Pacific FC returns home in top spot despite a lone victory on their recent three-match road trip. Their opponents tomorrow, FC Edmonton, arrive at Starlight Stadium having struggled after a lively start to the season that included holding Pacific to a 0-0 draw in Edmonton as part of the Tridents’ road trip. Having been shutout in that match a few weeks ago, Pacific will look to make a statement on their return home and put on a show for the home crowd on Saturday.

Recent Form

Although the club gained just four points from a possible nine on their road trip, Pacific continues to set the pace at the top of the league. The Tridents put in a memorable defensive display last weekend against Atlético Ottawa – led by the stellar performance in goal by Callum Irving, and now return to the Island for the rest of May. Pacific are currently five points clear of second-placed York United FC, although York has a game in hand.

Edmonton on the other hand have struggled since their promising start and now sit bottom of the table with three points from six games. The Eddies’ last two matches have come against their Alberta rivals Cavalry FC, a derby in which they have never had much success since the CPL’s inception, and an upturn in confidence will be needed to stop the slide they find themselves in.

History

After the 0-0 draw last time these two teams played, this matchup is now perfectly split all time. Four wins a piece and four draws in 12 previous matches means there is nothing to separate these two clubs throughout their short histories in the CPL.

In regard to matches played on the Island, the record sits at two wins for Pacific, one win for Edmonton and one draw. The last match t0 be played here between the teams ended in a 5-1 victory for Pacific.

PFC Quote

“We’re going to continue to build on what we’ve done over the last the first part of the season here. So we’re in a good way – we’re confident with the way that we are playing and how we are going about things. (This is) another opportunity for us to continue to grow and develop our style, so we’re looking forward to the match.” – James Merriman (h/t CanPL.ca)

Players to Watch

Pacific – Amer Didic; Edmonton – Luke Singh

Two big, strong centre-backs who perform plenty of defensive actions and look to show their ability on the ball whenever possible. Didic though is a much more accomplished player, while Singh is still developing and has been thrown in the deep end as part of his loan spell with Edmonton.

Didic has been an incredibly important piece of Pacific FC’s new-look backline this season. Aerially dominant and smooth in possession, Didic’s arrival allows Pacific to continue to play out from the back, but also makes them difficult to break down when they choose to drop back. Singh on the other hand has joined a FC Edmonton team in transition that requires its defensive unit to be the best part of the team as they often sit deep and force teams to play against a compact unit. Singh has had a lot of work to do already this season, but he should go back to Toronto FC as a better player overall for his experience.

The Story to this Point

Pacific have been the best team in the league to this point, I don’t think there’s any disputing that. A five point lead at the top of the table and a chance to extend it on Saturday points to a side playing with plenty of confidence and trust in each other. Despite only coming away with one road win on their hard-fought road trip the Tridents can lean on their perfect home form as a major reason they sit top.

As mentioned, the visitors on Saturday began the season brightly and have showed plenty of fight despite the difficult position the club is in. Edmonton is an incredibly young team that brings energy every match but has struggled to maintain a foothold in their recent run of fixtures.

Looking at the standings, it’s top vs bottom and could seem like an easy match for the home side, but Pacific can’t get too ahead of themselves as this Eddies team still has the ability to cause an upset.

Keys to Victory

As the home side, Pacific really need to take the game to Edmonton. The supporters will expect to see this team attack with purpose and put the Edmonton defence under lots of pressure. The Eddies have solid defenders, but they can be broken down by quick movement and teamwork.

Although not absolutely necessary when you’re already top of the league, now is the perfect time to make a statement as you return home.

News and Notes

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

• Callum Irving was named Canadian Premier League Player of the Week on Tuesday after his outstanding performance in goal against Atlético Ottawa last weekend
• After a three-match road trip, Pacific FC return to the Island for the rest of May. The Tridents play four straight at home including the Canadian Championship quarterfinal match against York United FC on May 24
• Pacific FC announced the signing of the number eight pick in the 2022 U Sports Draft, Luca Ricci, on Thursday. Ricci officially joins after training with the club over the preseason and to begin the regular season.

Pacific FC v FC Edmonton – May 14th by Jack Longo