After going without a goal in three straight games, Vancouver FC was looking to get something going on Saturday, Sept. 21, and they did 鈥� just too late in the game to overcome a lead by visiting Forge FC.

Forge opened the scoring in the first half with a goal from David Choini猫re in the 35th minute, before doubling their lead via B茅ni Badibanga in the 53rd minute, putting them in the driver鈥檚 seat with over a half-hour still to play. Then, they sealed the game in the 83rd minute, as Noah Jensen slotted home from inside of the box to make it 3-0.

Vancouver clawed one back late in the game, as TJ Tahid found the net in the 88th minute to cut the deficit to two, but despite mounting a late push, Forge would hold on the rest of the way to clinch their spot in the 2024 Canadian Premier League playoffs and maintain their lead atop the CPL table.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a tough few games,鈥� Tahid commented. 鈥淪o after not being able to score in those games, even after having some pretty good chances, being able to get this one today is a big positive to take out of this game and to go on to the next games knowing that we鈥檙e able to score.鈥�

Vancouver鈥檚 head coach, Afshin Ghotbi, talked about the need to boost player confidence.

"When you鈥檙e a team on top of the table, when you鈥檙e a team that are winning games, even going at 60, 70 per cent of your potential, you know when to switch it on, and you know how to win games,"Ghotbi remarked.

"I think our players need a little bit more confidence, and that鈥檚 something we鈥檝e been trying to help them with.鈥�

Vancouver FC will head out on the road for their next match, to face Cavalry FC at ATCO Field on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m.