It was the fourth installment of the Salish Sea Derby in 2025, with hopes for an offensive and exciting match. Both teams needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Vancouver opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when a Pacific FC defender whiffed on a clearing attempt at the edge of the penalty box, allowing Hugo Mbongue to collect the loose ball. He played it across the goal to Elage Bah, who redirected it into the open net, giving Vancouver the confidence-boosting lead they desperately needed.

Pacific FC equalized in injury time after being awarded a penalty kick when David Norman pulled down a Pacific player. Vancouver disputed the call, arguing that the ball had already sailed over the players’ heads on the cross and that no scoring opportunity had been lost.

Pacific FC took the lead just 22 seconds into the second half when Josh Heard redirected a low cross from the left wing past the Vancouver goalkeeper.

It took just over three minutes for Vancouver to even the score, as Elage Bah was sent through on a low pass down the right wing. His low cross found the foot of the sliding Pathe Ndiaye, who redirected the ball into the Pacific FC net.

In the 60th minute, Pacific FC regained the lead when a high cross from the left side by Dario Zanatta found Alejandro Díaz, who one-timed the ball into the net for his second goal of the game.

Full credit to Vancouver for continuing to push forward in search of the equalizer. In the 96th minute, Vasco Fry fired a hard, low volley from 20 metres out, but Pacific FC goalkeeper Sean Melvin made a great save to preserve the all-important win for his side.

The win gives Pacific FC three consecutive victories and leaves them seven points behind fifth-place HFX Wanderers, who they face in their next match on August 16.

The home loss for Vancouver FC means they have now gone without a home win since August 11, 2024. In nine home games so far in 2025, they have earned just three points and scored only seven goals. While the quality of play has improved under interim coach Martin Nash, with more forward pressure and assertive play, defensive miscues continue to cost them games.

Vancouver plays their most important game of the season on Wednesday, hosting Atlético Ottawa at Willoughby Community Park in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals.