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Pacific FC
Pacific FC
from Wikipedia

Pacific Football Club is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Greater Victoria, British Columbia. The club competes in the Canadian Premier League, playing home matches at Starlight Stadium located in Langford.

Key Information

History

[edit]

On May 5, 2018, "Port City FC" was one of four groups accepted by the Canadian Soccer Association for professional club membership, along with groups that would become Cavalry FC, HFX Wanderers, and York9. Port City was the only one of the four that was not identified with a specific city, and represented an as-of-yet undetermined location in British Columbia.[1] The group was expected to launch a team in either Greater Victoria or Surrey, British Columbia.[2] Former professional player Rob Friend, who grew up in British Columbia, was pictured as a representative of the region.[3] On June 1, the Canadian Premier League granted the Port City ownership group a club on Vancouver Island.[4]

Pacific FC was officially unveiled on July 20 as the seventh team to join the Canadian Premier League.[5] As well as confirming its place in the league for the 2019 launch season, the club also revealed its crest, colours and branding.[6] Former Denmark international Michael Silberbauer was announced as the first head coach on August 20.[7]

They played their first competitive game on April 28, 2019, defeating visitors HFX Wanderers 1–0 with Hendrik Starostzik scoring the only goal and Mark Village keeping a clean sheet.[8] The club parted ways with Silberbauer on October 18, 2019, and announced then-assistant coach James Merriman as interim head coach.[9]

On August 26, 2021, they were matched against Major League Soccer opposition for the first time, being drawn against provincial opponents Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the quarterfinals of the Canadian Championship. Although underdogs, they defeated the Whitecaps 4–3, becoming the second CPL club to eliminate an MLS club in the competition.[10][11]

On December 5, Pacific FC won its first Canadian Premier League title after defeating defending champions Forge FC 1–0 in the 2021 CPL Final at Tim Hortons Field.[12] In doing so they became the second team to have been crowned Canadian Premier League champions.[13]

Stadium

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Starlight Stadium is a stadium in Langford, British Columbia that is used for home games by Pacific FC.

The club plays its home games at Starlight Stadium. The city of Langford planned to increase the capacity from 1,718 to 8,000, but a utility pole located on the north side of the stadium has prevented any upgrades on that side.[14] By extending the existing south stand and adding seating behind both goals as well as new standing room on the north side, the capacity was increased to 6,200 for the 2019 season.[15][16]

Crest and colours

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The club's branding is designed to represent Vancouver Island. The team's crest is the shape of a Douglas fir, a tree native to Vancouver Island, split into two segments, with the right side forming the shape of the island. The tree is bordered by the ocean and includes a single chevron to represent a wave of the ocean and a 'V' that can stand for Victoria, victory and Vancouver Island.[17]

The secondary logo is a roundel with a trident, meant to represent the strength and courage of the island, as well as the weather attributed to the Pacific Ocean. The logo also includes the motto of the coat of arms of the city of Victoria, which is the Latin phrase Semper Liber (lit.'Forever Free').[18]

The official club colours are purple, teal, and white (branded by the club as "starfish purple", "lagoon blue", and "lighthouse white"). These colours symbolize the native Pisaster ochraceus sea star, the Pacific Ocean, and the region's lighthouses.[17]

Kit suppliers and sponsors

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Period Kit manufacturer Chest sponsor Sleeve sponsor
2019–2022 Macron Volkswagen None
2023– Telus CIBC

Club culture

[edit]

Supporters

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The first supporters group to show support for a Vancouver Island team to join the Canadian Premier League was the Lake Side Buoys, an existing group who followed the Victoria Highlanders of USL League Two. A second supporters group, called Torcida Oranizada Pacific (TOP) has also emerged.[19]

Rivalries

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Vancouver FC

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Pacific first battled Vancouver FC during the opening match day of the 2023 season at Starlight Stadium with Pacific winning the contest 1-0 with a late winner by Manny Aparicio during the second meeting the teams met at Willoughby Community Park Stadium which lead to a thrilling 6–3 victory with the winner scored by Easton Ongaro.

