In today’s episode of Mac’s Access, Mackenzie sits down with new signing Amadou Kone! They discuss his  his first professional appearance with Forge and his university career at Carleton. Mackenzie asks some fun get-to-know-you style questions including his worst fear and bingeworthy TV shows.

Key takeaways: 

• His goal was always to play professional but Amadou was not expecting to get drafted to the CPL as early as he did. 
• His living situation with Daniel Parra and Benni Badibanga is the perfect dynamic.
•  Amadou grew up as a Chelsea fan, loves Samuel L. Jackson, and only listens to French music pre-game.
• After starting his professional career, Amadou knows he has the ability but notices the jump for the USPORTS “Player’s a sharp here every day, that’s the difference” 

Chapters:

1:00 - Choosing Carelton 

1:40 Getting Drafted to the CPL

2:55 Player Role Models…

3:30 It’s always been soccer for Amadou Kone

4:35 Living with Benni & Daniel

6:00 First Professional Start

6:54 Pre Game Routine

7:45 Worst Fear

8:55 TV Shows & Movies

9:49 Most Used Apps

9:59 Self reflections after going pro

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
   Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
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In this midweek episode, instead of a midweek match, Mackenzie brings you up to speed on the current CPL standings and recent results. She also shares conversations with standout performers Malik Owolabi-Belewu and Tristan Borges about their early success and the challenges of balancing the Canadian Championship and regular season competitions simultaneously.

Key Takeaways:

• Forge FC are tied for 4th in the CPL standings with York United (with a game in hand)
• Despite missing a handful of games with a hamstring injury, Malik still leads this team with 16 tackles and 10 interceptions.
• Tristan Borges has made the most shot attempts with 10, plus an additional 2 goals, and 4 assists. 
• Competing in two separate competitions (Canadian Championship and regular CPL season) can be difficult to juggle as the can impact each others success. 

Chapters:

0:52 CPL Standing Recap

2:17 Tristan Borges

4:14 Malik Owalabe Belewu

6:00 Separating the CanChamps and the Regular Season

9:00 Continuing the BTB debate..

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
  Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
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After a week of traveling, Coach Bobby is back for another episode of Behind the Beard! Today, he and Mackenzie discuss a combination of matchups including CF Montreal, Atletico Ottawa, and the upcoming game vs York United. Coach Bobby shares his thoughts on  performances from Kwasi Poku and Malcolm Duncan as well as the rain delay in Montreal. Eventually, they get into some controversial questions and debate a few topics..

Takeaways

• Kwasi Poku executed his responsibilities during the MTL game perfectly; finding isolated moments 1v1 and getting in behind the MTL backline.
• Malcolm Duncan has been excellent in all competitions in 2024.
• The rain delay was made extra long without air conditioning in the Forge locker room.
• The psychological and emotional stress/energy you put into a game makes it difficult to flip the switch to a new opponent 72 hours later.
• Forge needed to be sharper in the final third and drastically reduce unforced errors to be successful against Atletico Ottawa.
• York United is proving to be a confident and experienced group this year.

Chapters: 

3:00 Thoughts on matchup vs. CF Montreal

5:30 Kwasi Poku playing striker

7:45 Malcolm Duncan’s hard work & preperation

8:50 2 Hour Rain Delay 

12:00 Reflecting on a 3-0 loss to Atletico Ottawa

14:20 Balancing both the CanChamps and CPL regular season

15:50 What to expect from York United on Saturday

18:00 Controversial Questions…

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
   Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
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Another week of the CPL calls for another episode of Mac & Milty! Today, Mackenzie is joined by Steve Milton to break down Forge FC’s most recent matchup to Atletico Ottawa. They discuss the overall events of the match and how fatigue impacted this 3-0 loss for the Hamilton side. We also hear Coach Bobby’s thoughts at the Post match press conference.

Key Takeaways:

• Coach Bobby emphasized that Forge needed to be more precise and effective in the final third against Ottawa.
• Despite being a team of newcomers, Atletico successfully executed their game plan and played with a sense of familiarity.
• Forge must refocus on the CPL and prioritize their regular season commitments.
• The upcoming match against York United is crucial, as both teams are tied with 10 points and currently share 4th place in the standings.
• Nothing will come easily; Forge need to score goals to regain momentum and continue a strong regular season.
• Mental maintenance will be important for players in distinguishing goals between the Canadian Championship & regular CPL season.

