Two Canadian Premier League teams looking to overcome recent setbacks, and to reclaim their status, meet today in the Greater Toronto Area at 4:30 p.m. PT.
First-place Pacific FC (7-3-4 in wins-losses-draws) is looking for a response after consecutive 2-1 losses against Cavalry FC at Starlight Stadium in Langford last Saturday and versus the HFX Wanderers in Halifax on Tuesday. Fourth-place York United (6-7-2) was humbled 4-0 in its last outing by Forge FC of Hamilton.
“[York] is going to be up for it and we need to show up and get back to what we can do,” said PFC head coach James Merriman.
“We have not been good enough as of late.”
Because of game density — three games in less than a week with coast-to-coast travel — PFC sat out some key players in Halifax and captain Josh Heard and mid-field engine Manny Aparicio will draw back in today against York.
A player who has rarely been rested is six-foot-four back-line stalwart Amer Didic, the sa国际传媒-capped former MLS Sporting Kansas City prospect who not only takes care of the defensive end for PFC, but shares the lead in team goals with four along with forwards Easton Ongaro and Ayman Sellouf.
“Amer Didic has been a pillar for us — on defence and on set pieces,” said Merriman.
“He has been excellent and there is more to come from him.”
York United, coached by 38-time sa国际传媒 capped Victoria product Martin Nash, was also sailing along with PFC until hitting recent turbulence with a win, draw and three losses over the last five games and is also looking to right the ship.
