In this episode of Mac's Access, Mackenzie sits down with Forge FC’s Victor Klonaridis to dive into his incredible career journey and how his vast international experience has brought a new dimension to Forge FC. They start with his early years at AEK Athens, touch on key moments in champions league and his thoughts on the Canadian Premier League/ Forge!!

Key Takeaways:

• Victor’s journey from signing his first professional contract at 18 with AEK Athens to playing across Europe, including in the UEFA Champions League, has shaped him into a versatile and experienced player.
• Victor’s father wanted to be a professional football player, he pushed Victor to play because he thought he had something special.
• Dealing with injuries at Panathinaikos and bouncing back to score key goals at AEK Athens taught Victor resilience and adaptability.
• His 14-year professional soccer career has given him valuable insights and leadership skills, which he now brings to Forge FC.
• Victor’s initial impressions of Hamilton, his adjustment to a new league, and the Greek connections within the coaching staff at Forge have made his transition smooth.
• People still ask

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction & Welcome

3:00 Early Career at AEK Athens

7:00 Loan Experience in Belgium

8:30 “Mental is the most important”

12:00 Panathinaikos & Overcoming Injuries

13:50 UEFA Champions League Success with AEK Athens

15:00 “Why didn’t you pass?”

17:20 Discovery of Forge FC & the CPL

20:00 Closing Thoughts (28:01 - 30:00)

The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favourite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Insta: @forgefc
TikTok: @forgefchamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Forge FC's final home match of the regular season
vs Atletico Ottawa
Saturday October 12
4:00pm
Tim Hortons Field
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/forge-fc-vs-atletico-ottawa-hamilton-ontario-10-12-2024/event/10006061897F0D95

Behind the Beard S2E22!! In this episode, Coach Bobby & Mackenzie break down Forge FC's commanding 2-0 victory over York United. We revisit the key moments from the match, including the halftime adjustments that helped Forge take control. Coach Bobby also offers insights on the upcoming match against Valour FC and the implications of reaching 50 points in the CPL season, clinching the CPL Shield, and marking Forge's 100th win in all competitions!!

Key Takeaways:

• Forge FC's tactical adjustments after a challenging first half against York were crucial to their 2-0 win.
• The absence of Tristan Borges didn’t hinder Forge’s midfield, with players like Ale, Noah Jensen, and Kyle Bekker stepping up to make the team tick.
• Special recognition for Kyle Bekker, Noah Jensen, and Alex Achinioti-Jönsson for making the CPL Team of the Week, highlighting their significant impact in transition and counterattacks.
• A win against Valour FC this weekend could secure Forge 50 points, the CPL Shield, and a Champions Cup spot, along with celebrating their 100th victory in all competitions.

Chapters:

0:00 Catching Up

4:30 York Match Recap

6:30 ‘Midfield Masterclass’

9:00 Role of Alex Achinioti-Jönsson1

14:00 Clinching Regular Season Title

15:30 Valour FC Preview

18:00 Plane Snacks!!

The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favorite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content.
Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton
Insta: @forgefc
TikTok: @forgefchamilton
Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Forge FC's final home match of the regular season
vs Atletico Ottawa
Saturday October 12
4:00pm
Tim Hortons Field
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/forge-fc-vs-atletico-ottawa-hamilton-ontario-10-12-2024/event/10006061897F0D95

Forge FC extended their lead in the standings by 7 points after yet another home win this past weekend against York United. In today’s episode, Mackenzie breaks down all the action from the 905 Derby, the impact on the standings after Matchweek 25, and takes a look at where Valour FC stands ahead of their upcoming clash with Forge FC this weekend.

Key Takeaways;

• Forge FC secured a 2-0 victory in the 905 Derby against York United, with goals from Noah Jensen and Nana Ampomah.
• Noah Jensen's goal in the second half brought his season total to 5, trailing only Tristan Borges. Nana Ampomah sealed the game with a late goal, aided by new signings Victor Klonaridis and Alex.
• Both Amadou Kone and Tristan Borges were absent from the starting lineup, and Forge had to adapt when Elimane Cissé left the match due to injury. Jordan Hamilton, Dav Choinière, and Benni Badibanga led the attack.
• The episode highlighted results from Matchweek 25, including Cavalry's 0-0 draw with Vancouver and a 1-1 draw between Ottawa and Halifax. These results affect playoff positions, especially with Valour FC and Pacific FC fighting for the 5th playoff spot.
• Forge will face Valour FC next, with Forge on the verge of clinching the regular season title and Valour fighting to stay in the playoff race.

Chapters:

0:00 Recapping the 905 Darby

6:55 Individual Stats and Matchweek 25

8:00 Valour v. Forge FC

The Forge Audio Network provides Forge FC fans with the most comprehensive, entertaining and informative news and information about their favorite soccer team. Featuring Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, other Canadian Premier League experts, and many more. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and so much more. Forge Audio Network content can be found on the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, at forgefc.canpl.ca and anywhere else you find podcasts. Please follow, like, leave a review wherever you find our content, and follow Forge FC social media channels to keep up to date with all Forge Audio Network content. Twitter: @ForgeFCHamilton Insta: @forgefc TikTok: @forgefchamilton Facebook: ForgeFCHamilton

Forge FC's final home match of the regular season
vs Atletico Ottawa
Saturday October 12
4:00pm
Tim Hortons Field
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/forge-fc-vs-atletico-ottawa-hamilton-ontario-10-12-2024/event/10006061897F0D95