Forge FC Narrowly Fall to Cruz Azul in Historic CONCACAF Champions League Battle
Forge FC made a bold statement for Canadian soccer despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cruz Azul in their debut appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League. While the result favored the Mexican giants, Forge held their own for much of the match, showcasing tenacity, tactical growth, and defensive organization. This analysis breaks down the key tactical elements from Forge’s performance and highlights areas for improvement as they look ahead to the decisive second leg.
Forge FC’s Defensive Organization and Tactical Structure
Throughout the match, Forge FC deployed a shape that oscillated between a 4-3-3 and a deeper 4-1-4-1, adapting effectively during both defensive and possession phases. Forge held approximately 42% of the ball, with the majority of their efforts focused on resisting Cruz Azul’s advances in a disciplined mid-block. Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson played a central role, acting as a shield in front of the defensive line and tracking Cruz’s central striker, Santiago Gimenez.
Terran Campbell led the press from the front, putting pressure on Cruz’s defenders, particularly during moments of indecision and back passes. Off the ball, Forge showed discipline but occasionally overcommitted—Kwasi Poku, for instance, dropped too deep to double up defensively on Forge’s left side, which limited his ability to exploit attacking spaces left open by Cruz’s advancing right-backs.
Opportunities and Challenges in Transition
Cruz Azul’s right flank, typically marshaled by Juan Escobar, saw Joaquin Martinez in the role for this encounter. Martinez frequently surged forward, leaving significant gaps behind him—especially between himself and right center-back Dominguez. Forge’s left winger had recurring chances to occupy this space on the counterattack, but hesitated to fully capitalize or push Martinez deeper. In several instances, Forge had opportunities to launch quick diagonal transitions upon regaining the ball but opted for safer, lateral passes rather than riskier, line-breaking balls.
On the opposite side, although Cruz’s left-back Mayorga played more conservatively, moments arose when space opened up in the gaps between Mayorga and his center-back. Forge successfully isolated this area during one notable break, with David Choinière advancing into space, but overall execution let the team down. Throughout the match, Forge completed just three dribbles and failed to unlock Cruz’s defensive lines with regularity, as their attempts often found willing runners wide rather than in more dangerous, central channels.
Cruz Azul’s Compactness and Aggression Stifle Forge’s Attack
Cruz Azul’s defensive discipline played a crucial role in disrupting Forge’s attacking momentum. The Mexican side won 27 tackles—more than double Forge’s total—and maintained a formidable 73% success rate in these challenges. Their compact shape in midfield suffocated Forge’s creative attempts, often leading to swift turnovers or broken attacking sequences. Quick tactical fouling and an organized defensive wall kept the Canadian club from gaining any sustained rhythm or penetration in the attacking third.
Offensively, Cruz Azul blended possession-based play with targeted long balls, especially when supported by favorable wind conditions in the second half. These direct passes regularly bypassed Forge’s back line, forcing last-ditch interventions from defenders such as Samuel and Jonsson. Set pieces also proved pivotal, with Cruz’s lone goal coming from a well-delivered in-swinging free kick that exploited a brief lapse in Forge’s defensive concentration.
Standout Performers: Achinioti-Jönsson and Ignacio Rivero
Midfield control was a defining feature, with Forge’s Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson emerging as a standout performer. The Swedish midfielder completed 85% of his passes (40/45), accounted for two of Forge’s three dribbles, registered 10 ball recoveries, and won 75% of his aerial duels. His adaptability saw him drop into the back line when needed and cover a range of defensive duties, providing stability through multiple phases of play.
For Cruz Azul, Ignacio Rivero’s versatility became evident as he transitioned from his usual wide roles into central midfield. Rivero excelled in both possession and defensive contributions—completing eight of his twelve long passes and winning seven out of eight tackles. He was instrumental in supporting overlapping runs and disrupted Forge’s build-up play. Rivero’s aggressive, dynamic presence in midfield ensured Cruz remained in control through the majority of the contest.
Tactical Insights: What Could Forge Have Done Differently?
Despite their defensive resilience, Forge’s struggles in attack stemmed from a mix of cautious decision-making and outstanding opposition organization. Key areas Forge could target for improvement in the second leg include:
- Exploiting transitional spaces more frequently, especially between fullback and center-back on Cruz Azul’s flanks.
- Increasing willingness to play riskier, vertical passes instead of relying on lateral ball movement once winning possession.
- Empowering wingers and creative midfielders to break lines and dribble into open spaces more assertively.
- Maintaining compact defensive shape on set pieces and set up quicker to resist immediate threats after conceding fouls in dangerous areas.
Cruz Azul’s Tactical Approach and Key Adaptations
Cruz Azul’s ability to control tempo through both short-passing sequences and incisive long balls showcased the depth and quality within their squad—even as they rotated several regular starters. Their approach emphasized:
- Fluid midfield rotations and overlaps from fullbacks to disrupt Forge’s defensive structure.
- Direct play via wind-assisted long balls, particularly in the second half, to stretch Forge’s back line.
- Set-piece proficiency, but also targeted deliveries into the six-yard box to take advantage of situations where Forge’s defensive line was unsettled.
- Consistent use of tactical fouls and aggressive pressure to prevent Forge from building sustained attacks or settling into a rhythm.
This disciplined, physically dominant style enabled Cruz to absorb Forge’s occasional attacks while dictating much of the overall play.
Looking Ahead: Second Leg Keys for Success
Forge FC’s performance provided a blueprint indicating where improvements could yield better results in the return fixture. The Canadian side demonstrated enough defensive solidity to suggest they can compete, but must find new solutions to break Cruz Azul’s compact structure and capitalize on transitional moments. Expect Forge to focus on:
- Varying their attacking build-up to catch Cruz’s defenders out of position;
- Being more resolute in the final third, ensuring a higher percentage of their shots are on target;
- Maintaining high concentration during defending set pieces and reacting faster to second balls.
With the tie still open and plenty to play for, Forge has every opportunity to rise to the challenge and chase a historic result in Mexico.
Summary
Forge FC’s spirited effort in the first leg underscored the club’s tactical maturity and determination, even as they fell just short against an experienced Cruz Azul side. With lessons learned and areas for strategic adjustment identified, all eyes now turn to the second leg—where a strong, assertive Forge could yet make headlines in the CONCACAF Champions League.
