Pacific FC brings Vancouver Island first championship in 55 years
After a decades-long wait, Vancouver Island can finally celebrate a professional sports championship. Pacific FC claimed their first-ever Canadian Premier League trophy on Dec. 5th in Hamilton, providing the Island with its first professional sports trophy since the minor-pro Victoria Maple Leafs won the Lester Patrick Cup in 1966.
Pacific FC also became only the second team to win the Canadian Premier League, breaking Forge FC’s attempt at a three-peat in year three of the league.
A long, hard-fought season ended with a 1-0 victory over Forge FC of Hamilton on their home turf. Pacific FC’s goal came from Alessandro Hojabrpour in the second half, after which, the team was able to defend excellently until the final whistle when celebrations erupted in Hamilton and at watch parties on the Island.
Next season is now shaping up to be a massive campaign for Vancouver Island’s club. Winning the North Star Shield - the name of the CPL’s championship trophy - means Pacific FC qualifies for the CONCACAF
League, a North and Central American competition, and will now have the opportunity to host matches against international opponents at Starlight Stadium, alongside their CPL schedule.
The success on the field this season, coupled with the opportunity to have fans back in the stands, has allowed the club and its supporters the opportunity to continue to build a strong foundation together. Ending the season as champions also means there is plenty of celebrating to come once the team regroups back
home in the new year.
Pacific FC’s 2021 season will always be remembered on Vancouver Island for many reasons: hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps and beating them 4-3, making it all the way to the Canadian Championship semi-final losing 2-1 to Toronto FC, and winning back-to-back games on the road in the playoffs to win their first-ever CPL title.
2022 is now looking to be even bigger and better for the club; season ticket sales are up, stadium expansion is on the way, and being champions
brings new exhilarating challenges and opportunities for everyone on the field and filling the stands at Starlight Stadium.
Based on the community excitement around Pacific FC, it looks like Vancouver Island sports fans won’t have to wait another 55 years to celebrate another championship. At this rate, they might not even have to wait another five with how the club is progressing.