Whitecaps, Forge open Canadian Championship semifinals with 2-2 draw
Ampomah capitalized on a failed clearance by Vancouver's Bjorn Utvik in the ninth minute, collecting the ball and firing it in to give the home side an early 1-0 lead.
Tristan Blackmon responded for the 'Caps, scoring in the 18th minute, and Brian White gave Vancouver a 2-1 lead in the 29th minute.
Forge levelled the score in the 34th minute when Ampomah picked up another failed Whitecaps clearance and sent it to Brian Wright, who popped it into the back of the Vancouver goal.
The 'Caps will host the second half of the two-legged semifinal series in Vancouver on Sept. 16.
The other semifinal series was set to begin later on Wednesday with CPL clubs Vancouver FC and Atletico Ottawa facing off in Langley, B.C.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 13, 2025.
The Canadian Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
6 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Former F1 Driver Slams Lewis Hamilton's Behavior Toward Ferrari
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has called out Lewis Hamilton for his behavior toward Ferrari, highlighting that the seven-time world champion criticizes his team extensively, which "doesn't help anyone." Hamilton has been facing a tough challenge at Ferrari since his move in January this year. His bombshell onboarding at Maranello might have been a great marketing exercise, but it likely multiplied people's expectations of him. His sprint race victory in the second round in China added to heightened expectations. However, Hamilton still had the job of adapting to a new car and a new team, which takes time and effort. But the challenges in doing so have resulted in unfavorable sporting results, often leading to frustration on his part. While his teammate, Charles Leclerc, secured five podium finishes thus far, Hamilton has yet to finish in the top three. Hamilton is also attempting to make changes within his team, especially to the way it has been moving forward with the development of the 2026 car. However, tense radio exchanges on Grand Prix weekends with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, have often highlighted the dissatisfaction in his tone. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari walks in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 3, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari walks in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 3, 2025 in Budapest, 40-year-old driver is facing challenges with his SF-25 F1 car, given the reported lack of rear stability. Among all 14 race weekends thus far, the most recent one in Hungary made headlines, as Hamilton secured P12 in qualifying after getting knocked out in Q2. The result led him to call himself "useless." He even went to the extent of saying Ferrari should change the driver. His statements attracted criticism from many F1 personalities. Unfortunately, finishing the race in the same position the next day didn't improve his morale in any way. Schumacher, who raced for Jordan, Williams, and Toyota from 1997 to 2007, called out Hamilton for being dramatic and for criticizing Ferrari. He told BILD: "I said before the season that this could go wrong. Currently, I see a lot of drama from him. He's been slamming the team, criticizing internally, arguing with the car—that doesn't help anyone." Schumacher boldly stated that Hamilton is either too old to race now or cannot cope anymore, but stressed that he won't leave Ferrari mid-season in case the situation deteriorates further. Admitting that the SF-25 is more suited to Leclerc, the former driver added: "The car suits Leclerc, not him. Maybe he's too old to adapt. Or he just can't cope. "I think the decision for Leclerc was made long ago. But I don't think he'll quit during the season."
Newsweek
36 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Former F1 CEO Questions Ferrari for Signing 'Political' Lewis Hamilton
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Former Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone has questioned Scuderia Ferrari for signing Lewis Hamilton, who he believes is "political." Ecclestone has been surprised by Ferrari's current struggles, especially given that the team hasn't won a Grand Prix in the last 14 rounds. The red team is currently placed second in the Constructors' Championship with 260 points, trailing McLaren by 299 points. Charles Leclerc was on his way to the team's maiden win in the last race in Hungary after starting from pole position, but a problem with his SF-25's chassis meant his pace dropped significantly, leading him to finish fourth. Related: Lewis Hamilton Exposes Inequality in F1 Employee Salaries, Urges Reform Speaking about the seven-time world champion, his sprint race victory in China early in the season filled many with the hope that he could elevate Ferrari to new heights. However, Hamilton has found it challenging to adapt to his car. The race at the Hungaroring saw him start and finish the race in P12. The disappointing Q2 exit in qualifying left him dejected to the point where he described himself as being "useless" and said that Ferrari should change the driver. Hamilton has never appeared so low since his Ferrari onboarding in January 2025. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari looks on in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 24, 2025 in Spa,... Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari looks on in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 24, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. MoreThe Briton admitted that he wasn't happy with certain things at Ferrari, but refused to reveal details. Ecclestone, who led F1 from the 1970s until 2017, chose not to blame the staff at Ferrari for its current performance, but stressed that someone needed to lead the team in a determined manner, and also questioned Hamilton's hiring. In an interview with F1 Destinations, the 94-year-old was asked about his views on Ferrari's ongoing challenges. He said: "It is quite incredible. Ferrari worked well under the leadership of Jean Todt, when he brought Michael [Schumacher] and many other personnel from Benetton. At the moment, I cannot say anything negative about the Italian staff working for Ferrari. But I think the team needs someone to take charge, find the right direction and get the job done. "I am not sure that taking Lewis was the right decision. Lewis is obviously talented, but a little bit political, which is typical for Ferrari and typical for him. But he could come to life again which would be good for him and good for Ferrari." With ten F1 races to go before the 2025 season concludes, it remains to be seen whether Ferrari can address the problems on its SF-25 and have it set up in the working window Hamilton prefers.
