VIDEO: Vancouver FC Eagles captain credited with save
Published 11:45 am Tuesday, September 29, 2026
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Vancouver FC added a critical point to its ledger on Saturday night at the Stadium at Langley Events Centre, as they came from a goal down and stopped a late penalty kick to snatch a 1-1 draw against Forge FC.
The point gave the Eagles a little extra comfort in the playoff race, extending their lead above fifth place to seven points. Meanwhile, the Hamilton team now finds itself six points back of the top of the table.
With both teams missing key players to international duty and injury, the starting lineups inevitably offered surprises.
Forge was the more aggressive side early on; just seven minutes in, Cavallini nearly opened his CPL account, but VFC right-back Morey Doner staved off the danger with a goal-line block.
The Langley-based pro soccer team couldn’t keep the visitors out forever, though.
They gave up a corner kick to Forge around the 15th minute, then Vancouver proceed to chase the game struggling to find opportunities to get in behind Forge.
Thierno Bah found his way behind once in the second half, bringing down a good ball over the top. However, Forge keeper closed him down, surging off his goal line to take away Bah’s space and make an excellent save.
The Eagles’ path back into the game arrived near the hour mark. After the half-time sub gave them an injection of energy, they managed to strike with their trademark quick ball movement.
VFC right-back Morey Doner came back to tie the game at 1-1.
This match did have a little more drama left in store.
With about 15 minutes to play, Forge coach Bobby Smyrniotis initiated an FVS challenge, asking for a review of a possible foul on Anthony Aromatario in the box. After a lengthy review, the referee judged Bah’s contact to be out of line and awarded the spot kick.
However, the late penalty would not be Forge’s winner, nor Cavallini’s first goal in the CPL.
Instead, Vancouver captain Callum Irving dove to his left to stop the attempt, playing hero yet again with his second penalty save of the week.
Vancouver came closest to winning it late, with a chance for Bah that he put wide of the far post, but this match wasn’t destined to have a victor.
Instead, these sides were forced to share the spoils. A point might not cement Vancouver’s place in the post-season, but it did give them a little bit of extra breathing room.
This latest draw on Saturday follows what was described as one of the wildest matches of the Canadian Premier League’s 2026 season on Sept. 23 that ended 3-3 in Langley between Inter Toronto and Vancouver FC.
Now, Vancouver players have some time off. The Eagles won’t be back on the pitch until Saturday, Oct. 10, when the team heads to Quebec to play against FC Supra at 1 p.m. PT.