Langley, BC
August 18, 2024

Recap: Vancouver FC 1, Forge FC 2

Sunday was a special game. Vancouver FC celebrated women and girls in sports which added an air of excitement to this crucial match against the league leaders.

It also was the first game for the most recent acquisition by the club, as earlier in the week, they received attacker Ayman Sellouf on loan from rival Pacific FC. In return, the Tridents signed Moses Dyer from Vancouver, also on loan. The move was done to add a little spark to the lineup, as both these rivals are fighting to make the playoffs. The upfront combination of Sellouf and Alejandro Diaz will be closely watched in the upcoming games and will hopefully bring a spark to the offence. It was a bit of a surprise that Sellouf was not in the starting eleven, considering that he is vital in Vancouver’s bid to make the playoffs.

Forge FC opened the scoring in the 6th minute after another careless giveaway by the defence on the edge of the box, resulting in an easy goal by David Choinière. Sloppiness along the back line is becoming a major concern as it’s costing the squad in almost every match this year.

Vancouver nearly equalized in the 38^th minute when Forge gave away the ball along the back line, with great save by Forger ‘keeper Jassem Koleilat keeping the away side in the lead. Beni Badibanga almost put the game out of reach in the 66^th minute, when his knuckleball free kick from 25 metres was heading inside the net under the crossbar were it not for a great save by Callum Irving.

Vancouver equalised in the 72^nd minute on a header by defender Elage Bah for his second goal of the season after a terrific cross from the right side of the box by Mikael Cantave.

Nineteen year old substitute Matteo Schiavoni made a beautifully-timed run from the midfield in the 89^th minute to split the Vancouver defence wide open. He brought down a delicate lob pass with his right foot, volleying the ball past Callum Irving for his first professional goal to give Forge the lead, and eventually, the game winner.

Vancouver’s next game is on August 25^th against Valour FC, while the Hammers plays York United on August 23^rd in a crucial top-of-the-league clash.