The stage is set for a rematch as the Vancouver FC Eagles, currently soaring in second place, gear up to face Hamilton's "formidable" Forge FC tonight.
With high hopes riding on their previous 2-1 victory against Forge, the Eagles' head coach is determined to replicate that success in the July 5 away game.
Goalkeeper Callum Irving emphasized the importance of consistency throughout the season.
“You can’t rest, you can’t take stock of where you are and be happy with it... the goal is to keep pushing and raising our standards,” said Irving, the team captain who earlier this week was crowned the Canadian Premier League's player of the week.
He describes Forge FC as a strong opponent, currently ranked third in the league standings.
“We know and respect what Forge brings to the table…," he said, noting the opponent's experience and skill set brings out a heightened level of focus and intensity within his team.
Vancover FC is hoping to repeat that win, in part thanks to the news of attacker Alejandro ‘Wero’ Diaz’s loan extension. This creates a significant boost for Vancouver FC, both in skill and team morale, Irving said.
“He’s capable of scoring buckets of goals in this league, but I think more importantly than that, like, he's just a great person. Anybody that's met Wero and gets to know him personally knows what an amazing guy he is and so I think you know you want people like that in your club,” Irving explained in reference to Diaz.
Head coach Afshin Ghotbi echoed the netminder's thoughts on Diaz, as well as the importance of maintaining a positive and hardworking mentality.
“Every point counts regardless of who you get it from,” Ghotbi explained, saying the team's character truly shows through in "how we react in success and failure."
Coming off last Thursday's victory over Pacific FC in Victoria, Ghotbi said the team was exhausted, both emotionally and physically. So, players were given an extra day to recoup, before they hit the pitch for training then set off to Ontario.
After Vancouver FC’s game is against Forge FC on Friday, July 5, in Hamilton, Ont., they're back home the following Friday, July 12, to take on Atletico Ottawa.