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Eagles represented for second consecutive week in League’s Best XI
April 22, 2024

For the second consecutive week, a trio of Vancouver FC players have been named to the Canadian Premier League’s (CPL) Team of the Week for Matchweek 2. The recognition comes after another strong and well-executed performance by the Eagles to secure a 2-1 win over Halifax Wanderers FC just four days after earning a 4-1 over Valour FC in the club’s home opener. Vancouver defender Rocco Romeo, midfielder Renan Garcia, and forward Moses Dyer all earned their first TOTW recognition for the 2024 season, bringing VFC’s total to six players who have been named to the League’s best XI.

Second-year Eagle Romeo had a special night on Thursday as he scored his first goal for Vancouver off a set piece and putting away the loose ball. On the defensive end, Romeo continued to be a firm presence alongside David Norman to limit Halifax’s opportunities and helped to earn the squad’s first clean sheet of the season. 

Romeo won four of his seven aerial duels against Halifax, completed 52 out of his 59 passes, and registered a team-high of five clearances. Last season, the defender was named to the League’s best XI three times with his first recognition also coming in Week 2 after Vancouver’s first win in franchise history.

Garcia took care of business in the midfield for the full 90 minutes and laid it all on the line in the second half injury time to block a dangerous shot from Halifax, helping to ensure the team’s clean sheet. The 37-year-old had a team-high of 95.8% passing accuracy (minimum of five passes) including four-out-of-four accurate passes into the final third.

Garcia lit up the stats pages in a multitude of categories including a team-high of three tackles won, two interceptions, and two shots. This week marks the first time that Garcia has been named to the League’s best XI and currently ranks first across the CPL for blocks with three.

Dyer was one of the final pieces to Vancouver’s off-season puzzle, joining the squad in March for a triumphant return to the CPL. The native of New Zealand recorded his first goal for Vancouver in the club’s home opener and against his former team, Valour, and nearly scored in consecutive matches with two big chances on Thursday. 

Although Dyer did not record an assist, it was his effort that led to Alejandro ‘Wero’ Díaz’s first goal of the season who was trailing the play and ready to put home Dyer’s rebound off the post.

Dyer registered a team high of five touches in the opponent’s box and won all eight of his duels. His efforts on Thursday also earned the 27-year-old his first Performance of the Match this season.

The Eagles are back in action on Tuesday for the club’s first Canadian Championship match of 2024 against Cavalry FC. The team will continue their road trip and finally return to Willoughby Park on May 12 for Vancouver’s first Pink Party on Mother’s Day. Tickets to that match, and all of VFC’s home matches, can be purchased online here.