For Pacific FC, it always seems to be about Cavalry FC. Even more than sophomore franchise across-the-strait rival Vancouver FC or four-time Canadian Premier League playoff champion Forge FC of Hamilton.
The clubs, who have met in several engaging regular-season and playoff games over the years, renew their cross-Rockies rivalry Sunday at 2 p.m. PT when Island-based PFC plays Cavalry in Calgary.
Cavalry FC and PFC, along with Forge FC, are the only three teams to have made it out of the CPL to play in CONCACAF competition in the first five seasons of CPL history.
“It started from the very first year in 2019, the way Forge and Cavalry came into the league, they had their structure within their organizations and teams right from the start,” said PFC head coach James Merriman.
“We had to catch up quickly. That was always a goal for us to be a top team in the league [too]. To sustain it was the next challenge and having a strong belief in our identity and way we go about business and do things day to day with culture we have tried to build. It’s not easy to try to sustain.”
PFC is 2-0 to start the CPL season and defending regular-season champion Cavalry FC 0-1-1 but its loss was against Forge FC. The Calgarians have since responded with a 1-0 victory over Vancouver FC on Wednesday on a header by German import and former Dortmund prospect Tobias Warschewski to open the Canadian Championship tournament for the Voyageurs Cup, this country’s equivalent of the FA Cup.
“We know this is a big game for us and a big game for them,” said Merriman.
“[Cavalry] is always a good test and a measure to see where we are. We know what it’s like to go there and play Cavalry. It’s always a good atmosphere and a good environment. We need to step up and be ready for this game and what it means for the rest of this season.”
PFC has had more than a week’s rest while Cavalry had to play midweek in the Voyageurs Cup fixture against VFC and prevailing despite going down to 10 men.
“It was a big performance for them to get a result despite having only 10 men, and sometimes that can build your spirit in your team,” said Merriman.
“At the same time, we’re in a good moment. This comes at the right time for us. It’s going to be a good test and good challenge to go there. We know the way they are going to want to respond in terms of their results so far in league play. We have to expect that and match that intensity and match that fight.”
PFC has recorded two clean sheets to open the season.
“We were not happy with how many goals we conceded last season,” said Merriman.
“Full credit to the way we have defended so far this season in front of our goal and the way that the players have bought into that. Our commitment to defend in front of our goal has been very good. Thomas Meilleur-Giguère has been a leader for us across the back.”
PFC returns to Starlight Stadium on Wednesday night for its Canadian Championship Voyageurs Cup opener against the TSS Rovers of League1 B.C before hosting Marty Nash’s York United in league play next Saturday at Starlight.
