Some of the smoke came from the usual people, but they were at least a couple BYOS in there too. The one at the beginning of the game was hilarious, I was in a cloud of smoke for 90 seconds and couldn’t see the game at all
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Congrats to all the CPers who have been with Cavalry FC since the beginning. Must feel good to finally exercise that demon! The crowd and the grounds looked great on Fox Soccer international from the US!
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Can't add much to what's already been said. Crowd and atmosphere amazing. Game amazing.
The one thing I did notice that ticked me off was at the end as Forge players were leaving, the 200s and 109 were giving the opponent polite applause. Most players acknowledged.
Bobby Smyrnoitis left the pitch alone and again 200s and 109 gave him polite (and very audible) applause. Wouldn't even look up, wouldn't even acknowledge.
#### you loser. If rabid fans can show some sportsmanship, so can you, a 'professional' coach.
Voice and throat still scratchy two days after. Worth it.
...at the end as Forge players were leaving, the 200s and 109 were giving the opponent polite applause. Most players acknowledged.
Forge players were making "4-0" hand gestures to the 200s & 109 earlier in the day. I in turn made a "4-1" gesture at the end of the game, but didn't use my index finger for the 1.
Mr. Béni Badibanga was especially unhappy with me on his way to the dressing room.
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I was so tired from the night before (partied a bit too hard) that Saturday was a rough one for me (I remember grilling Gareth Wheeler Friday night to give his predictions, and he was deflecting like crazy haha). But I was at the game and enjoyed every minute of it, what an atmosphere... so happy
Now.... cannot wait for the Champions Cup! LET'S GO CAVS
Can't add much to what's already been said. Crowd and atmosphere amazing. Game amazing.
The one thing I did notice that ticked me off was at the end as Forge players were leaving, the 200s and 109 were giving the opponent polite applause. Most players acknowledged.
Bobby Smyrnoitis left the pitch alone and again 200s and 109 gave him polite (and very audible) applause. Wouldn't even look up, wouldn't even acknowledge.
#### you loser. If rabid fans can show some sportsmanship, so can you, a 'professional' coach.
Voice and throat still scratchy two days after. Worth it.
This is where I have to begrudgingly respect Bekker. Applauded the fans on all sides on his way out, then snuck in the last minute 4 fingers. Showed respect, but still embraced being a heel, and reminded us all that we're safe to continue to hate him moving forward, as it should be.
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Congrats to all the CPers who have been with Cavalry FC since the beginning. Must feel good to finally exercise that demon! The crowd and the grounds looked great on Fox Soccer international from the US!
Thank you. So much tension built up by bitter defeat from previous years and in the last 7 minutes in finally sunk in, just this overwhelming sensation of relaxation.
This is where I have to begrudgingly respect Bekker. Applauded the fans on all sides on his way out, then snuck in the last minute 4 fingers. Showed respect, but still embraced being a heel, and reminded us all that we're safe to continue to hate him moving forward, as it should be.
I hate Bekker, but I was fine with that. Like you say, we can all still hate him going forward. I also still hate Borges way more than Bekker. This version of Forge was a little less hated by me because they don't have Henry there anymore.
Don't get me wrong, making fun of their keeper was incredibly enjoyable on Saturday! But, if that was Henry and we scored two goals right in front of us against him, I might still be in a drunken stupor from the celebrations!
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Does anybody know if the video of the full match is available online anywhere? I have a collection of match videos that I'd love to add this one to. Doesn't look like it's on YouTube or CBC's website. I do have it saved on FuboTV but don't see a way to download it.
Does anybody know if the video of the full match is available online anywhere? I have a collection of match videos that I'd love to add this one to. Doesn't look like it's on YouTube or CBC's website. I do have it saved on FuboTV but don't see a way to download it.
The full match is available on OneSoccer. You can't download it though (unless there's a way I don't know).
I hate Bekker, but I was fine with that. Like you say, we can all still hate him going forward. I also still hate Borges way more than Bekker. This version of Forge was a little less hated by me because they don't have Henry there anymore.
Don't get me wrong, making fun of their keeper was incredibly enjoyable on Saturday! But, if that was Henry and we scored two goals right in front of us against him, I might still be in a drunken stupor from the celebrations!
It's funny because for me Bekker was always more annoying than Henry or Borges. He's the worst!
Last edited by M*A*S*H 4077; 11-12-2024 at 09:02 AM.
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Although we love to hate him, Bekker actually "gets it". Polite applause, but as he got close to 109 and 200, a subtle "4 fingers" (down low, out of view, knowing that the cameras were pointed elsewhere) to rile up the hardcores. He got the predictable response of verbal abuse and middle fingers. And he smiled. That's how it is supposed to work, he knows it, he played his role, and the supporters played theirs.
