2025 CPL Season Preview
Okay — here we go. The one true Canadian top-flight kicks off today at 2:00 PM. Let’s run through some quick-hit predictions:
Predicted Table:
- Forge FC
- Cavalry FC
- Atlético Ottawa
- Pacific FC
- Vancouver FC
- York United
- Halifax Wanderers
- Valour FC
When looking at this league, it's hard to put anyone other than Forge FC and Cavalry FC in the top two spots. They're basically in a tier of their own.
For my money, Forge had the better offseason — bringing in proven CPL stars like Wright and Nimick. Plus, they brought back Rama and Mo Babouli, who have played key roles in past Forge squads. We are and will continue to be Canada's true super club.
Cavalry lost Klompp to the Belgian top flight which is a major loss. Arguably the most important player in last years championship squad, he is going to be a nightmare to replace.
After the top two, Ottawa is clearly the third-best team in my eyes. They could challenge the top if they can find goals — but with Ollie Bassett moving on, that’s easier said than done. Scoring has always been tough for Atleti, and that won’t change overnight.
Rounding out the playoff spots, I’ve got Vancouver making their first-ever postseason appearance in a play-in derby match against Pacific. Vancouver was the youngest team in the league last year, and some of those young players should start taking real steps forward. On top of that, they’ve added Campbell and Diaz up front. For context: Diaz is the CPL’s all-time leading scorer with 37 goals, and Campbell is tied for third with 26. If they click, this team will score goals — lots of them.
York lost key players in Babouli and Wright this offseason. They should still be in the hunt for that final playoff spot but will ultimately fall just short. Still, they’re worth watching, especially for rising star Shola Jimoh, born in 2008, who’s quickly making a name for himself on the Canadian soccer scene.
Halifax and Valour round out the bottom. Halifax showed flashes last year but couldn’t stay consistent. They’ll need a lot to go right to be in the playoff picture.
And Valour… what is there to say? They’ve never made the playoffs in club history. The squad looks weak and uninspiring. It’s shaping up to be another long year in the Peg.
Playoffs? Kind of boring this year…
Forge vs. Cavalry in the final — again. Hopefully, it’s back in the Hammer this time so Forge can get revenge and complete the first league double.
Individual Awards Predictions:
- Defender of the Year: Amer Didic (Atlético Ottawa)
- Golden Boot: Alejandro Díaz (Vancouver FC)
- Players’ MVP: Dan Nimick (Forge FC)
- Golden Glove: Marco Carducci (Cavalry FC)
- U-21 Player of the Year: Shola Jimoh (York United)
- MVP: Alejandro Díaz (Vancouver FC)
- Manager of the Year: Afshin Ghotbi (Vancouver FC)
