Pacific FC and Cavalry FC have provided some of the most memorable battles in the four seasons of Canadian Premier League history, the latest incarnation of which is tonight at 7 at Starlight Stadium.
“No extra motivation is needed. This is a match we look to,” said PFC head coach James Merriman.
The last meeting between the clubs, also at Starlight Stadium, ended 3-3 after Cavalry FC rallied from a 2-0 deficit and PFC from 3-2 behind.
“We know the intensity and fight Cavalry brings and we have to match that,” said Merriman. “Both teams like to attack for 90 minutes.”
PFC (7-4-5 in wins-losses-draws) can leapfrog leading Cavalry FC (8-3-4) into first place with a victory although the Calgary club has a game in hand.
With 10 goals in the past three games, the PFC offence has come alive with joy and ingenuity.
“We are getting the ball to the higher targets, and those players have been dynamic and creative,” said Merriman.
“There is more of a clear purpose to our attack.”
But the Tridents defence needs more cohesion after allowing seven goals over the last three games.
“We need to tighten up,” said Merriman. “We attack and defend as a team.”
The Tridents will welcome back midfield-engine Manny Aparicio tonight after the sa国际传媒-capped former Toronto FC MLS prospect sat out two games due to a red card in the last meeting against Cavalry.
“Manny is fully fit and the suspension is over and he wants to help the team. It’s great to have him back in the group,” said Merriman.
Meanwhile, tonight is the annual Pride Game. Soccer, particularly in Europe, is more cause-oriented than other sports with fan bases of certain clubs known for their right- or left-leaning bents. PFC wants to channel the sport’s supporter energy in a positive fashion.
“The league and PFC take a lot of pride in the Pride Games and we’re excited to celebrate,” said Merriman.
“It lets us get together as an inclusive community and it should be a great atmosphere [tonight].”
Two PFC players spoke about the occasion via the CPL Twitter site: “To live a happy and fulfilling life, it’s important to be your authentic self. And we need to create an environment on and off the pitch where people can be comfortable in their authentic selves,” said Tridents striker Josh Heard, the former University of Washington Huskies Pac-12 star who was drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“We are all unique and we are all diverse and that needs to be celebrated. Soccer is for everybody and it’s a great tool that brings everybody together. And it’s a big reason why I play the game.”
Added PFC goalkeeper Callum Irving: “Soccer’s role and allyship for me it to provide an equitable environment and to listen to the community and make sure voices are heard.”