New York Times
36 minutes ago
- New York Times
Owen Caissie, Cubs' top prospect, debuts in Toronto as offense continues its struggles
TORONTO — About 90 minutes before first pitch, Owen Caissie strolled through the bowels of the Rogers Centre and entered the Cubs' clubhouse. The 23-year-old slugger was about to make his big-league debut, batting fifth as the designated hitter in a Cubs lineup searching for the rhythm that made one of the best teams in baseball earlier this season. Advertisement Caissie's thunderous bat could not save an offense desperate for a clutch hit, though, as the Cubs lost to the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 on Thursday afternoon. Caissie's call-up came due to some bad news after Miguel Amaya badly sprained his ankle in Wednesday's victory. Despite avoiding the worst, the catcher is headed to the injured list just two days after he returned from an oblique injury that kept him sidelined for nearly 12 weeks. The Canadian-born Caissie — his high school is about 35 miles from the Rogers Centre — made his debut in front of a large contingent of family and friends. His parents, who live in Burlington, Ontario, made the short drive to catch their son's big-league debut. 'It means everything,' Caissie said, getting choked up talking about his parents. 'They support me a lot. To do it at home is pretty cool. They just sacrificed pretty much everything for me. They love me so much.' Caissie found out late Wednesday night that he'd been called up and caught an early flight to Toronto. Despite getting to the ballpark later than normal, he felt he had enough time to get prepared for his debut. 'Ecstatic,' Caissie said about finding out he was joining the Cubs. 'It's every kid's dream. People are still chasing that dream. I'm just fortunate the Cubs gave me that opportunity.' First pitch of your MLB career, you line one into the gap off a future Hall of Famer in front of your family and friends just miles away from your hometown … And this happens. Better luck next time, Owen Caissie (@Cubs) — MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 14, 2025 Caissie went 0-for-4 with a strikeout and called his performance 'fine,' but would have preferred to get the win. In his first at-bat in the second inning, at 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds, Caissie stood in the box with an upright stance, his shock of red hair poking out from under his helmet. An imposing figure known for his elite power and top-of-the-line exit velocities, Caissie didn't hesitate to unleash his vicious swing. He took a cut at the first pitch he saw and drove it into the left-center field gap. However, left fielder Davis Schneider made an impressive diving catch to steal what looked like a sure double. Advertisement 'Just hit the ball and run,' Caissie said of his thoughts on that first at-bat. 'Schneider made a great play. A welcome-to-the-league moment, I guess.' It wasn't just Caissie who suffered through those moments on Thursday. Matthew Boyd was brilliant on the day, pitching seven innings and making just one mistake, an 0-2 curveball he hung to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who crushed it to left for a two-run homer. The Cubs had five hits, four for extra bases, but could muster just one run on a solo homer from Michael Busch. In the eighth inning, the first two batters reached and moved to second and third on a wild pitch. The two, three and four hitters were due up: Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker and Carson Kelly. With the tying run 90 feet away, all three struck out. 'The inning started off well,' manager Craig Counsell said. 'We created nothing against (starter Max Scherzer), hit some balls well, but ultimately nothing. Then, yeah, we just didn't get the job done. Simple as that.' That's become a frustrating theme of late for the Cubs. Early in the season, this team made sure no opponent felt safe with any lead. But since the break, they haven't had a single comeback victory. Yet again, the Cubs failed to come through with a big hit. They made solid contact at times, but ultimately went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Eight games out in the division, the Cubs still hold the National League's top wild-card spot and are five games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds, who are the first team out of the playoffs. Memories of similar offensive collapses are starting to creep up. Those who have watched this team over the years know that these stretches can linger for far too long. Chicago's offense must turn things around, especially with the way its starting pitching is performing. If it doesn't, it may be more than the division it squanders away. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
