A nail-biting match ensued this weekend at Tim Hortons Field when Vancouver FC and Forge FC battled back and forth to claim a full three points from the game. The lead exchanged hands three times until ultimately VFC’s Gabriel Bitar sent home an equalizer in injury time to steal one point in a 3-3 draw. Bitar, who had also scored the opening goal, was awarded Performance of the Match on Friday and today has earned a spot on the Canadian Premier League’s (CPL) Team of the Week (TOTW) for Matchweek 13.

Bitar, 25, got his first start in the last four matches on Friday night and quickly made an impact with the opening goal just 12 minutes into the game. The midfielder was wide open in the middle of the attacking zone and had space to take a few dribbles before rocketing home a top corner screamer.

As the team continued to battle in the second half, a red card was issued to the Eagles and momentum felt like it was shifting into Forge’s favour. The homeside would take the lead in the 85th minute and it all came down to the four minutes of injury time for VFC to claw back a point. 

In the 90’+1’, Bitar would step up once again and send home a second rocket of the night from the top of the box to tie up the match for his third goal of the season. The native of Ottawa’s prowess on the ball was reflected in the scoresheet earning five possessions won, including two in the final third, and a team high of three successful drills out of his four.

Now, Bitar and the Eagles return to Willoughby Park for the team’s longest homestand of the season playing three consecutive games in Langley. The first match will be against Bitar’s hometown club, Atlético Ottawa, on Friday, July 12. The Pink Party emphasizing inclusion and welcomeness for everyone at VFC’s matches will kick off at 7 p.m. PT and tickets can be purchased online here or in person at Gate 1 of the Langley Event Centre.