The race for the CPL’s Fall title is as fascinating as ever, as Pacific FC scored a late equalizer on Wednesday to steal points from Forge FC with a 1-1 draw. The result, which burns one of the three games in hand Forge had on first-place Cavalry FC, puts the Hamilton-based club two points back of the top.

Despite the relatively low goal tally, it was a flashy affair at Westhills Stadium, with attacking flair on display for both sides. After a fast-paced first half hour of the match, it was Forge who struck first. Left-back Monti Mohsen (named in the starting 11 for the first time) fired a well-placed shot from outside the box just under the bar, after his teammate Kwame Awuah recovered the ball with a determined slide tackle.

Despite plenty of good buildup play from both teams, neither was able to find the net for much of the second half. A few set-piece chances went awry at either end of the pitch, and the two goalkeepers were called upon on several occasions, but there was only one goal left in the match.

Pacific striker Terran Campbell, pulling further head atop the Golden Boot leaderboard with his 10th of the year, headed in a magnificent cross from Blake Smith to bring his side level and stun the visitors.

The pace of the match became frantic in the final 10 minutes, with a handful of very close calls for both teams as they each threatened on the counter-attack. Pacific’s Hendrik Starostzik put the ball in the net in the 85th minute, but he had his effort called back for offside. Not long after, Forge attacker Tristan Borges took contact in the box and went down, but referee Juan Marquez wasn’t convinced enough to award a penalty.

Forge’s campaign for the Fall title continues this Sunday, September 8th, as they head back to Hamilton for a 905 Derby contest with York9 FC (1:00 p.m. ET, on OneSoccer). Pacific’s next opponent will also be York9, who will visit Westhills Stadium next Wednesday, September 11th (10:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. PT, on OneSoccer).

Box Score

Goals

31′ – Monti Mohsen (Forge FC)

78′ – Terran Campbell (Pacific FC)

Discipline

67′ Yellow – Monti Mohsen (Forge FC)

Three Key Performers

Terran Campbell (Pacific FC)

The first player to score 10 goals in the CPL, Campbell looked almost certain to score at some point in the match. He took three shots himself and added three key passes, going up for five aerial duels as well. The young striker demonstrated his strength in climbing to head the ball for a goal that could have huge Fall season implications.

Monti Mohsen (Forge FC)

For the second game in a row, a Forge fullback opened his CPL account with an incredible screamer of a goal. Forge wasn’t able to hold onto the well-earned lead Mohsen gave them, but nonetheless it was a moment of brilliance from an unlikely hero.

Tristan Borges (Forge FC)

Like Campbell, Borges looked destined to score at times in this one. He made a couple sizzling runs through the Pacific backline, earning three shots on target, and he always seemed to be at the heart of every Forge threat.