The 2024 Canadian Championship resumed Wednesday evening, as Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC opened two-legged semifinal clashes against Canadian Premier League opponents.
Both clubs traveled for their Leg 1 matches, with Toronto FC snagging a road goal in a 2-1 loss to Forge FC at Tim Hortons Field. Meanwhile, Vancouver are in the driver's seat following a 1-0 victory over Pacific FC at Starlight Stadium.
The stakes remain high, with a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup spot and the Voyageurs Cup awaiting Canada's top club.
Forge FC 2, Toronto FC 1
Toronto FC's semifinal series had an inauspicious start, but a resurgent ending as the Reds were dealt a 2-1 Leg 1 defeat by Forge FC.
Forge FC earned an early lead via two spectacular goals. First, Béni Badibanga caught Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran off his line and converted a highlight-reel finish from his own half. Kwasi Poku doubled the advantage just three minutes later with a slick backheel finish from close range.
Toronto looked set for a two-goal deficit entering Leg 2, but pulled back a goal late when Prince Owusu muscled home the finish after a mad scramble in the 18-yard box.
Goals
Pacific FC 0, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1
The Vancouver Whitecaps have a 1-0 aggregate lead over Pacific FC after Leg 1, delivered by Ryan Gauld's second-half goal.
After a scoreless first half, the Whitecaps found their breakthrough in the 58th minute. The Scottish attacker deposited a glancing header to the far post to finish off pinpoint service from Mathías Laborda, affording Vanni Sartini's group the one-goal advantage before Leg 2 at BC Place.
Goals
- 58' - VAN - Ryan Gauld | WATCH
