Langford witnessed a goalfest on Friday night that defied recent form, defensive structure, and just about every script Pacific FC and Vancouver FC have written this season.
After scoring just once in their previous six matches, Pacific erupted in a frenzied second half to draw 4-4 with Vancouver in a chaotic Salish Sea derby at Starlight Stadium.
Seven of the eight goals came after halftime, with the final one a Callum Irving own goal in stoppage time, salvaging a point for the home side.
"Regardless of what position either team is in at the moment, when that game comes in a season, it's always a beautiful part of football when derby matches can look like today," James Merriman, Pacific FC head coach said. "For the fans, for the neutrals, for both sides, that part is exciting.
Aly Ndom set the tone early for the Tridents with a strike in the 17th minute and added another in the 54th – his team-leading fourth of the season – to put Pacific up 2-0.
From there, the floodgates opened.
Vancouver clawed back quickly through Henri Goodbout and David Norman Jr., levelling the match before Pacific’s Yann Toualy restored the lead in the 77th minute.
It wouldn’t last.
Two goals just before stoppage time – one each from Ndiaye Pathe and Nicolas Mezquida – flipped the match on its head, giving Vancouver their first lead of the night with mere seconds to play.
But just when it looked like the visitors had stolen all three points, a deflected shot from Kadin Chung was credited as an Irving own goal, bringing the match even once more.
“I think if we had played five more minutes, there would have been two more goals,” said Vancouver head coach Afshin Ghotbi. “I'm really happy for the game, and I’m happy for the fans. I'm also a little bit disappointed deep inside, because I think we had the victory in our hands.”
While the point could prove crucial for Pacific, it does little to ease their recent struggles.
The club remains winless in seven matches dating back to May 10, sitting seventh in the CPL standings with 12 points – two ahead of last-place Vancouver and six back of a playoff spot.
Friday marked the second of four meetings between the two B.C.-based clubs this season, with both games ending in a draw.
They’ll clash again on August 10 in Langley and September 13 in Victoria at Royal Athletic Park.
Reinforcements appear to be on the way. Pacific FC hinted at a new signing in a June 25 social media post, and managing director Ross Marshall confirmed help is coming.
“We look forward to sharing an exciting new player announcement with you next week,” said Marshall. “And we remain committed to looking inward to make the necessary changes to be successful on the pitch.”
Merriman was more specific post-match, saying the club is targeting a striker to ease the load on Emanuel Montejano, currently the only out-and-out forward on the roster.
"Emanuel is our only striker in the squad, and it is very important that we add another one," Merriman said.
Pacific now gets a two-week break before their next match – an away trip to Halifax to face the Wanderers on Saturday, July 12.
With 13 matches played and 15 left in the season, the time for a playoff push is narrowing fast.
