Hamilton Forge FC's championship pedigree a model other franchises can only dream of

Most professional sports franchises can only aspire to the run Hamilton's Forge FC has enjoyed over six Canadian Premier League seasons.

In that time, the franchise has claimed two regular-season titles and four championships — six of a possible 10 trophies over the course of the league's history. In each of the four losing instances, Forge placed second.

On Sunday, the dynastic soccer squad will begin its run to a fifth championship when it welcomes Calgary's Cavalry FC to Tim Hortons Field in the semifinals. The winner will host the title game on Nov. 9, while the loser will get one more do-or-die match to reach the final.

Watch live coverage of the CPL championship Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. ET on CBC-TV, CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.

For <a href="https://twitter.com/ForgeFCHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ForgeFCHamilton</a>, a return to the <a href="https://twitter.com/CPLsoccer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CPLsoccer</a> title match would represent the latest reassurance that the program — built, fostered and tended to by head coach and sporting director Bobby Smyrniotis — works