The Canadian Premier League’s 18-match Fall campaign wrapped up Saturday with a trio of regular season final matches; HFX earning its first road win 2-0 over York9 FC, Cavalry FC putting an exclamation point on their Al Classico dominance and Pacific closing up on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Valour FC. And while there are still two massive matches to be played between Cavalry and Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League Finals – starting next Saturday in Hamilton (3:30 p.m. ET, on OneSoccer), with the second leg a week later in Calgary (3:30 p.m. ET, on OneSoccer) – it was hard not to get nostalgic on Saturday. Summer has come and gone. Matches have been played, won and lost, and fans from across the country enjoyed professional coast-to-coast football for the first time in decades. Photographers have been grabbing shots from all 98 matches so far, a total that will reach an even #100 with the Finals. But before the CPL learns of its first champions, just as we did this Spring season, we're looking back at the best 10-odd photographic memories from the Fall campaign.
1. Guti’s Corner at Wanderers Grounds
A sunny day on the East Coast. What can go wrong? While HFX Wanderers didn't exactly have the best year on the pitch, they shined off it.
2. Diouck goes for a dive
Off to a flyer! Here’s Oumar Diouck celebrating with Eddies fans after scoring an opening goal against York9 just three minutes in. The Nines erased that lead just a few minutes later but … you don’t need to know that. Also, is that Gord? And potentially Dallas?
3. Winnipeg wonderstrike from LBG
Moments after firing an absolute rocket into the top corner, Valour FC’s Louis Beland-Goyette is all smiles at IG Field. A place that has seen a few less-than-sweet moments in 2019.
4. King Ledgerwood’s conquest
Look, Valour fans, you had one. Here’s Cavalry’s Nik Ledgerwood celebrating one of the eight goals his side put past Valour FC on Labour Day. You have to admit, Big Bad Cavalry are captured extra big and bad here...
5. A normal interaction for Yorky
Well, here’s Yorky being extremely normal to some HFX Wanderers away supporters at York Lions Stadium. He’s playing nice! This was back in July when York9 thrashed the Wanderers 6-2. Travelling HFX fans saw a better result in York Region on the final day of the regular season, though.
6. Midsummer disappointment
HFX’s Luis Alberto Perea wasn’t trying to avoid the sun when this photo was taken in late August. Rather, it was just another match without the win, this time in Winnipeg.
7. Bobby’s continental success
CONCACAF Nations League lanyard around his neck, Forge head coach Bobby Smryniotis shows a rare bit of pitchside emotion after his side’s first-leg win over Honduran side CD Olimpia. It was a big win for the home club, representing the CPL in an international competition for the first time.
8. Purple & Teal, Banners & Signs
Lake Side Buoys banners are very, very good. Look at these references; it takes a Mark Village, Terran Campbell’s Condensed Souper Goals, V for Verhoven … genius stuff.
9. Adjei got them tripping
Staying at Westhills Stadium, here, York9 FC’s Simon Adjei slips past the Pacific FC defence with a pair of lovely moves. What came next was an absolute blast from the big man.
10. Bekker’s boisterous bounce
First-year photography students, take note. Nora Stankovic’s shot of Kyle Bekker celebrating in front of Forge FC fans is picture-perfect. The subject, out of focus down to the captain's armband, joins the home fans in celebration.
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1. Guti’s Corner at Wanderers Grounds
A sunny day on the East Coast. What can go wrong? While HFX Wanderers didn't exactly have the best year on the pitch, they shined off it.
2. Diouck goes for a dive
Off to a flyer! Here’s Oumar Diouck celebrating with Eddies fans after scoring an opening goal against York9 just three minutes in. The Nines erased that lead just a few minutes later but … you don’t need to know that. Also, is that Gord? And potentially Dallas?
3. Winnipeg wonderstrike from LBG
Moments after firing an absolute rocket into the top corner, Valour FC’s Louis Beland-Goyette is all smiles at IG Field. A place that has seen a few less-than-sweet moments in 2019.
4. King Ledgerwood’s conquest
Look, Valour fans, you had one. Here’s Cavalry’s Nik Ledgerwood celebrating one of the eight goals his side put past Valour FC on Labour Day. You have to admit, Big Bad Cavalry are captured extra big and bad here...
5. A normal interaction for Yorky
Well, here’s Yorky being extremely normal to some HFX Wanderers away supporters at York Lions Stadium. He’s playing nice! This was back in July when York9 thrashed the Wanderers 6-2. Travelling HFX fans saw a better result in York Region on the final day of the regular season, though.
6. Midsummer disappointment
HFX’s Luis Alberto Perea wasn’t trying to avoid the sun when this photo was taken in late August. Rather, it was just another match without the win, this time in Winnipeg.
7. Bobby’s continental success
CONCACAF Nations League lanyard around his neck, Forge head coach Bobby Smryniotis shows a rare bit of pitchside emotion after his side’s first-leg win over Honduran side CD Olimpia. It was a big win for the home club, representing the CPL in an international competition for the first time.
8. Purple & Teal, Banners & Signs
Lake Side Buoys banners are very, very good. Look at these references; it takes a Mark Village, Terran Campbell’s Condensed Souper Goals, V for Verhoven … genius stuff.
9. Adjei got them tripping
Staying at Westhills Stadium, here, York9 FC’s Simon Adjei slips past the Pacific FC defence with a pair of lovely moves. What came next was an absolute blast from the big man.
10. Bekker’s boisterous bounce
First-year photography students, take note. Nora Stankovic’s shot of Kyle Bekker celebrating in front of Forge FC fans is picture-perfect. The subject, out of focus down to the captain's armband, joins the home fans in celebration.
Continue reading...