Story of the Match
Pacific FC ended an exhausting stretch of matches with a 1-1 draw at home to HFX Wanderers FC on Saturday, wrapping up a month-and-a-half opening portion of the season that saw the club play a match an average of once every four days.
The Tridents started the match well against Halifax and grabbed the opening goal through Adonijah Reid’s excellent solo run and finish in the 32nd minute. From there, Pacific looked to be holding out for all three points, thanks to some excellent goalkeeping from Kieran Baskett against his old club. But with just six minutes left in the 90, the Wanderers pounced and snatched an equalizing goal to add a disappointing end to what was otherwise looking like a solid win in tough circumstances.
The match did have many positives throughout though. Saturday was Pacific’s Help Fill A Dream Match and included tons of family festivities, money-raising initiatives, as well as a fulfilled Dream being presented on the pitch pre-game. Always a special match in the calendar, 2023’s Help Fill A Dream Match was another highlight during this jam-packed opening stretch to the season.
Looking Ahead
Okay time to breath… After a stretch of 10 games (eight at home) in 42 days, this next stretch of PFC football looks a little different. With two straight away games, the next home match for Pacific is on Father’s Day, June 18th at 1pm, against York United FC.
Next up on the schedule though is a trip across the Strait of Georgia to take on Vancouver FC in the second match between the Tridents and the Eagles this season. Pacific ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the opening match of the season, and have seen how hard to break down Vancouver has been for most of the season. Expect another intense battle between BC’s two Canadian Premier League clubs when they show down on Friday at 7pm.
Favourite Moment
Just before the match began on Saturday, Help Fill A Dream presented a dream to a young Vancouver Island child battling Type 1 Diabetes. Sylvie Scott was presented with a trip to Maui for her and her family where she will be able to swim, go sightseeing, and hopefully see a turtle or two. Type 1 Diabetes is a very difficult and life-changing adjustment for a child and their family. Sylvie is crushing this challenge however, and is living her best life.
These words from Help Fill A Dream help put the whole evening into perspective: The true impact of a Dream is that it provides kids with hope when they need it most. A Dream has a tremendous positive effect on a child’s overall well-being and health outcomes.
Favourite Photo(s)
PFC Standout Player: Kieran Baskett
Playing against his former club on Saturday, Baskett was excellent between the posts for Pacific. The 21-year-old made three saves, including a brilliant kick-save to keep out a close-range effort at his near post which earned him Save of the Game honours. Unlucky not to end the match with a clean sheet, Baskett was fantastic in all aspects of his game on the weekend.
Outside of the just the shot-stopping, Baskett made his presence known to his teammates (and former teammates). The Halifax native was vocal and commanding in his area, and marshalled the back four in front of him perfectly. Baskett’s distribution was also eye-catching in the match as she showed he’s capable of pinging a ball into space for the wingers to take down in stride off of a Halifax corner or bowling it out to a full-back to start a transition. He also donned the ball cap in the second half as the sun began the set, which is always fun to see.
Scoring Summary
32’ – Pacific FC – Adonijah Reid
84’ – HFX Wanderers FC – Aidan Daniels
Statistics
Possession: PFC 40 % – HFX 60 %
Shots: PFC 6 – HFX 18
Shots on Target: PFC 4 – HFX 4
Saves: PFC 3 – HFX 3
Fouls: PFC 14 – HFX 10
Offsides: PFC 0 – HFX 4
Corners: PFC 2 – HFX 4
Cautions
64’ – Bradley Vliet – Yellow