The Langley-based pro soccer team is on a ferry to the island today, to take on its provincial rivals in what is expected to be a tight battle tonight (Thursday, June 27).
As Vancouver FC prepares for a highly anticipated second derby of the season against Pacific FC, the stakes are as high as ever, said head coach Afshin Ghotbi.
With both B.C. teams coming off tough losses, the match will be a crucial opportunity for each one or the other team to bounce back.
Previously in 2023, Vancouver FC and Pacific FC faced off with each other 4 times, both teams winning two of the four matches. Earlier this season, hosting Vancouver FC (VFC) defeated the Vancouver Island team 2-1 at Willoughby Stadium.
Vasco Fry, a midfielder for the Vancouver FC Eagles, expressed his excitement and confidence heading into today's match.
Fry has registered three goals since starting his Canadian Premier League career in August 2023, and two of them came in past matches against Pacific.
Reflecting on the unique nature of derby games, he said, "Derby matches are always special, and we have been successful in the past. The memory of our last Derby win, though a month ago, is still fresh and will be useful for the upcoming match.”
Despite the recent tough game against the HFX Wanderers FC, where VFC lost 4-0, Fry emphasized the importance of focusing on the future.
"It's important to turn the page from the previous loss and focus on the upcoming game," he said. He also highlighted the significance of the match in the league standings, noting, "Winning three points against the fourth-placed team is crucial to gaining an advantage.”
Fry was also candid in discussing some areas of improvement.
"We struggled with long balls and need to press high. We've been focusing on improving specific aspects of our game during the week," he said, in referencing their recent loss and a few days of practice during the short week.
The rivalry with the island team adds an extra layer of motivation for Fry.
"The rivalry with Pacific is unique due to our geographical proximity. It adds extra motivation to be the best team in British Columbia within the Canadian Premier League," he explained.
Ghotbi also shared his thoughts ahead of the derby.
Reflecting on the last game against Halifax, he noted the need for a reset.
"Our performance was poor, and we need to reset. Emotional engagement and commitment are crucial in matches," he said.
Ghotbi believes that momentum plays a significant role in sports but also in life, generally.
"Momentum is everything in life. Knowing how to create momentum, ride it, and stop negative synergy is crucial. I'm certain that our recent victories will give us a psychological edge," he explained.
Addressing the team's recent performance issues, Ghotbi emphasized the importance of quick recovery and tactical adjustments.
"When I have a bad day, I can't wait to get up the next day and go again. For me, the loss of the last game was tactical and strategical. Those are things that can be fixed," he said.
"Because it's a derby, it creates a certain urgency for our staff and players to get onto the next match and put the last game behind."
Ghotbi also addressed defensive concerns, highlighting the challenges faced due to injuries.
"When you have injuries in central defence and different pairs playing next to each other, it creates a lack of harmony. We've been working on improving our defence and addressing individual errors," he explained.
Commitment and effort are non-negotiable for Ghotbi.
"It's our job to bring 100% devotion, commitment, energy, and concentration to the match. If we make mistakes and lose games, people can accept that. But a lack of energy and commitment is unacceptable," he said.
The coach confirmed that there would be changes to the lineup to make a statement about performance levels, continuing that, "There are going to be some changes. Some players are travelling who didn't travel before for this game. We, as a team, have to make a statement."
For Vancouver FC, this derby is more than just a game; it's an opportunity to prove their resilience, strategic prowess, and commitment to their fans, as Fry aptly put it.
"It's going to be a very interesting spectacle for our fans, their fans, and CPL fans in general.”
The game kicks off tonight, (Thursday, June 27), at 7:30 p.m. at Starlight Stadium. Next up, the VFC plays next Friday, July 5, in Hamilton, Ont. against Forge FC.
