What a way to start the 2023 Canadian Premier League season for Pacific FC and its new local rival Vancouver FC.

The first ever BC Derby (name to be determined organically later) is part of a CPL Opening Day triple-header; closing the day out with what promises to be an energized, passionate, and packed Starlight Stadium.

It’s been just under six months since Pacific FC last kicked a ball in a competitive match, and exactly six months to the day since they did so at Starlight Stadium. That’s created an overwhelming sense of urgency to get things started, with both the players and supporters itching to get back in the stadium and make a statement in Matchweek 1.

The squad itself is overflowing with positive vibes in preseason as the club’s new signings have meshed quickly with the old guard. So with the help of the incredible support from the stands, opening day should be an absolute can’t-miss occasion for everyone involved with the club.

Trends and Stats

Seeing as this is Vancouver FC’s first competitive match in club history, there aren’t any stats to dive into or general trends about what kind of form they’re in.

We can gain the slightest bit of insight from preseason, but it’s not something to put too much weight behind. During preseason, Vancouver squeaked out a couple of narrow victories and drew against League 1 BC’s Altitude FC in their final preseason tune up. Again, this is not a direct indicator of form right now due to the nature of preseason games, but a small note to keep in mind.

On the other hand, Pacific were firing on all cylinders from the very start of preseason. The Tridents went four for four: all wins, 11 goals scored, only conceding 2. Not something to get too caught up with, but we’re gonna win the league.

History

In a word: none. BUT, that doesn’t mean this match won’t illicit tons of passion from the supporters on both sides. The Mainland and the Island have history in a sporting and cultural sense, and Pacific’s partnership with the Victoria Royals, “Beat Vancouver”, heightened the rivalry before it even started.

What we do know is that history will be created on Saturday. This season-opening match, and franchise-opening for Vancouver, will be the start of what promises to be a long and passionate derby.

Quotes

“We’ve brought in really exciting, dynamic attacking players. Everyone has integrated into the group really well over preseason; everyone’s eager, everyone’s competitive, and everyone wants to play. We feel confident and strong in the players that have come in so it’s nice to get started tomorrow.” – Pacific FC Head Coach James Merriman

“I’m like a little kid on Christmas Eve. We’ve waited a long time for this moment and put in a lot of work. It’s not just preseason work with the team, it’s offseason as well. It’s a long process and it’s finally here. Football is back, CPL is back.” – Pacific FC Captain Josh Heard

Players to Watch

Pacific FC – Josh Heard, Vancouver FC – Gael Sandoval

Who else but Pacific FC’s new captain could I have highlighted here? After the unveiling ceremony in March, Heard – Victoria’s very own – will take the field on Saturday for the first time as PFC captain, an honour passed down to him after the retirement of Jamar Dixon last season.

On the pitch last season, Heard was a staple of Pacific’s attack and a reliable contributor in terms of goals and assists. The winger finished last season with six goals and four assists in 25 CPL matches, as well as two goals and two assists in the club’s four CONCACAF League matches.

Heard’s ability to get his defender off balance and on the wrong foot is second to none in the CPL, but it’s his instinctive finishing ability and work rate from out wide that makes him a truly special player. Pacific’s no. 11 may line up on the right side of attack this season after the departure of Marco Bustos, but Heard’s ability to play on other wing or through the middle provides James Merriman with ultimate flexibility in how he deploys his on-pitch leader.

On the Vancouver side, we have yet to see their “marquee signing” in competitive action in this country, but his accolades are impressive. Sandoval arrived in Vancouver having made 119 appearances in Liga MX with Santos Laguna, FC Juárez, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) and Mazatlán FC. He won the Liga MX best rookie award in 2016-2017 and produced more assists than any other Mexican player in the 2017 Clausura.

It remains to be seen how he adapts to a new league and a new country, but if his resume is anything to go off of, Pacific will be focused on cutting off the supply line to him and ultimately neutralizing his playmaking.

Keys to Victory

The signings Vancouver have made, along with their coach’s preferred style of play, point to a team that is difficult to break down. With two former Pacific FC players at the back, Callum Irving and Kadin Chung, the Tridents will be more than familiar with part of Vancouver defensive unit. Adding in CPL veteran Rocco Romeo means three of VFC’s starting five at the back are well seasoned in this league.

However, Pacific should control more of the possession battle and can therefor take the game to Vancouver. With the potential weak spot in Vancouver’s defence coming on the left side, the combination between Heard (or whoever ends up playing on the right wing) and Kunle Dada-Luke could be the most fruitful path forward for Pacific. The Tridents also happen to have the CPL’s third-highest career goalscorer in Easton Ongaro, which is frankly a phenomenal card to have up your sleeve. It’s also wild that I hadn’t mentioned him until now.

Lastly, under Merriman’s management, Pacific hasn’t been a team that loses its head in high profile matches. It’s important in a match such as this – a home opener and derby – that you play the game and not the occasion. But with the experience in PFC’s squad and the leadership on the bench, that could be where the Tridents gain a significant advantage on Saturday.

Match Facts to Know

• Pacific FC have never lost a Home Opener at Starlight Stadium: 1-0 win over HFX in 2019, 2-0 win over Cavalry in 2021, 2-1 win over Forge in 2022. Can the Tridents continue that streak in 2023?
• A BC-based club has never beaten Pacific FC in competitive match play. It is admittedly the smallest sample size possible, the visit from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2021 is the only other match between Pacific and another BC team, but the Tridents are 1-0 in a fixture such as this.
• Pacific FC have never lost a match in April in club history: Four wins and one draw. With another home-heavy April this season, history is on Pacific’s side heading into Saturday.

It’s not too late to get your tickets for the first edition of this BC Derby! Watch Pacific FC’s Season Opener with one of our many ticket options, which can be found here!