With the 2024 CPL season reaching the halfway point it provides an opportunity to begin reflecting on the Tridents performances to date. Currently sitting fifth in the standings with a game in hand, Pacific FC are only five points back from second place, York United. Questions still need to be answered and an upcoming stretch of home matches hopes to provide clarity for Trident fans.
Gazdov On Historic Pace
Heading into the second half of the season Gazdov has been arguably one of Pacific FC’s best players despite being only 20 years old. With five clean sheets in 10 appearances, most recently against first-place Atletico Ottawa in the nation’s capital, Gazdov has been a difference maker when healthy. Since the second half of last season Gazdov has cemented himself as head coach James Merriman’s preferred starter and hasn’t looked back. With Pacific FC owning the CPL’s best defensive metrics, conceding a league-low 12 goals through 14 matches, the onus has turned to the offence in an effort to climb back up the standings.
Who Breaks Out On Offence?
Speaking of offence, Pacific FC leading goals scorer, Ayman Sellouf, has contributed three tallies, converting on all his penalty tries. In open play, Reon Moore has scored two goals while predominantly playing in the nine spot operating as the Tridents lone striker. With a proven ability to score at the international level, Moore will be an integral piece of the offence that has generated chances, but failed to convert on a consistent basis so far this season. While the depth of Pacific FC is a strength, having a consistent threat up top that can capitalize on opportunities in the final third could be the difference between a middle-of-the-pack club and a championship contender. When everything clicks, the Tridents have proven capable of beating any team in the league. Dario Zannatta, Adnoijah Reid and Josh Heard are all players capable of impacting games and will be counted on after their bye week.
Youth Movement Taking Full Effect
In a recent interview, Canada’s Men’s Soccer coach, Jesse Marsch, emphasized the importance of the Canadian Premier League developing young, domestic talent. Pacific FC currently lead the CPL with 2,554 U-21 domestic minutes to date, a heaping 780 minutes above second place York United. Spearheaded by promising young athletes, Eric Lajunesse, Emil Gazdov & Paul Amedume, the Tridents have easily eclipsed the 2,000 minute threshold the CPL requires in order to qualify for playoffs. Earning a roar from the crowd at Starlight Stadium, Sami Keshavarz made his CPL debut at 17-years-old in a June 1st draw to Cavalry FC showcasing the talent the Van Isle Wave program possesses as an important aspect of Pacific FC’s youth development program.
Marco Dominguez Providing a Veteran Presence
We got a taste of the talent Marco Dominguez possesses in a loss to Forge FC last Saturday playing 55 minutes and winning all four of his duels in the centre of the park. Wearing the number six, Dominguez played his position to near perfection before being substituted on a likely minutes restriction by Cedric Toussaint. Dominguez, 29, signed with Pacific FC after winning a championship with his Guatemalan club, C.S.D. Municipal. Providing professionalism and calmness to a young, hungry midfield could be a successful blend that elevates the players around him. With Steffen Yeates, Sean Young and now Marco Dominguez seemingly being preferred options, it will be interesting to see how James Merriman integrates the plethora of depth in the midfield.
Can Tridents Come Out Victorious at BC Place?
After a hard-fought 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Canadian Championship semi-final leg one, the Tridents are set to travel to BC Place, August 27th, for a chance to host a winner-take-all Canadian Championship final. With both teams exchanging chances throughout the match, the Trident enter the second leg hungry to dethrone the reigning champs in their home building. The Whitecaps have proven vulnerable at home, losing to Cavalry FC in the quarter-finals despite winning on away goals. Due to away goals, Pacific FC will have to score at least two goals in a victory in order to avoid penalties. The Tridents have experience in penalty shootouts, most recently defeating the TSS Rovers (4-3) on May 1st in the first round of the Canadian Championship. Pacific FC are expected to coordinate a travel package for Trident supporters attending the away match at BC Place in the coming weeks.