One of the original Pacific FC members is packing his bags and heading east.
The Island-based Canadian Premier League club on Thursday transfered midfielder Matthew Baldisimo to York United for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Baldisimo departs Pacific FC after spending most of four seasons with the Tridents. He played in 56 matches across all competitions.
“Baldi was one of our first signings and he’s been an integral part of the building process of our club and was part of our championship team last season,” Pacific FC head coach James Merriman said in a club statement.
Baldisimo, a Vancouver native, boasts impressive pedigree for a 24-year-old and has racked up over 100 professional appearances across various competitions in Canada and the United States. He spent a number of years with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy before playing two seasons in the United Soccer League with Whitecaps FC 2. In 2018, he stayed in the USL and signed for Fresno FC, playing a handful of games in the league and U.S. Open Cup.
“Matthew is a player we really like and the opportunity for him to join us on loan was a fantastic one,” Angus McNab, York United’s president and GM, said.
“We have been really open with him and his representatives — we all know he’s a free agent at the end of the season so it gives both him and us the opportunity to see how this could fit and be mutually beneficial.”
To fill the roster spot, Pacific FC signed former York United midfielder Cedric Toussaint.
The 20-year-old Toussaint is from Drummondville, Que., and joined York in 2020 after a stint with CF Montreal’s academy. He has made 26 appearances with York United and Pacific FC has signed him through 2024.
“Cedric is an exciting, young player with strong potential,” added Merriman. “We look forward to adding him to our group and expect him to work straight into the team.”
On the field, it’s a busy next few days for Pacific FC as they host Atletico Ottawa in a league game on Saturday afternoon at Starlight Stadium, and then have a quick turnaround to face Costa Rican side CS Herediano on Tuesday night at Starlight Styadium in the first leg of their CONCACAF League Round of 16 home-and-home set.
bdrewry@timescolonist.com
