Pacific FC continued their tradition of fast starts with a 2-0 victory over Valour FC at Starlight Stadium on Saturday, marking their fifth consecutive season-opening win in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).
Dario Zanatta opened the scoring in the 18th minute, pouncing on a rebound that slipped through the gloves of Valour goalkeeper Jonathan Viscosi and calmly slotting it into the back of the net.
Just 12 minutes later, new signing Ronan Alan Kratt introduced himself to the Pacific faithful in style.
The off-season addition met a lofted ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a spectacular volley that floated over Viscosi and into the goal – a strike that could stand as one of the best this season.
Another new arrival, Kadin Chung, also shone in his return to Pacific. The fullback delivered a complete performance, impacting the game on both ends of the pitch. He completed 29 of 32 passes (91 per cent), recorded one successful dribble, five passes into the final third, and connected on four of five long balls.
In goal, Max Anchor impressed in his Pacific debut. On loan from the Vancouver Whitecaps and stepping up with for injured Sean Melvin, the young keeper looked composed between the posts, providing a steady presence in his first CPL start.
Pacific FC head coach, James Merriman was impressed with his team's efforts, illustrating the confidence that was shown in their opening match.
“It’s important to send a message to our fans and ourselves by starting with confidence,” Merriman said. “We wanted to be on the front foot today, we wanted a positive result to build from — but we know it’s a long season. We’re not going to get carried away. There’s a lot of work to do. But when you win your first game, you take confidence from it, and it’s perfect for us to build on that heading into a big, big match next weekend.”
Despite the scoreline, Valour controlled much of the possession, holding 56.9 per cent of the ball. They pushed forward for much of the match but were repeatedly frustrated by Pacific’s organized defence.
Valour centre-back Rocco Romeo said that his team showed signs of their identity, regardless of dropping their opening game.
“I think the narrative of what Valour has been is changing this season,” Romeo said. “I think today we did a good job of showing that. We can be on the front foot in games, we can retain possession in the opponent’s half — now it’s just about working on the fine details: breaking lines, finding that pass, and getting into the final third.”
Pacific FC will remain at home this week as they prepare to host Forge FC on Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m.
