Cavalry FC, the reigning Canadian Premier League (CPL) champions, have secured their place in the Contenders’ Semifinal after a commanding 4-1 victory over York United in the quarterfinals. The match, held at Spruce Meadows’ ATCO Field on a windy weekend, saw Tobias Warschewski shine with a brace, propelling the Cavs to a decisive win. Their next challenge will be against Forge FC, the CPL Shield winners and regular season champions, in a high-stakes clash at Hamilton Stadium on November 2. The victor will advance to the CPL Championship Final on November 9, where they will face Atlético Ottawa for the coveted North Star Cup.
Saint Lucian striker Caniggia Elva, who has scored four goals this season, expressed his confidence after the match. “We’ve been working toward this all season,” Elva stated. “Playoff time is when we come alive. We secured third place to play in front of our fans, and we delivered. Scoring first was our goal, and we’ll keep pushing forward.” Despite being perceived as underdogs, Elva emphasized Cavalry’s championship pedigree, reminding critics of their title-winning campaign last year.
Cavalry’s performance was a testament to their preparation and teamwork. The team recorded 17 shot attempts and six corners in their comprehensive triumph. Head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. praised his squad’s execution, saying, “They were brilliant from the first minute to the last. Every player, whether they started or came off the bench, performed exceptionally. Even those who weren’t in the squad contributed to our preparation. I’m humbled by their performance.”
The stakes are high, as the eventual CPL champions will also earn a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, the premier club competition in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Cavalry FC’s journey continues as they aim to defend their title and secure a place on the continental stage.