The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as Pacific Football Club (PFC) prepares to host York United FC in a high-stakes showdown at Starlight Stadium.
Playoff soccer is coming to Langford, and fans are in for a treat as these two Canadian Premier League (CPL) powerhouses battle it out in the opening match of the 2023 playoffs.
After a thrilling regular season, which saw PFC secure fourth place in the standings, the Tridents have earned the right to host a playoff match that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
On Wednesday, October 11th, at 7 p.m., the clash will ignite the pitch, and the winner of this midweek head-to-head will earn the privilege of advancing to face Halifax Wanderers FC— who finished third in the regular season—in the playoff quarterfinal at Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Saturday, October 14th.
Head Coach James Merriman expressed his team’s readiness, saying, “When we start playoffs, we start a new chapter, and we have enough guys in the locker room who understand the situation and the moment. It comes down to who wants to win most on the day, and that will be the team that’s the best. We owe it to our fans and to ourselves to perform here at home.”
For fans and players alike, the excitement is palpable. PFC midfielder Manny Aparicio spoke to the team’s identity, stating, “We’ve shown throughout this season and throughout the last few seasons the way we like to play and the way we like to press and counter teams. I think it’s going to be more of that; that’s our identity and who we are as a team.”
The CPL’s fifth season introduces an expanded five-team playoff format, providing an advantage to the teams that displayed the most consistent performances throughout the 2023 regular season.
This format also opens the door for a potential Cinderella run by a team that may have placed lower in the playoff bracket. With elimination looming in four out of the five playoff matches, the tension is guaranteed to be consistent, ensuring an exhilarating playoff run for all CPL enthusiasts.
For those who can’t make it to the stadium, all of the CPL’s remaining regular season and playoff matches will be broadcast on the dedicated soccer channel OneSoccer.
Fans can catch the action on Optik TV (Ch. 980), Telus’ pay-TV service, as well as on the streaming service fuboTV Canada.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased online or in person.
PFC Playoffs
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Wednesday, October 11th at 7 p.m.
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