Pacific FC will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth with a moment of silence at Starlight Stadium before today’s Canadian Premier League game at 1 p.m. against Atletico Ottawa.
In announcing the tribute, the club displayed something increasingly rare in polarized modern society — the ability, as F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, to hold two conflicting ideas in mind at the same time.
“The news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing was felt throughout the world this week. As an organization, we recognize she held a special place in the hearts of many Canadians,” read a statement from PFC.
“While we acknowledge that the monarchy has a complicated place in our history and present day, particularly with our Indigenous communities, Queen Elizabeth was admired for her tenacity and grace throughout her long reign. Pacific FC and the City of Langford will honour Queen Elizabeth II with a minute of silence before kick-off.”
After kick-off, it’s time for Pacific FC to take care of business after receiving more than a wake-up call with six games remaining. The alarm clock has not only rung, but reached across and given the team a collective smack across the side of the head.
Looking comfortably ensconced in a playoff position a month ago, the Tridents suddenly find themselves in fifth place and one point out of a playoff position in the Canadian Premier League. Three consecutive league losses will do that to you.
Now is when the leather meets the turf.
“Players are fighting to get their teams into the playoffs and fighting for contracts,” said PFC head coach James Merriman.
“We need to see a response and to be a motivated group that really wants something. It’s about our mentality. Everyone is playing for something and hungry to be in the top four.”
Pacific FC trails fourth-place Valour FC of Winnipeg by one point and third-place Cavalry FC of Calgary by three points, but PFC holds two games in hand on both clubs. The Tridents are four points adrift of second-place Forge FC of Hamilton with a game in hand.
Atletico Ottawa, owned by La Liga giant Atletico Madrid, have been the surprise of the season in going from missing the playoffs last season to topping the table this season with 40 points (11-5-7 in wins-losses-draws). Ottawa, five points ahead of PFC but with one more game played, has not been scored on in three games and is unbeaten in four games.
“Ottawa is very organized,” said Merriman.
“This is a big match for both teams.”
PFC (10-7-5) leads the season series 2-1. The Tridents will again be missing crucial midfield piece Manny Aparicio, sitting out the third game of his red-card suspension.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
