Bobby’s Breakthrough: 6th time a charm as Forge FC’s Smyrniotis named CPL coach of the year
Bobby Smyrniotis, who had been shut out in five previous nominations, finally received the much-deserved Coach of the Year Award to add to his impressive collection of four Canadian Premier League titles. The 45-year-old Forge FC head coach and technical director emerged victorious over Cavalry FC’s Tommy Wheeldon Jr., who had previously won the award in 2019 and 2023, as well as York United FC’s Benjamin Mora. The voting was conducted by all eight CPL clubs’ technical leadership and select media.
The announcement of the winners took place on Thursday evening, just ahead of the highly anticipated CPL championship game between the top-ranked Forge and second-ranked Cavalry, scheduled to take place at ATCO Field on Saturday.
Forge FC, which finished at the top of the regular-season standings with a record of 15-8-5, dominated the awards ceremony by winning three of the six awards presented. Tristan Borges was named the CPL Player of the Year for the second time, while Kwasi Poku, who was transferred from Forge to Belgium’s RWD Molenbeek for a league-record fee in August, was honored as the Best Canadian U-21 Player.
On the defensive front, Cavalry’s Daan Klomp secured the Defender of the Year title for the second consecutive season, while Pacific FC’s Emil Gazdov was recognized with the Golden Glove Award as the league’s top goalkeeper. Additionally, York United forward Brian Wright clinched the Players’ Player Award, showcasing his impact on the field.
The 2024 CPL Awards ceremony, held in Calgary, witnessed the best talents in the Canadian Premier League being honored at the Bella Concert Hall. The event celebrated the outstanding achievements of the players and coaches throughout the season, highlighting their dedication and skill on the pitch.
Overall, Bobby Smyrniotis’ well-deserved recognition as the Coach of the Year serves as a testament to his exceptional leadership and success in guiding Forge FC to multiple championships. The awards ceremony not only showcased individual excellence but also underscored the competitive spirit and talent present within the Canadian Premier League.