Badibanga, on the other hand, hasn't figured it out. I get that emotions were running high, but he presented as fragile and soft. Instead of understanding the relationship like Bekker does, he actually came right up to the barrier below the railing beside 109 and challenged the section, and one supporter in particular, to a fight. Literally telling him to come down and sort it out, complete with fist-fighting hand gestures. Even one of the Forge coaching staff came over and was chastising the supporters instead of getting his man child back to the changing room.
Just keep on walking, man. If you and your boys are going to do the 4-finger thing, you're going to get a response. Grow up. Nobody has to prove anything or wants to fight you.
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Although we love to hate him, Bekker actually "gets it". Polite applause, but as he got close to 109 and 200, a subtle "4 fingers" (down low, out of view, knowing that the cameras were pointed elsewhere) to rile up the hardcores. He got the predictable response of verbal abuse and middle fingers. And he smiled. That's how it is supposed to work, he knows it, he played his role, and the supporters played theirs.
Badibanga, on the other hand, hasn't figured it out. I get that emotions were running high, but he presented as fragile and soft. Instead of understanding the relationship like Bekker does, he actually came right up to the barrier below the railing beside 109 and challenged the section, and one supporter in particular, to a fight. Literally telling him to come down and sort it out, complete with fist-fighting hand gestures. Even one of the Forge coaching staff came over and was chastising the supporters instead of getting his man child back to the changing room.
Just keep on walking, man. If you and your boys are going to do the 4-finger thing, you're going to get a response. Grow up. Nobody has to prove anything or wants to fight you.
Although we love to hate him, Bekker actually "gets it". Polite applause, but as he got close to 109 and 200, a subtle "4 fingers" (down low, out of view, knowing that the cameras were pointed elsewhere) to rile up the hardcores. He got the predictable response of verbal abuse and middle fingers. And he smiled. That's how it is supposed to work, he knows it, he played his role, and the supporters played theirs.
Achinioti-Jönsson did the 4 figures thing too. Now that's a guy I'd love to have on my team (and Noah Jenson. He's my favourite Forge player if such a thing is allowed)
The reason I so dislike Bekker is everyone holds him up as the face of the league but he's such a greasy player. Not many great players get sent off for stomping on opponents and he had a pretty orange foul with his studs into Trafford's calf on Saturday. And his non-stop whining at the ref about everything all game. Infuriating! He thinks he's above the game
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That first half. Wow. Probably the best soccer I have seen them play in a very long time. The penalty was definitely a penalty, and there was bound to be a breakthrough at some point (though we know how it goes sometimes), it was a giant stress release. And to follow it up with a second shortly after was exactly what the doctor ordered.
The second half was generally tidy and defensive, and if we're honest, that was a pleasant surprise. Very few mistakes, good ball movement, and it really stumped Forge. For all of the criticism of Tommy's tactics and preparation over the years, especially in the big games, this time he nailed it and they players did their part.
It was such a great feeling to see the stands absolutely packed, continuous singing and chanting, etc.
Parking wasn't an issue for me as I arrived early and visited the tailgate. I did see that they opened up a dirt horse area south of the 7/8 lots (across that south access road), and I'm sure that any available spots in on the grounds were made available. Credit to the club for being prepared.
Food and drink - didn't partake, so it didn't impact me, but I'm sure the lines were long. Washroom line at half was the longest I had ever seen it behind the stands. Obviously more people = more pee, but also that first half was so good, nobody wanted to leave their seats. When the Forge player went down just as first half stoppage time started, I made a dash and beat the line and was quite proud of my awareness and didn't miss any action.
Just a great day all around. Full credit to everyone involved - the club, supporters, players, staff, etc. It all came together and the vibe was incredible. Winning helps too!
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James Sharman and the Footy Prime crew were quite complimentary of everything that went down in Calgary this weekend. Saw them swing by the supporters night near the end but didn't talk to them as I headed out not too long after.
Quote:
On Saturday, it was the Cavalry’s turn. It was poetic to see Day 1 player Sergio Camargo score the winner, with captain and fellow original Marco Carducci finally getting to lift the trophy having come so close before. If there is a more affable and charismatic head coach in Canadian sport than Tommy Wheeldon Jr., I don’t know who it is. The Englishman who has made Calgary his home since 2002 is box office, and a genuine league star who at some point will be targeted by bigger clubs in bigger leagues. For now, though, he deservedly gets his CPL title.
As do the Cavalry faithful. As someone experiencing Spruce Meadows for the first time over the weekend, their fans wowed me with their passion, support and footballing sophistication. If the CPL was able to magically clone Atco Field and its surroundings and stick it in every CPL market, they’d really be onto something.
