Forge Makes Last-Minute Roster Additions Ahead Of Chivas Match ...

With just under twelve hours to go until Forge kicks off against Chivas in continental club action, the club has added two more players to the club roster.

The first gives the club another goalkeeper selection following Triston Henry’s personal matters, with 24-year-old Jassem Koleilat signing a short-term deal.

Match Preview: Forge FC vs. Chivas

The Lebanese-Canadian was selected by LAFC in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, tallying seven appearances with their MLS NEXT Pro side. He had been a standout with the University of New Hampshire, earning 41 starts after starting with Iowa Western Community College.

Born in Prague, his also spent time at the youth academy level with AC Sparta Praha in Prague in 2018, and before that with Stade Lavallois in France.

It is now expected that Koleilat and Kalongo will be the two goalkeeper options under Bobby Smyrniotis, though youngster Dino Bontis was registered on their Concacaf roster as well.

The club is also adding 17-year-old midfielder Zayne Bruno, who has come up through close-knit League1 Ontario side Sigma FC. Bruno made three senior appearances for Sigma in 2023, mostly featuring for the club’s U-19 ranks.

The Brampton, Ontario native clocks in at six feet tall, and will be expected as a versatile depth option ahead of the big match tonight. Having signed a developmental deal, he might be a face that sticks around into the 2024 CPL season.

The reigning Canadian Premier League champions will kick off against Chivas at 8:00PM EST tonight, with fans able to tune into the action on OneSoccer.

While new additions Elimane Cisse and Nana Opoku Amopomah couldn’t get their work permits sorted in time for the match, it’s interesting to see how Forge has pivoted to fill its ranks ahead of the high-profile cup match.