On paper, Friday’s match has enough to draw plenty of attention as it features the sides currently placed first and third in the table, but in reality there is SO much more to it than that.

Cavalry FC’s second visit to Pacific FC in a matter of weeks comes after an explosive meeting last time out. A red card each and three goals apiece made the last Pacific v Cavalry match an instant classic. It also helped jumpstart Pacific’s season; the Tridents haven’t dropped a point since that June 30th meeting.

But this match isn’t all about what will go down on the pitch. Friday match is Pacific FC’s Pride Match, meaning there will be plenty of pre-match entertainment as we celebrate the Island’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as well as a halftime talk from members of the Victoria Pride Society – one of Pacific’s collaborative partners in planning this year’s Pride Match.

Recent Form

Pacific’s form has picked up recently after that long, frustrating dip the team went through. As mentioned before, the last match between these two looks to have been the catalyst for Pacific’s bounce back in form. The Trident’s are unbeaten in their last three matches, including that 3-3 draw, and have won back-to-back games for the first time since mid-May.

Cavalry on the other hand have had a slight downturn in form after the PFC draw. The Cavs have drawn against Atlético Ottawa on the road and lost to York United FC at home in their last three matches. Cavalry were consistently scoring goals up until that 1-0 loss to York on Tuesday, perhaps showing a vulnerability without top scorer Aribim Pepple as he awaits an overseas transfer.

History

There’s plenty of history, and some might even say beef, between these two. The full-team bust-up last time out saw both Manny Aparicio and David Norman Jr. receive red cards, and any good vibes between the two teams was definitely lost after that.

Throughout the history between these two clubs there have been scraps, playoff/cup matches, goals, red cards, and many other memorable incidents. This matchup has seen it all.

The all-time record between these two on the Island is 3-3-1. There has also ALWAYS been goals in this matchup here. The scoreline consistently sees at least three goals scored in every match played on the Island between these two rivals.

PFC Quote

“You know the intensity and the fight and the consistency with the way Cavalry approaches games, so we need to know that and we need to match that intensity, match that fight — which we did last match, we came out very strong and on the front foot. It’s both teams that like to attack and play for 90 minutes, and neither team is going to stop.” – James Merriman (h/t Canpl.ca) 

Players to Watch

Pacific – Gianni Dos Santos; Cavalry – Ali Musse

For Pacific, Gianni Dos Santos has experienced a breakout campaign this season after a little bit of a up-and-down season in 2021. Although Dos Santos played a large role in Pacific winning the title last season (including assisting on the championship-wining goal), the talented winger didn’t always find himself in the starting XI and finished with just one goal and two assist. This season however, Dos Santos has often been the driving force in Pacific’s attack and has left his imprint on many games already. While Dos Santos already has two goals to his name this season, that only tells part of the story. The 23-year-old appears to be fully settled now and doesn’t look like he’ll be slowing down anytime soon.

Cavalry’s new-found attacking resource this season is Ali Musse. In his second season in Calgary, Musse has three goals and two assists in 13 games, already besting his total of two goals in nine games from last season. Musse adaptability in attack has provided Cavalry with a different option this season. Last season, the Cavs mostly relied on Joe Mason for goals, whereas now Musse helps contribute to a more balance attack. Notably, Musse scored two goals against Halifax Wanderers FC last week.

The Story to this Point

In all too simple terms, Pacific have been good, bad, and then good again in 2022. I’m joking because there’s much more to how the season has played out than that, but the good thing is that it looks as though the Pacific FC everyone expected to see this season is back in full force after a disappointing down period from mid-May to the end of June.

Cavalry has been pretty consistent all season long, but one area they haven’t been amazing in is their exploits on the road. The Cavs have won three out of nine on the road this season, dropping points in their last two matches away from home. Cavalry’s early season form, as well as their recent form, is well below what they’ve come to expect, but the club was still unbeaten in 11 matches in the league before losing to York mid-week. Will Friday see a bounce back for Cavalry or Pacific continue their winning run?

Keys to Victory

First things first when it comes to Cavalry, you have to be physical. If you don’t match their intensity and aggression you won’t have a chance of coming away with three points. If Pacific a) don’t back down, b) stay focused – meaning defend with intensity for all 90 minutes, c) move the ball with purpose – as in, attack the space available around the back three, d) and take their chances in front of goal, the Tridents should have a good chance of beating their bitter rival on home turf in the last meeting between these two until the final match of the regular season.

News and Notes

Here’s what else you need to know before Friday’s match:

• As mentioned before, this is Pacific FC’s Pride Match in partnership with the Victoria Pride Society. There will be plenty of pre-match entertainment available starting at 5:45pm, so come early and celebrate Pride! In addition to this, there will also be important conversations happening about the importance of equity and inclusivity in sport and in wider society.
• After his hat-trick last time out against York, Alejandro Diaz now sits tied as PFC’s all-time goalscorer with 25 goals in all competitions. With one more goal Diaz will overtake former Trident Terran Campbell as Pacific’s record goalscorer. Will he do it on Friday?
• After this important clash on Friday, Pacific’s next match is a massive one in club history. Next Tuesday, Pacific FC travel down to Jamaica to play Waterhouse FC in the CONCACAF League. This is the first continental match in PFC history, and the first leg of the Preliminary Round tie before the two teams meet again on the Island on August 2nd.

Pacific FC v Cavalry FC – July 22 by Jack Longo