The CPL has revealed the league's 4 opening matches for its 5th season.

Pacific FC vs. Vancouver FC

The fixture we all wanted to see in the first weekend of matches: The BC derby. Vancouver FC will visit their provincial rivals in their first ever match. The atmosphere inside the stadium is going to be insane. Nothing's been announced yet, but we expect a big away contingent at Starlight Stadium, and let's hope it does happen.

“I know the fans will like it, I know we’ll get up for it and I’m sure Vancouver will as well,” said Pacific FC winger Josh Heard. “It will be exciting.” (H/T canpl.ca)

Atlético Ottawa vs. HFX Wanderers

The Wanderers will begin their new era as head coach Patrice Gheisar will be making his debut as the manager of the Halifax side. For Atlético Ottawa, not much can be said at the moment, as they haven't been active in this off-season.

Forge FC vs. Cavalry FC

Right off the bat, we get a Forge vs. Cavalry match. These matches have always delivered. Not just entertainment-wise, but the match has delivered goals, fouls, and lots of cards. Tommy Wheeldon Jr. and his side will look to take revenge for last year's play-off elimination, and the 2020 group stage elimination, and the 2019 final... Cavalry has been the most successful team in the CPL regular season, having accumulated 172 points, 7 more than Forge, and 39 more than 3rd-placed Pacific, though they haven't been able to use that dominance in the play-offs.

York United FC vs. Valour FC

York United were in fantastic form last year, and it's a shame that they lost too many points earlier in the season. Valour were very close to making the play-offs last year. Even though they finished 9 points below 4th-placed Pacific, all they had to do to have a big chance of qualifying was win their last 2 matches, one of them being against the Eddies. Unfortunately for them, they lost both matches, and the other match that would've decided their fate should they have won the 2 matches went exactly the opposite way Valour was hoping for.

In my opinion, York will easily be in the fight for top 4, but I feel like Valour may struggle more. They've lost some key players in Sean Rea and Jonathan Sirois, who both returned to CF Montréal from their 2-year loan, and they haven't made statement signings just yet. Regardless, coaches always know more than us fans, so we'll see what they have in store for us.

Canadian Championship just days later

In case you forgot, the first round of the Canadian Championship will be held around April 18-20, which is just days after the opening matches of the CPL. This is a disadvantage to the 8 teams playing in Canada's first division, who, unlike the MLS teams, will have started the season days prior to their matches.