This Saturday, Willoughby Park will be the battleground for British Columbia’s third edition of the CPL clash between Vancouver FC and Pacific FC. The previous chapters between these two clubs have already demonstrated some characteristics of the best rivalries in the world, with the term “Derby” being tossed around. For those who are not yet familiar with football culture, it can be difficult to understand the significance of a derby or what they even are.
The simple definition of a derby is a football match between two teams of close geographical proximity. In reality, derbies are formed and solidified through competitive, tenured history between two teams that makes match day so much more than just collecting three points. They are built from deep pride in a club, loathing for one another, and a fierce desire to prove who is the best. For some derbies across the world, a victory against a rival can feel better than winning a championship.
Devout football fans don’t just support their favourite club because they simply ‘like’ the team. Their football clubs become a part of their lifestyle, identity, and even family. This passion is what drives a great derby and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience because no derby match is ever the same.
History in the making
Pacific FC located in Langford, Vancouver Island has already established itself as a dominant CPL club in its short five years, being only one of two teams to lift the North Star Shield (CPL Championship Trophy). Prior to the establishment of Vancouver FC, Pacific’s closest geographical competitor was Calvary FC out of Calgary, AB which never provided the opportunity to have travelling fans chanting in the visiting section of the stands.
Now with their closest competitor only a ferry ride away, VFC is calling on all their fans to pack Willoughby Park and show their pride in their club. Vancouver is ready for battle and to make this derby one for the history books.
Vancouver FC has claimed former Pacific players Callum Irving, Kadin Chung, and reigning Golden Boot winner, Alejandro “Wero” Díaz, as their own who have all left the Island in their rearview mirror. For everyone at VFC, this is not just a rivalry, but a personal mission to show that Vancouver, the new kid on the block can play with established, championship teams.
The first chapter of this derby in April saw a hard-fought battle from the newest CPL side and surprised everyone as they kept pace with Pacific. Vancouver FC ultimately came home without a point after a late Pacific goal.
In their, second clash, and the first one ever at Willoughby Community Park, saw the highest scoreline in CPL history. On top of the goal fest, the passion in the stands and the fiery duels on the pitch became the spark this rivalry needed to fire up.
Football in British Columbia is just beginning to have a platform to shine. It is impossible to say where this derby and coastal clash will go in the seasons to come so don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this new and exciting chapter in Canadian football history. Get your tickets here!
