Irving’s goalkeeping heroics lift PFC to victory over Atletico Ottawa

PACIFIC FC 1 – ATLETICO OTTAWA 0

It was a candy homecoming Saturday for Pacific FC goalkeeper Callum Irving, who was excellent in recording a clear sheet, in his return to TD Place Stadium within the nation’s capital.

Irving’s efficiency, and Alejandro Diaz’s purpose at 72 minutes, offered PFC with a 1-0 Canadian Premier League victory over Atlético Ottawa.

Irving got here out of NCAA Div. 1 with the College of Kentucky Wildcats to play with the defunct Ottawa Fury of the NASL and USL.

“This was a spot I loved enjoying for 3 seasons. I used to be wanting ahead to this recreation when the schedule got here out,” mentioned Irving.

The Vancouver native is in his third season with the Tridents, however this was his first go to again to his outdated stomping floor as a result of the beforehand scheduled PFC video games in Ottawa befell within the Prince Edward Island and Winnipeg pandemic bubbles in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

“A clear sheet is the last word for a goalkeeper. I’m all of the extra comfortable to have the ability to win right here,” mentioned Irving.

PFC improved to 4-1-1 atop the desk whereas Ottawa fell to 2-2-1 in wins, losses and attracts.

“These are two good groups. Ottawa put us below numerous stress after our purpose. Credit score to them,” mentioned PFC coach James Merriman.

“Callum Irving was wonderful with some massive saves. He earned the clear sheet. He deserved it.”

A lot of the Ottawa stress got here from 23-year-old Ballou Tabla, the previous Main League Soccer striker with CF Montreal, who performed for Canada in Underneath-17, U-20 and U-23 and has two caps with the senior nationwide group. “Tabla could be very dynamic and strikes everywhere in the pitch,” mentioned Merriman.

However the Atlético Ottawa striker rued the missed alternatives. “You’ll be able to have many probabilities, however you need to rating on them,” mentioned Tabla.

These ideas have been echoed by Carlos González, a Spaniard and former Kuwait nationwide group coach, who now guides the Atlético Madrid-owned Ottawa membership: “I felt we performed very well. In the event you take a look at the probabilities we created, we undoubtedly deserved somewhat greater than the outcomes confirmed at this time. However we couldn’t end.”

Atlético Ottawa had 23 photographs, 11 on course. The Tridents had eight photographs, two on course. However PFC managed possession, 63 per cent to 37 per cent.

“We have been on the ball [more] however they created [more],” mentioned Merriman. “Our defenders have been conscious.” In assault, the opportunistic Tridents took their likelihood once they obtained it, with Manny Aparicio ringing a protracted shot off the publish and Diaz diving to go residence the rebound for his fourth purpose of the season.

PFC returns to Starlight Stadium subsequent Saturday to face FC Edmonton.

cdheensaw@timescolonist.com