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(Vancouver FC)
Five Vancouver FC players named to CPL Team of the Week after First Franchise Win
April 24, 2023
by
David Nava

Vancouver FC made a big splash in the CPL on Saturday after they claimed their first three points in the club’s history against York United. As such, five VFC players, Callum Irving, Rocco Romeo, Ibrahim Bakare, Gabriel Bitar and Shaan Hundal, were made to the Gatorade Team of the Week #2 of the Canadian Premier League. 

Having this many players featured in the week’s best XI is a rare achievement that few teams can claim. Last season, the only teams with such honours were Forge and Valour in Week 3 which included current VFC defender, Rocco Romeo, being part of that squad. 

The Toronto-born defender had a special evening playing in his hometown, an inspiration that clearly helped him on the pitch. Romeo took advantage of his 6’5” height to clear York’s crosses and block some important shots and contributed to the solid performance of the entire defensive line.

For Callum Irving and Ibrahim Bakare, this is the second time receiving this recognition wearing VFC kits. Irving was the best goalie in the CPL’s opening week and made the Save of the Match on Saturday against York. While this is Bakare’s first appearance in the CPL’s best team, he was also featured in the Canadian Championship preliminary round best XI.

Shaan Hundal made history by scoring Vancouver FC’s first goal in club history, a milestone that awarded him the Performance of the Match against York. As Hundal mentioned in the press conference, he is linking up nicely with Gabriel Bitar and Gael Sandoval on the front line. The three attackers combined with some quick passes before Bitar was brought down by the Nine Stripes keeper, which Sandoval successfully converted as the eventual game-winning goal.  

Relive Vancouver’s historic win by watching the match highlights one more time.

Vancouver FC first season promises to be an exciting one with many historic achievements to come. If you want to make history too, you can become a founding member by getting your tickets here.