
Novak Brace Powers Forge to Road Win vs. Valour
Published on August 17, 2019 under Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Forge FC News Release
There's a new leader in the CPL's Fall competition, as Forge FC took over first place with a 3-1 away win on Saturday against Valour FC. With 13 points now, they leapfrogged Cavalry FC and FC Edmonton, both of whom dropped points in Friday's Al Classico draw.
After a cagey period to start the match, it was Forge who struck first at IG Field. Anthony Novak, with a tremendous burst of speed, made a long solo run from the right flank and finished a low shot with pinpoint accuracy from a difficult wide angle.
Forge had a chance to increase their lead before halftime, with a handball by Jose Galan sending David Choinere to the penalty spot. For the second straight week, though, Valour goalkeeper Mathias Janssens got his hands to the shot and kept it out.
The pace picked up a little in the second half, especially late as Valour tried to press for an equalizer. It was Forge, however, who had more in the tank offensively, as Novak muscled his way through the penalty area in the 72nd minute to score his second of the day.
His goal was the beginning of a frenzied stretch of action at both sides; Valour won themselves a penalty in the 75th minute, and Michael Petrasso buried it, only for Forge to respond immediately with a goal from Chris Nanco. The latter turned out to be the dagger, as Valour was unable to get back into the match after coming within one and conceding seconds after.
Valour will be right back at it at home, as they welcome FC Edmonton to IG Field this coming Monday (8:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. CT, on OneSoccer). Forge is back on the pitch this Thursday, August 22, as they resume their CONCACAF League campaign with a home leg against Olimpia, before returning to CPL action next Sunday, August 25 at home against Cavalry FC (3:30 p.m. ET, on OneSoccer).
Box Score
Goals
30? - Anthony Novak (Forge FC)
73? - Anthony Novak (Forge FC)
76? - Michael Petrasso (Valour FC)
77? - Chris Nanco (Forge FC)
Discipline
51? Yellow - Giuliano Frano (Forge FC)
75? Yellow - Jonathan Grant (Forge FC)
Canadian Premier League Stories from August 17, 2019
- CanPLxKISS: Inspired by Music, Fuelled by Fans - CPL
- 'Back on the Front Foot': Forge Downs Valour, Stakes Claim on Fall Crown - Forge FC
- Deja Vu, Nine Stripes? York9 Suffer Similar Fate in Pacific Loss - Inter Toronto FC
- 'Big-Time Team Effort': Pacific's Defence Clicks for 1st Shutout Since May - Pacific FC
- Novak Brace Powers Forge to Road Win vs. Valour - Forge FC
- Pacific Grab Rare Clean Sheet in 2-0 Win over York9 - Pacific FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Forge FC Stories
- Forge FC Sign Maxime Filion & Maxime Bourgeois to CPL-U SPORTS Contracts
- Forge FC Sign Midfielder Anthony Aromatario to Multi-Year Contract
- Forge FC Add Rising Canadian Midfielder Aghilas Sadek
- Hamilton Sports Group & Mohawk College Announce New Three-Year Partnership
- Forge FC to Feature in 10 Nationally Televised Matches During 2026 CPL Season

