After a difficult first week, the Eagles were back at the Langley Events Centre on Sunday, this time under much drier circumstances. Fans were greeted with some much-needed sunshine and matching hardhats, courtesy of Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW-BC).

Despite the sunshine, Afshin Ghotbi’s men struggled to hold off Atletico Ottawa’s attack, with the side from the capital striking thrice before halftime. However, the Eagles remained in the game, managing three shots before the break. They would record their first goal of the season in the 66th minute when Elage Bah slipped a perfectly weighted ball past Ottawa’s backline, which met Terran Campbell, who slotted it home to open his VFC account. Atletico Ottawa would deliver one final blow late in the game to seal the match, but head coach Afshin Ghotbi remained optimistic, finding positives in the defeat.

“I think for Terran it’s important because for strikers, scoring goals is like vitamins for them and I think for him to score a goal is crucial for his confidence,” said Afshin Ghotbi.

17-year-old, TJ Tahid, featured in the opening 45 minutes for Vancouver FC. The Maple Ridge native was announced as part of Ghana’s Squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament. You can read about the call-up and the Black Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the U20 World Cup here.

Tahid, however, was not the youngest to take to the field for VFC, as Vancouver FC U-19 Academy graduate, Dominic Joseph, made his professional debut, coming off the bench in the closing minutes of the match. The 16-year-old joined VFC’s academy this past September, where he quickly made a name for himself, impressing coaches and teammates alike.

After only a few short months, Ghotbi decided it was time to involve him with the first team, offering him a development contract in March, just 6 months after joining the club. Born in Pitt Meadows, Joseph is one of nine U-21 players to take to the pitch this season for the club: a testament to the club’s goal of creating a platform for young local talent to grow.

“Our younger players have been stepping up and taking ownership, and that is the kind of responsibility that will help with their growth.” – Afshin Ghotbi.

Vancouver FC currently leads the league in U21 minutes played with 608, which puts them already over a quarter of the way to meeting the required 2000 combined minutes before the end of the season.

After being unveiled at halftime of last week’s home opener, creative midfielder Nicolas Mezquida debuted for the first time in his new colours. Afshin Ghotbi’s side will look to him this season to unlock an attack full of proven goalscorers. The club has also confirmed 4 new international signings, all of whom are currently awaiting work permits and visas.

“I feel that, as Nico will get fit, and as other foreigners can come into our team, we can create the right blended mix that can not only play young players but get competitive results,” said Afshin Ghotbi

VFC will travel to the Wild Rose province to take on Cavalry FC this week. Fans can tune in to OneSoccer or TSN at 4:00 PM PT on Friday, April 18th. Fans looking to attend the Eagles next home match can do so on Saturday April 26th at the Langley Events Centre against Pacific FC, with kickoff set for 5PM. Fans can get tickets here tickets here!