Vancouver FC is geared up to face Cavalry FC in a crucial Canadian Premier League (CPL) match. This encounter takes place at Willoughby Community Park in British Columbia. While Vancouver has secured last place in the table for the season, they aim to avoid setting a record for the fewest points in CPL history.
Recently, Vancouver disrupted the CPL Shield race with a draw against Atlético Ottawa. They also held Forge, another Shield contender, to a draw. This performance marks a positive streak for Vancouver, as they remain unbeaten in their last five matches, with two wins and three draws. Their recent form follows a strong run to the Canadian Championship final, where they faced Vancouver Whitecaps.
Vancouver FC’s Recent Performance
- Current Form: 2 Wins, 3 Draws, 0 Losses in last 5 Matches
- Last Match: Drew with Atlético Ottawa
- Canadian Championship Final: Lost to Vancouver Whitecaps, 4-2
Interim head coach Martin Nash expressed confidence in the team’s performance. “I think we’ve caught our stride at the right time,” he stated, indicating that they have shown improvement since early August.
Cavalry FC’s Need for Victory
Cavalry FC’s objective for this match is straightforward: they need a win. A victory would secure third place ahead of the playoffs, allowing them to avoid the knockout match of fourth and fifth place teams. This is crucial as they seek to defend their title and pursue a second consecutive North Star Cup.
Despite the importance of this match, Cavalry is currently struggling with form. They have dropped points in their last three games, recording zero wins, two draws, and one loss during that stretch. Head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. acknowledged the team’s need to control their own destiny.
Player Availability
- Vancouver FC: Jay Herdman and Zach Verhoven are unavailable.
- Cavalry FC: Ali Musse, Shamit Shome, and Mihail Gherisamencov return from international duty. Diego Gutiérrez is still out due to injury.
As the teams prepare for this critical matchup, the stakes are high for both Vancouver and Cavalry. This game will not only affect playoff positions but also shape the narrative for the end of the CPL season.
