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Pacific's Daniels shifts past two Vancouver defenders in first ever meeting between the clubs (Sheldon Mack/Pacific FC)
Match Report – Pacific FC v Vancouver FC: Aparicio’s screamer seals win for Pacific in season-opening BC Derby
April 16, 2023
by
Jack Longo

Story of the Match

In the first-ever edition of this new BC Derby (still waiting on the perfect name, and I certainly won’t claim to be the one that I should do it), Pacific FC came away 1-0 victors over Vancouver FC.

The Tridents were on top right from the start, with plenty of chances being created by the home side throughout the 90 minutes. From the first whistle, Pacific’s defensive and midfield units were moving the ball with purpose and combining well together.

The breakthrough was coming for most of the match and when it came, it came with a bang! It was Manny Aparicio who officially opened the scoring in 2023 for PFC, and you won’t find a more sweetly-struck shot than that for a while.

The goal gave Pacific the lead it deserved and ultimately sent Vancouver FC back to the mainland with a loss in their first-ever CPL match.

Another awesome note from the match was the incredible support the PFC fans showed from the minute gates opened. The sound and size of the crowd absolutely had an effect on the match and helped spur the Tridents on to victory.

Looking Ahead

Next up for the Tridents is Cavalry FC in the Canadian Championship on Thursday night. That’s the start of a back-to-back with the Calgary-based club, with a Canadian Premier League matchup between the two clubs coming on Sunday the 23rd.

Cavalry drew 2-2 with Forge FC in their opening match yesterday, giving the lead away twice in it, so will be looking to bounce back in a way on Thursday.

With only a couple days coming in between those two Cavalry matches, it’ll be interesting to see how both coaches approach the mid-week Can Champ match versus the CPL clash on the weekend.

Don’t forget to grab your tickets for that match, and all other future PFC matches! Single Game Tickets, as well as all other ticket options, are available here!

Favourite Moment

I won’t pick the goal itself, I always find that that’s cheating a little bit in this section, but I will pick the goal celebration!

In the first CPL match at Starlight Stadium with a large and coordinated group of away supporters, it was only fitting that the boys celebrated in front of them after Aparicio’s banger of a goal. Pacific’s midfield dynamo pointed to the badge for good measure as he ran over and walked away the match winner in the first of many derbies between these two clubs.

Favourite Photo

PFC Standout Player: Manny Aparicio

The goal may have capped off Aparicio’s performance, but the 27-year-old picked up right where he left off last season in every aspect of his game.

Vancouver couldn’t keep up with Aparicio’s off-ball movement or cut off supply lines to him in midfield at any point of the match on Saturday. I also don’t think a single blade of grass was able to avoid Aparicio’s boots over the 90 minutes.

All told, this was just a quintessential Manny Aparicio performance. PFC supporters know very well what they can expect from their no. 34 at this point, but the immense impact he has on matches is still a little mind-blowing at times.

Scoring Summary

81’ – Pacific FC – Manny Aparicio

Statistics

Possession: PFC 53 % – VFC 47 %

Shots: PFC 15 – VFC 7

Shots on Target: PFC 3 – VFC 2

Saves: PFC 2 – VFC 2

Fouls: PFC 16 – VFC 11

Offsides: PFC 1 – VFC 2

Corners: PFC 10 – VFC 7

Cautions

45’ – Kadin Chung – Yellow

71’ – Min-Jae Kwak – Yellow