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Bitar and Sellouf named to TOTW after thrilling win in Winnipeg
August 26, 2024

Every match in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) is an important one, but one could argue that Vancouver FC’s match against Valour FC on Sunday was a defining one. Heading into the game, VFC sat just three points ahead of the Winnipeg-side and was under threat of dropping out of the final playoff spot if the Eagles were defeated. 

The nail-biting match was a genuine team effort that featured an early lead from VFC, going a man-down for over 20 minutes, what was thought to be the last-minute goal, and the game-winning one in added time. Vancouver’s two goal scorers, forwards Gabriel Bitar and newcomer Ayman Sellouf, found the back of the net to secure VFC’s three points and have earned a spot in this week’s CPL Team of the Week (TOTW).

Bitar, 26, opening the scoring in Sunday’s match with his fourth goal of the season. The native of Ottawa, Ont., began the play by bringing the ball up the field from deep within VFC’s half before looking for support at the top of Valour’s box. Mikaël Cantave took the pass and executed a beautiful fake which froze Valour’s defenders and left Bitar wide open to sail home a top corner shot from just inside the box.

Bitar now has 10 goals over both of his seasons with Vancouver as he re-joins Alejandro ‘Wero’ Díaz for the all-time leading goal scorer in franchise history, and subsequently becomes just the second player to score double digit goals for the Eagles. In Sunday’s match, Bitar also led the team with seven touches in the opponent’s box and in successful dribbles with two.

Ayman had a birthday to remember by not only recording his first win with his new team, but by also scoring the game-winning goal to secure the three points. The now 23-year-old hit the pitch as a half-time substitute and battled the entire second half that finally paid off in the seventh minute of stoppage time. 

Vancouver was on the attacking pressure when Matteo Campagna had the ball up the right side and placed a perfectly timed pass to Sellouf who found open space just outside Valour’s box. The native of Netherlands put on some fancy footwork to evade two of Valour’s defenders before releasing a left-footed strike into the bottom corner and out of reach for VAL’s goalkeeper.

The goal is Ayman’s first with Vancouver FC after registering only 80 minutes played over his first two matches with the Eagles. Sunday’s game-winner was Ayman’s fourth goal of the 2024 campaign but it was his first from open-play so far this year. He also tied VFC’s team high of two shots in the match against Valour.

The crucial three points that were taken from Valour now offers Vancouver a six point gap from the club’s below attempting to climb their way into the final playoff spot. One weekend can change everything in the CPL but for now Vancouver has their sights set on their next match against Atlético Ottawa this Saturday, August 31st. The team will then be back at home on Friday, September 6th for Marvel Superhero Night. Fans can meet Marvel Superhero characters, get access to limited edition posters, and so much more. Tickets to that match, and Vancouver’s remaining two home matches, can be purchased online here.