MENU
Elliot Simmons and Gabriel Bitar celebrate after a VFC goal
Elliot Simmons and Gabriel Bitar earn TOTW recognition
September 25, 2023

It’s been a busy but exciting week for Vancouver FC with the team competing in three matches over the course of seven days and earning back-to-back victories for the first time in franchise history. The recent uptick has demonstrated a renewed spark and chemistry amongst the expansion side with more VFC players showcasing their talents. This week, Elliot Simmons’ and Gabriel Bitar’s performances helped Vancouver earn a full six points and, as such, have been named to the Canadian Premier League (CPL) Team of the Week (TOTW) for Matchweek 24.

Simmons has been a consistent and reliable feature in Vancouver’s midfield this season. The recently added CPL Centurion registered his first goal-scoring contribution with an assist on Bitar’s equalizing goal against Halifax on Saturday which was one of three chances he created. Simmons’ offensiveness also saw a team-high of two possessions won in the final third, 19 passes into the final third and 13 final third entries. 

In Vancouver’s match on Wednesday against Valour, Simmons played a full 90 minutes that was more defensive in nature. He made three tackles, had three interceptions, and four clearances while also winning four duels. Additionally, Simmons shared a team-high of 84.6% passing accuracy (minimum 20 passes) with 22 accurate passes.

Elliot Simmons controlling the midfield against Halifax Wanderers

Simmons’ TOTW honour is his first of the season and makes him the 15th Vancouver player to have been recognized in the CPL’s weekly best.

Bitar, on the other hand, makes his fifth TOTW appearance this season with four of them happening in the last six weeks. The 25-year-old scored Vancouver’s opening goal in the win against Halifax as his lone shot on target. The goal was Bitar’s tenth marker in his CPL career and fifth of the season to tie his CPL career high which was set last year with, formally, FC Edmonton. Bitar now ties Miki Cantave for the second most goals on VFC’s squad this season, both trailing Shaan Hundal who has six.

Bitar was also an attacking threat against Valour, where he registered one big chance on one shot and delivered a team-high of three crosses. 

There’s only one more Vancouver FC home game in their historic inaugural season. Don’t miss out on the action on October 6th when VFC hosts York United FC for their Community Foundations match. Tickets can be purchased online here or in person at Gate 1 of the Langley Event Centre.