Pacific FC knows it needs to start making a move in the Canadian Premier League table and that there is no better time than today at 2 p.m. at Starlight Stadium against last-place Valour FC of Winnipeg.
Valour FC comes in 3-10-2 in wins-losses-draws. PFC is 5-5-4, including wins in both games this season against the crew from Manitoba. PFC is coming off a nearly two-week break, but Tridents head coach James Merriman knows his squad has been uneven and can take nothing for granted against a Valour side that has been in contention every game despite its record.
“They don’t stop and they don’t give up. They are a group that doesn’t quit,” said Merriman. “We are coming off a much-needed break, so there are no excuses not to have maximum effort and energy.”
A familiar storyline is playing out from past seasons for PFC with a fast start followed by a lull as the Tridents began with three wins in their first four games but have won just two games in their last 10 outings.
PFC is looking for something to ignite an attack that has the lowest amount of goals in the league with 13.
Yet, technically, Merriman sees room for improvement at both ends of the pitch: “We’ve got to defend a little higher. And in attack, we need to be more ruthless and direct in the final third. We need to create more in front of goal.”
The Tridents have dominated the all-time series against Valour FC and are 16-2-3 over six seasons against the prairie visitors.
