Whitecaps make Canadian Championship final, goalscorer Ahmed hospitalized after tackle

Midfielder Julian Gressel scored 14 minutes in and the Vancouver Whitecaps never looked back, punching a ticket to the Canadian Championship final with a 3-0 win over Pacific FC in Langford, B.C., on Wednesday in a game marked by a scary injury.

Defender Ali Ahmed scored three minutes after Gressel, and striker Simon Becher iced the game in the 78th minute.

Shortly after scoring his goal, Ahmed needed to be stretchered off the field after he hadn't moved much following a clean tackle by Pacific FC's Cedric Toussaint. 

Medical officials as well as a stretcher and vehicle were brought on to the field to transport him off. The 22-year-old received medical attention on the field for more than 15 minutes.

The Whitecaps posted to social media that Ahmed was conscious and receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Some of the Vancouver players looked shocked by the injury, with midfielder — and opening goal scorer — Julian Gressel appearing to be on the verge of tears.

The Whitecaps will get to defend their title against Montreal in the final after defeating Toronto FC last year.

Vancouver has won the Voyageurs Cup twice.

CF Montreal blanks Forge

CF Montreal will play in their third Canadian Championship final in five years after beating Forge FC 2-0 at Stade Saputo on Wednesday evening.

Ariel Lassiter and Sunusi Ibrahim were the goal scorers as Montreal beat Forge in the tournament for the third consecutive year.

Despite a slow start to the game, Montreal controlled the ball for the majority of the first half. Forge lined up with two compact banks of four in an effort to frustrate any oncoming attacks with great success.

Forge were the first side to create a scoring chance about half an hour into the game, despite the possession disparity.

David Choiniere picked up the ball at midfield and made a darting run down the middle, setting up Woobens Pacius who put a low shot wide from a tough angle for the Hamilton side.

Montreal has made a habit of starting games at home with a lack of pace, opting to feel out its opponent and make adjustments in the second half.

This was once again the case on Wednesday, as the home side wasted no time getting forward and taking the lead out of halftime.

In the ensuing ten minutes, Chinonso Offor had two golden opportunities to double Montreal's lead but could not convert.

Offor found himself all alone in front of goal on both occasions, needing only to hit the target, but sent the ball over the bar.

As the chances continued, Forge goalkeeper Triston Henry kept his side in the game, making an incredible point-blank stop on Offor at the 70-minute mark.

Montreal finally capitalized on its chances with 10 minutes left, putting the game beyond Forge's grasp at 2-0.

After winning the ball in the penalty area, Ibrahim made a swift cut to the right and hit a powerful shot into the corner to double Montreal's lead.

Montreal will now have to wait until early June for the final, where it will travel to British Columbia to face the Whitecaps.