Chapters:
0:45 Post Match Press Conference w/  Coach Bobby 

2:00 Initial Thoughts

4:45 Rayane Yesli Performance

7:00 Uniqueness of the CPL

9:00 Starting 11 

12:40 Impact of fatigue

16:30 1 draw of past 3 matchups

20:00 You don’t want to have to ‘chase’

22:00 Form of York United & matchup Forge

28:00 Milty vs the Mosquitos 

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
   Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
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In this episode, Kyle and Mitch dive into the chaos of unexpected weather delays during a critical match against Montreal. From the sudden lightning storm that threw everyone off to the intense waiting game in the locker room, they share a behind-the-scenes look at how the team coped with the disruption. Kyle recounts the surreal experience of being called back off the field just as Montreal took their positions, the uncertainty of waiting out the storm, and the mental and physical challenges the players faced.

Mitch brings up the infamous #ONstorm trend, then the discussion shifts to past instances of game interruptions experienced by the team, including an alleged "strategic" power outage in El Salvador.

Listen in as they discuss the importance of maintaining focus during extended breaks, the critical role of warm-ups, and the mental resilience required to come back strong after such delays. They also reflect on the tactical execution that led to a pivotal win against Montreal, emphasizing the collective effort and standout performances that made it possible and the unpredictable nature of sports and the perseverance it demands.

Chapters

00:00 - Delayed Game and the Challenges for Players
08:00 - Debating the Necessity of Warm-Ups
11:18 - Game-Changing Saves
23:07 - Disappointing Game in Ottawa
25:15 - Canadian Barbecue
27:32 - Kyle Goes to the Casino

Takeaways

• Delays in games due to weather can disrupt players' mental and physical preparation.
• Warm-ups in soccer can be a topic of debate, with some players and coaches questioning their necessity.
• A strong defensive performance can be crucial in winning a game, and goalkeepers can make game-changing saves.
• Protests can have an impact on the atmosphere and dynamics of a game.
• A win against a rival team can be particularly satisfying and significant for a club. 
• The Ottawa game was disappointing for the Forgers
• Canadian BBQ may not be all it could be
• The casino experience can be underwhelming
• The Barton Street Battalion is organizing a viewing party and fundraising event on June 8th at Wingporium when the team visits Calvary FC

Click HERE to explore all ticketing options so you can cheer on the Forge at Tim Horton's Field! 

The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain’s Log, Behind The Beard, Mac’s Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.

Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton 
Insta: @forgefc 
TikTok: @forgefchamilton 
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton
YouTube: ForgeFC 

The last episode of Forge Daily before Forge take on Atletico Ottawa tomorrow at 3pm! Today Mackenzie is joined by CPL analyst Charlie O’Conner Clarke. They get into his thoughts on the MTL matchup, Forge FC’s form as of late and what to expect from Ottawa tomorrow. They also brainstorm some favourable outcomes for the 2024 Canadian Championship semi’s..

Chapters

2:00 Charlies thoughts on CF Montreal Win

6:00 Forge & Lord of the Rings Comparison..

7:30 2024 Edition of Forge FC

9:30 Player Spotlight: Malcolm Duncan & Tristan Borges

14:30 Atletico Ottawa 

16:55 Abou Sissoko and his role with Ottawa

19:00 Potential Outcomes for the 2024 Canadian Championship Semi Finals

Keytakeaways

• Charlie makes the distinction that Forge won the quarter finals against CF MTL because they were the better team over 180 minutes
• There is a lot of consistency & clarity within this group. Forge have played 8 games this season and a core group of 9 players have played every game. 
• Charlie believes Tristan Borges is player “Better and More Impressive than 2019”
• Aboucar Sissoko has proven to be incredibly versatile, playing many different roles for Atletico Ottawa. He will be a threat to Forge having played with the team in 2023. 
• The draw for the semi final of the Canadian Championship will take place next week. Forge FC’s potential opponents are Toronto FC, Vancouver FC, and the winner of the Pacific v. Atletico match. 

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
   Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
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It’s a good day to be a Forge FC fan! In today’s episode of Forge Daily Mackenzie is joined by Steve Milton to discuss the monumental 2-1 victory over CF Montreal. They get into Forge’s success with Kwasi Poku in an untraditional position, Daniel Parra’s first goal with the club, the 2 hour rain delay, and everything in between. We also hear from coach Bobby in the Post Game Press Conference and reactionary audio from after the final whistle.

Key Takeaways:

• Forge FC made history by defeating CF Montreal for the first time, advancing to the Semi-Final of the Canadian Championship.
• Forge FC is now the third Canadian Premier League team to eliminate an MLS club from the Voyageurs Cup.
• Kwasi Poku delivered an outstanding performance in an unfamiliar striker role for Forge FC.
• Daniel Para maintained his impressive form, contributing offensively from his defensive position.
• Malik Owolabi-Belewu successfully returned from injury, seamlessly resuming his previous form.
• Forge FC is set to face Atletico Ottawa on Saturday and will be traveling there today.

