But Forge FC substitute Kadell Thomas had the last laugh Saturday, delivering the tying goal to make the most of the platform afforded by the new Canadian pro soccer league.
Thomas, a 22-year-old from Brampton, Ont., who played under Smyrniotis at Sigma FC, came on in the 56th minute and scored the tying goal in the 78th minute as Forge FC and York finished deadlocked at 1-1 before an announced crowd of 17,611 as Tim Hortons Field. Telfer wasted little time making history with the first CPL goal. He beat Forge FC goalkeeper Triston Henry in the third minute with a right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty box after captain Manny Aparicio's perfect through ball stranded three defenders.
While the sides had only been together for some seven weeks, the opener delivered on entertainment. Both teams looked to play attractive possession-based soccer as best they could on a windy, crisp afternoon.The 27-year-old Welshman, a former Toronto FC first-round draft pick, had several good chances including an acrobatic bicycle kick that went just wide in the sixth minute.
Tim Hortons Field was decorated with Forge FC's orange trim. "Together We Forge" read the banner at centre field. Outside buses unloaded green-clad York 9 supporters from Toronto. Under league rules, teams must have a minimum of six domestic players and maximum of five foreign players in their starting lineups.