name=Khadim Kane |pos=MF|6+9|0|0+0|0|0+0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=81|nat=ENG|name=Malik Owolabi-Belewu |pos=DF|9+7|0|0+2|0|0+1|0}}

|-

! colspan="14" | Player(s) transferred out during this season

|-

{{Efs player|no=3 |nat=CAN|name=Ashtone Morgan |pos=DF|2+9|0|0+0|0|3+0|0}}

|-

|}

Woobens Pacius and Terran Campbell ended the CPL season with 10 goals each, tied for third in the league's scoring race and one back of joint Golden Boot winners Ollie Bassett and Myer Bevan who each scored 11 goals.{{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-forge-fc-clinch-second-place-playoff-match-against-cavalry-despite-1-0-loss-to-atletico-ottawa |title=Match Analysis: Forge FC clinch second place, playoff match against Cavalry, despite 1-0 loss to Atlético Ottawa |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=October 7, 2023 |access-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011203515/https://canpl.ca/article/match-analysis-forge-fc-clinch-second-place-playoff-match-against-cavalry-despite-1-0-loss-to-atletico-ottawa |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |url-status=live}}

The Canadian Premier League Awards took place on October 26 in Hamilton.{{Cite web |url=https://northerntribune.ca/2023-canadian-premier-league-awards-winners/ |title=2023 CPL Awards Round Up: Cavalry Dominates The Show |first=John |last=Jacques |work=Northern Tribune |date=October 26, 2023 |access-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027021611/https://northerntribune.ca/2023-canadian-premier-league-awards-winners/ |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |url-status=live}}

File: Forge FC Terran Campbell.jpg has been named to four CPL Teams of the Week in 2023.]]

The Gatorade Team of the Week is usually selected by the CPL's Kristian Jack and OneSoccer's Oliver Platt.

Bobby Smyrniotis managed his 150th game in charge of Forge FC on September 9, 2023.

The following players made their competitive debuts for Forge during the 2023 season.

The following players made their 100th appearance for Forge during the 2023 season.

The following players scored their first goals for Forge during the 2023 season.

The following goalkeepers kept their first clean sheets for Forge during the 2023 season.

{{notelist-lr}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin|30em}}

• {{Cite web |url=https://canpl.ca/article/cpl5x5-forge-fc-2023-year-in-review |title=CPL5x5: Forge FC 2023 year in review |first=Mitchell |last=Tierney |work=Canadian Premier League |date=December 29, 2023 |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230212233/https://canpl.ca/article/cpl5x5-forge-fc-2023-year-in-review |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |url-status=live}}
• {{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVjGaGB1xhM |title=Season in Review - Forge FC |first=Anthony (host) |last=Urciuoli |publisher=Forge FC |via=YouTube |date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}
• {{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFH7X1emueI |title=Forge FC: 2023 Year in Review |first=Gareth (host) |last=Wheeler |author-link=Gareth Wheeler |publisher=OneSoccer |via=YouTube |date=December 28, 2023 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}

{{refend}}

• [https://forgefc.canpl.ca/ Official site]

{{Forge FC}}

{{2023 Canadian Premier League season by team}}

{{2023 in Canadian soccer}}

{{Canadian Premier League championship seasons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Forge FC season 2023}}

2023

Category:2023 Canadian Premier League by team

Category:Canadian soccer clubs 2023 season

Category:2023 in sports in Ontario

2023

Category:2020s in Hamilton, Ontario