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(Canadian Premier League)
Aparicio and Dada-Luke named to Team of the Week – Week 16
July 31, 2023
by
Jack Longo

The Canadian Premier League announced the Team of the Week for Week 16 of the CPL season on Monday, with Manny Aparicio and Kunle Dada-Luke earning a spot after Pacific FC’s 2-0 win over Valour FC on Saturday night.

Aparicio set the tone right from the very start of the match, almost grabbing two goals within the first three minutes. His first effort was a late run to the back post where Adonijah Reid found him in stride, but Aparicio’s right-footed volley just found the side netting. Then, a minute later, Aparicio pounced on a loose pass in midfield and carried the ball all the way into Valour’s box before getting off a shot that went just wide at the near post. Pacific’s no. 34 was again an influential figure in the fifth minute when his through ball to Easton Ongaro teed up the attacker to curl in a cross for Reid to meet and tuck home for the opening goal.

Aparicio didn’t let up after that early flurry of chances and ultimately earned the Gatorade Performance of the Match. The 27-year-old finished the game with either the highest or second-highest total on the team in many statistical categories. Aparicio the most accurate passes (55), most final third entries (11), the joint-most shots, joint-most possession wins (11), second-most passes into the final third (15), and the second-most touches of any player in black and white.

Dada-Luke was similarly lively throughout Saturday’s 3-0 win. The right-back was a constant threat down the flank in support of Adonijah Reid, and was able to use his incredible speed to disrupt opposition attacking moves as usual. Dada-Luke almost picked up an assist/played a role in a goal in the first half when his delicately-weighted through-ball to Josh Heard set the forward free behind the Valour backline, but the ensuing chances were saved by the goalkeeper. The 23-year-old did ultimately pick up an assist with five minutes remaining in match when Heard returned the favour and played Dada-Luke in behind the defence. Dada-Luke then expertly crossed to Ayman Sellouf who had an empty net to tap into for the third goal of the match.

Dada-Luke finished the game with an assist (his first of the season), four duels won, nine possession wins, two tackles, and a team-high four interceptions.

This is the third appearance for Aparicio and the first for Dada-Luke in the CPL’s Team of the Week this season.