Forge qualifies for CONCACAF League after defeating Valour

Forge FC have qualified for the CONCACAF League after defeating Valour FC 2-1 at Tim Hortons Field on Saturday night, topping the three-team in-season qualifiers between the two outfits and FC Edmonton before the June 26 deadline. These three teams were set to battle over four matches apiece, with the winner earning the "Canada 2" berth in the CONCACAF League, set to take on Guatemalan outfit Antigua GFC in the first round – here's a full guide on the CONCACAF League. Here's how the table looks after Saturday's match-up:
Though the final match of CPL's CONCACAF League qualifying process will take place on June 26, when FC Edmonton hosts Forge (9:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. MT/OneSoccer), based on earlier results, this final tilt cannot determine a new No. 1, even if Edmonton defeats Forge FC. As such, Forge FC will represent the CPL with the "Canada 2" berth in this international club competition, with one eye on booking a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League. "We talked about it before the game and we've known about (this chance) for the last couple days," Forge FC head coach Smyrniotis said of the opportunity to qualify. "It's something that's important for us. It's important for the way we grow and we build this organization and the culture of our club. When we're able to put Forge on the map in the North American and Central American zone, I think that's fantastic, not only for us, but for the Canadian Premier League. We look forward to this test coming up."

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