MIAMI, Florida – Canadian Premier League side Forge FC will be looking to rally from a 3-1 deficit when they take on Santos de Guapiles of Costa Rica in the second leg of the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf League quarterfinals on Tuesday night at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.
Their first meeting two weeks ago saw Forge jump out to an early lead, only for the 2017 SCL finalists to storm back with three straight goals.
Tim Hortons Field will be a welcomed site for Forge, who are 2W-1D-0L all-time in SCL matches played on home soil, however, Santos are well-equipped to come away with all three points, as they have six away wins in SCL to their name.
In order to turn the tables, Forge will need a clean effort defensively and will be led by GK Triston Henry, who has registered 14 saves in the tournament.
Fresh off his brace over the weekend in CPL action, Joshua Navarro will look to add to his 2021 SCL tally, which stands at a goal and two assists. Meanwhile, Kyle Bekker is a dangerous presence up top as well with two goals and two assists, including the Forge’s lone score in the first leg.
The trip to Canada will mark a first for Santos, who are riding a six-match winning streak in the SCL, having won all five of their matches to date in the 2021 SCL.
The contributions have come across the board, with Osvaldo Rodriguez leading the way for the Ticos with two goals and four assists and Erson Mendez chipping in with a pair of goals and an assist.
The Costa Rican club can punch their ticket to the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League with a win, draw or a defeat by a one-goal margin.