'Big-Time Team Effort': Pacific's Defence Clicks for 1st Shutout Since May
August 17, 2019 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Pacific FC News Release
Goals came for Pacific FC on Saturday, as always. PFC has netted more times than any CPL side this Fall session, despite a losing record.
But for once in 14 attempts, none went the other way.
Michael Sliberbauer's side finally held the door shut, keeping York9 FC scoreless in a 2-0 win at York Lions Stadium - their first clean sheet since a stalemate in Edmonton on May 12.
It was their third and final visit to York Lions Stadium in 2019 - a pair of one-goal defeats marked their time there.
Unlike the other trips to York Region, Silberbauer's side was relatively healthy. Saturday's result featured another near-full-strength Pacific FC back four, anchored by Lukas MacNaughton and Hendrik Starostzik.
"Within the training there's more competition for the spots, there has been better training," Silberbauer said. "And we can actually put guys in their correct position."
PFC's defence was put under pressure early by York9. A series of first-half shots went straight to goalkeeper Mark Village, who was returning to make his first start of the Fall campaign.
"The pitch isn't the biggest, and York9 isn't the smallest team," Silberbauer added. "We knew there would be some sort of physical game out there."
Terran Campbell converted on PFC's lone shot on target in the first half. Boxing out his defender in a key area, Campbell took the lead in the CPL's golden boot race with a finessed header towards the back post.
Eight goals scored so far, the 20-year-old was asked about potential involvement in the Canadian Olympic qualifying team, set to be assembled ahead of qualifying tournament this March.
"I would love to, it would be a great opportunity to show myself," Campbell said, adding he had yet to hear of a potential call-up.
Another young PFC talent put the game out of reach in injury time. Zachary Verhoven, who turned 21 years-old Saturday, netted from halfway after Y9 goalkeeper Nathan Ingham came up the pitch in search of an equalizer.
At the other end, Mark Village would complete a seven-save shutout
"It was a big-time team effort," Village said, quick to credit teammates. "Hendrik [Starostzik], Lukas [MacNaughton], Alessandro [Hojabrpour] all had big blocks right in front of the goal.
The Tridents will return to action on Saturday on VanIsle when they reopen Westhills Stadium against Valour FC (6:00 p.m. ET, 3:00 p.m. PT, on OneSoccer).
Saturday's match will showcase a recently-completed stand behind the field's west-end goal.
"I'm a Liverpool fan and it reminds me of the Kop," Village said. "I'm hoping we can fill it. It's a stage for us. It's exciting."
Canadian Premier League Stories from August 17, 2019
- CanPLxKISS: Inspired by Music, Fuelled by Fans - CPL
- 'Back on the Front Foot': Forge Downs Valour, Stakes Claim on Fall Crown - Forge FC
- Deja Vu, Nine Stripes? York9 Suffer Similar Fate in Pacific Loss - York United FC
- 'Big-Time Team Effort': Pacific's Defence Clicks for 1st Shutout Since May - Pacific FC
- Novak Brace Powers Forge to Road Win vs. Valour - Forge FC
- Pacific Grab Rare Clean Sheet in 2-0 Win over York9 - Pacific FC
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