Chapters:

1:15 Post Game Presser w/ Coach Bobby

3:00 Final Whistle Reaction

3:35 Initial thoughts with Steve Milton

5:55 Forge FC’s starting 11 & Kwasi Poku in the number 9!!

11:50 Forge FC didn’t beat MTL because they are in ‘shambles’

13:00 Forge in the 1st half 

14:20 Chaos of a Rain Delay at Half 

17:00 2nd half pace and aggressiveness from CF MTL & Forge Response

23:00 Too many Standout Performers

27:00 Post Game On-Field Celebration

30:00 Atletico Ottawa this Saturday

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
  Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
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In today’s episode of Forge Daily Mackenzie talks with Dom Samuel, David Choiniere, and Canada Soccer Broadcaster Matt Cullen. Dom and Dav provide some insight on how they see the second leg changing and this opportunity for Forge FC. Matt shares his knowledge after calling the past 3 matchups between Forge and CF Montreal as well as CF MTL’s recent loss to TFC.

Key Takeaways

• Dom and Dav reiterate that Forge intends to maintain their form in the second leg. They both emphasize the team’s cohesiveness and organization in their offensive production and defensive play.
• CF Montreal traditionally play better at Saputo Stadium. Forge expect them to be better on the ball, use their fans, and come into the second leg extra motivated.
• Montreal are struggling defensively and come off a 5-1 loss to TFC. They’ve won 1 of the past 11 games and given up some tough home losses. 

Chapters: 

1:45 Dom Samuel 

2:15 Dav Choineire

3:30 Matt Cullen Intro

5:13 Leg 1 in Review

7:00 MTL adjusting to the 2024 Forge FC & the 11am matchup

8:00 Current form of CF Montreal & loss to TFC

12:45 Playing at Stade Saputo  

14:45 Standout Performers for Forge FC

17:00 Dav & Dom’s Ideal Travel Partners

Forge Audio Network

The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
  Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
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Another education of the Mac & Milty show! This time, the two discuss what happened at THF against Vancouver FC and the quick turnaround to CF MTL. Mackenzie also breaks down other long weekend results around the league!

Key takeaways:

• Despite Forge FC's loss to Vancouver, they remain competitive in the league standings, currently in fourth place. 
• Kyle Bekker is has made his presence known on the statistics sheet with his first goal of the season while Tristan Borges collects another assist.
• Amadou Kone made his first professional start but maintained a humble and motivated attitude.
• Overview of the league standings shift with Athletico Ottawa leading after defeating Pacific, and York United & Cavalry FC tying.
• Forge currently face challenges like injuries to key players and administrative issues affecting player availability from Nana Opoku Ampomah and Elimane Cissé 
• CF Montreal are have gotten very few winning results as of late 

Chapters

0:00 Other Results around the CPL

2:30 Vancouvers Early Goal

3:15 Another Olympic Goal?

9:15 Amadou Kone and Pace of Play

10:30 Substitutions as Strategy

13:21 Forge Attack and status of Nana & Cisse 

16:00 Is the Canadian Championship too Early in the Season?

19:00 Another Assist for Tristan Borges 

20:00 Upcoming matchup v.s. CF MTL

Forge Audio Network

The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
 Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
 Insta: @forgefc
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Ahead of tomorrow’s match, Mackenzie discusses past matchups between Forge FC & Vancouver FC. She delves into what to expect from Vancouver and how their team looks different from the 2023 season. We also hear from players including Noah Jensen, Alex Achinioti Jonson and Chris Kalongo. 

Key Takeaways:

• With new additions to the Forge roster and many players in healthy form, Alex & Noah emphasize how much the 2024 group is on the same page.
• Chris shares his side of competing for minutes with Jassem and agrees that it’s healthy motivation.
• Noah Jensen suffered an injury at the beginning of the season but feels he gained a new perspective on the sidelines and wants to continue taking more offensive chances.
• Of 4 total matchups in 2023, Forge has won two times, tied once, and lost once, against Vancouver FC.
• Vancouver FC have both new and more experienced players on their roster compared to 2023.

Chapters:

1:00 Past Matchups 

1:50 2024 Vancouver FC

3:28 Chris Kalongo

4:45 Alex Achinioti Jonson 

6:12 Noah Jensen

8:57 Alex’s Hair cut …

Forge Audio Network

The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.Twitter: @ForgeFCHamiltonInsta: @forgefcTikTok: @forgefchamiltonFacebook: ForgeFCHamilton