Wherein Our Heroes are joined by newly-signed Pacific FC goalkeeper Mark Village. He chats about the upcoming Canadian Premier League season, the importance of sport for youth, the intricacies of playing goalkeeper, and his childhood idol. Also, we discuss the newly unveiled CPL roster rule, dictating minimum playing time for U21 players.
Wherein Our Heroes are joined by lover of all things soccer, Scott Girard. The discussion includes, but is not limited to: Canadian Premier League roster format, scheduling and crowning the league champion, broadcasting of matches. Also, we offer our own solutions to the mess that is the Voyageurs Cup format and discuss the merits of Valour FC seeking an affiliation with a Premier League club in England. Hang on to your buns!
VICTORIA, BC – Pacific FC of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) have announced the signing of three players with roots in both the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy program as well as the Canadian Under-17 (U17) squad.
Matthew Baldisimo, Terran Campbell, and Alessandro Hojabrpour all join the Vancouver Island-based club after recent stints internationally.
Pacific FC’s three new signings at the club office in Victoria, BC (From Left: Baldisimo, Hojabrpour, Campbell) Credit: Pacific FC
Speaking about the new signings, Pacific FC CEO Rob Friend stated, “We are fortunate to be (in) a position to be bringing young players like this back to BC where they can become the future stars of the game on Canadian soil.”
Baldisimo and Campbell, both 20 years old and raised in Burnaby, arrive at Pacific FC after playing the 2018 season at the Whitecaps’ USL affiliate, Fresno FC.
Comfortable playing as either a defender or in midfield, Baldisimo captained Canada at the 2015 CONCACAF U17 Championships. He notably made 43 appearances for Whitecaps FC II from 2015-2017 before the club ceased operations.
Attacking player Terran Campbell featured for Canada at the 2015 CONCACAF U17 Championships as well, appearing in five matches, all as a substitute.
At 19 years old, Hojabrpour is the youngest of the three new additions. He returns to Canada after having played most recently in Bulgaria for Lokomotiv Plovdiv’s U19 side.
An attacking midfielder known for his versatility as a utility player, Hojabrpour has also represented Canada at the CONCACAF U17 Championships, playing in three matches at the 2017 tournament. He scored Canada’s lone goal against Cuba in a 2-1 loss.
“These three are solid young players in their age group and we are glad to have them join us to continue their careers back in Canada,” said head coach Michael Silberbauer. “They bring energy and excitement to our growing team.”
The trio of players join Kadin Chung and Marcus Haber on the Pacific FC roster ahead of the CPL regular season, beginning in April 2019.
Wherein Our Heroes sit down with Pacific FC’s latest signing, Marcus Haber. We also chat with head coach Michael Silberbauer, recently arrived on Vancouver Island. Also, we are honoured and proud to be listed as 2019 Canadian Podcast Award nominees for Outstanding Sports Series. Huzzah!
Wherein Our Heroes ring in 2019 by listing our Top 10 Hopes and Aspirations for the inaugural Canadian Premier League season. From strong media and corporate partners, the next Canadian superstar, to local flavour at each of the stadia, we opine like only we can. Also, if you haven’t yet, get thee to Netflix and watch Sunderland ‘Til I Die.
