RECAP + HIGHLIGHTS: York United vs. Forge FC | August 9, 2025

Forge FC are the first side to claim victory in the 905 Derby this season, as they defeated York United 2-1 at York Lions Stadium on Saturday to extend their CPL-record unbeaten streak to 18 matches.

The visitors were the early protagonists in this one, holding onto possession and drawing two yellow cards from York in the first 11 minutes. They nearly scored six minutes in as David Choinière put a shot just wide of the post from a one-on-one opportunity.

The next time Choinière found the ball in the box, about 10 minutes later, he threaded it to Tristan Borges, who settled the pass expertly. Borges made no mistake slotting into the net for his second goal in as many matches, and Forge took an early 1-0 lead.

Forge's opening goal brought York to life, as the home side pushed further into the opposing half over the next 20 minutes. They created a handful of opportunities, including a few dangerous set-pieces, and finally they found a way through just before the 40th minute.

Leonel López, making his first start for the club, picked up the ball in Forge's half and drove forward, playing a quick give-and-go with Gabriel Bitar before collecting it at the top of the box. With the defenders backing off, López took a few strides toward goal and smashed an excellent strike past Jassem Koleilat to tie the game.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first, and soon enough Forge took the lead again. The Hammers worked the ball into the box, and Noah Jensen collected a pass behind the York defence. His effort was stopped by keeper Diego Urtiaga, but the saved ball deflected across to Maxime Filion, who tapped it into an open goal and made it 2-1.

Despite some late changes intended to inject life into York late in the match, the Nine Stripes were not able to find a way to break down Forge a second time, despite several spirited moments from Shola Jimoh and a handful of good balls into th ebox.

Forge therefore added another three points to their ledger, and in doing so ensured they'll hold onto first place in the CPL for at least another week.

BOX SCORE

Lineups

York United: Urtiaga; Singh (Hundal 70'), Sturing, León; Ferrari, L. López (Adekugbe 85'), Kibato, Botello (Ferrazzo 85'); Reid (Jimoh 70'), Altobelli, Bitar (Ferrin 60')

Forge FC: Koleilat; Rama (Cisse 78'), Nimick, Achinioti-Jönsson, Jevremović; Borges (Babouli 64'), Hojabrpour (Bekker 78'), Jensen; Choinière, Filion (Wright 64'), Ampomah (Massunda 64')

Goals

14' — Tristan Borges (Forge FC)
38' — Leonel López (York United)
54' — Maxime Filion (Forge FC)

Discipline

5' — Yellow: Gabriel Bitar (York United)
11' — Yellow: Adonijah Reid (York United)
35' — Yellow: Frank Sturing (York United)
63' — Yellow: Nana Ampomah (Forge FC)