PACIFIC FC 2
YORK9 0
Terran Campbell and Mark Village were the front and back of it Saturday for Pacific FC in Toronto.
The emerging 20-year-old striker Campbell took the lead for the Canadian Premier League’s Golden Boot with his league-leading eighth goal in a 2-0 victory for PFC over York9.
Goalkeeper Village, returning to the net after a string of starts by Comox’s Nolan Wirth, recorded PFC’s first shutout in 14 games with a seven-save performance.
“It was a really good defensive effort. We really took care of that aspect,” said PFC head coach Michael Silberbauer.
“I’m happy for the boys. It showed them that their hard work is paying off.”
Campbell used his wide frame to good advantage in scoring the winner at 37 minutes. He fought off a York9 defender, who was practically riding on his back, for a diving header off a free kick from Victor Blasco.
“Terran gets in there where it hurts,” Silberbauer said.
“He’s got great confidence going right now. But I’m proudest of his defensive work today.”
Campbell had five shots, three inside the box, and two on goal. He also set up former overseas and MLS pro Issey Nakajima-Farran for what looked like a sure goal at 87 minutes, but the 38-time Canada-capped veteran put it wide.
Another 20-year-old, Zach Verhoven, tallied the insurance goal in injury time into an empty net from midfield.
York9 goalkeeper Nate Ingham was caught upfield, as the 11th attacker, with the home side pressing for the equalizer.
Village’s biggest moment came when he made a leaping save to knock the ball over the crossbar at 76 minutes after the dangerous Diyaeddine Abzi slipped past both Verhoven and Campbell for a clear shot from high in the box.
Defender Henrik Starostzik, forward Blasco and midfielder Kadin Chung drew in from the injury list, greatly helping PFC’s cause.
“That gives us more options,” Silberbauer said.
Pacific (2-4-1 in the fall season after going 3-5-2 in the spring) came into the game in last place, but maybe fortune has swung for Silberbauer’s Island crew, which is now 2-1-1 in its past four games. York9 is 3-4 in the fall after going 2-3-5 in the spring.
Pacific FC returns home after three road games to meet Valour FC of Winnipeg next Saturday.
The team reports more than 3,500 tickets have already been sold for the game, which will include the official opening ceremony for the completed Westhills Stadium. Among those expected as part of the ceremony is Premier John Horgan.