Cavalry FC

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Pacific FC met Cavalry FC for the first time in the Canadian Premier League in the final fixture of the 2019 Spring season, winning 3–1 at Westhills Stadium in an intense match which saw three players sent-off.[20] Pacific FC and Cavalry FC's rivalry intensified during the 2021 season where they met eight times across three Canadian competitions (Canadian Premier League, CPL Playoffs, and the Canadian Championship).[21][22] This rivalry is also fueled by a pre-existing cultural rivalry between each team's respective province: Alberta and British Columbia.[23]

Honours

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Pacific FC honours
Type Competition Titles Seasons
Domestic Canadian Premier League 1 2021
Best results in other competitions
Competition Result Season
Canadian Championship Semi-finals 2021, 2023
CONCACAF League Round of 16 2022

Players and staff

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Roster

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As of January 5, 2026[24][25]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
5 DF  COL Juan Quintana
6 MF  SWE Lukas Browning-Lagerfeldt
7 DF  CAN Kadin Chung
8 MF  CAN Aidan Daniels
10 FW  CAN Marco Bustos
11 FW  WAL Josh Heard (captain)
15 DF  CAN Christian Greco-Taylor
20 MF  CAN Sean Young
27 FW  CAN Ronan Kratt
33 MF  CAN Matthew Baldisimo
No. Pos. Nation Player
34 MF  CAN Sami Keshavarz
37 MF  CAN Mattias Vales
39 FW  UKR Veniamin Chernyshev
55 GK  CAN Sean Melvin
64 FW  CIV Yann Toualy
66 MF  CAN Roshawn Juhmi
88 MF  CAN Matteo Schiavoni
99 FW  MEX Alejandro Díaz
DF  NED Diego Konincks

Staff

[edit]
As of March 11, 2022
Executive
President Canada Josh Simpson[26]
Chief executive officer Canada Rob Friend[26]
Chairman Canada Dean Shillington[26]
Coaching staff
Head coach Canada James Merriman[27]
Assistant coach Mozambique Armando Sá[28]
Assistant coach / youth coach Canada Chris Merriman[29]
Goalkeeper coach Canada Trevor Stiles[29]

Head coaches

[edit]
As of January 19, 2024
Coach Nation Tenure Record
G W D L Win %
Michael Silberbauer  Denmark August 20, 2018[30] – October 18, 2019[31] 29 7 7 15 024.14
James Merriman (interim)  Canada October 18, 2019[31] – January 14, 2020[32] 1 1 0 0 100.00
Pa-Modou Kah  Norway January 14, 2020[32] – January 21, 2022[27] 41 19 8 14 046.34
James Merriman  Canada January 21, 2022[27] – present 70 31 16 23 044.29

Club captains

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Years Name Nation
2019–2020 Marcel de Jong  Canada
2021–2022 Jamar Dixon  Canada
2023–present Josh Heard  Canada

Team records

[edit]

Year-by-year

[edit]
Season League Playoffs CC Continental Average
attendance
Top goalscorer(s)
Div League Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts PPG Pos. Name Goals
2019 1 CPL 28 8 7 13 35 46 –11 31 1.11 5th DNQ R1 Ineligible 3,102 Canada Terran Campbell 11
2020 CPL 10 4 2 4 16 13 +3 14 1.40 4th DNQ DNQ N/A Canada Marco Bustos 5
2021 CPL 28 13 6 9 47 34 +13 45 1.61 3rd W SF 3,812 Canada Terran Campbell 11
2022 CPL 28 13 7 8 36 33 +3 46 1.64 4th SF QF CONCACAF League R16 3,176 Mexico Alejandro Díaz 16
2023 CPL 28 11 7 10 42 35 +7 40 1.43 4th SF SF DNQ 3,241 Netherlands Ayman Sellouf 7
2024 CPL 28 9 7 12 27 32 -5 34 1.21 5th Play-in SF DNQ 3,041 Canada Dario Zanatta
Netherlands Ayman Sellouf
5

1. Average attendance include statistics from league matches only.
2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in league season, league playoffs, Canadian Championship, CONCACAF League, and other competitive continental matches.

International competition

[edit]
Scores and results list Pacific FC's goal tally first.
Year Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
2022 CONCACAF League Preliminary round Jamaica Waterhouse F.C. 6–0[33] 0–0[34] 6–0
Round of 16 Costa Rica Herediano 0–1[35] 1–0[36] 1–1 (5–6 p)

Player records

[edit]

Most career goals

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As of January 19, 2024[citation needed]
# Pos. Name Nation Career at club Goals scored
CPL CC Int'l Total
1 Forward Alejandro Diaz  Mexico 2020–2022 26 2 3 31
2 Forward Terran Campbell  Canada 2019–2021 23 2 0 25
3 Forward Josh Heard  Canada 2020– 15 2 2 19
4 Forward Marco Bustos  Canada 2020–2022 14 0 1 15
5 Midfielder Manny Aparicio  Canada 2021–2023 9 1 0 10

Note: Bold indicates active player

Most career assists

[edit]
As of January 28, 2024[citation needed]
# Pos. Name Nation Career at club Goals Assisted
CPL CC Int'l Total
1 Midfielder Manny Aparicio  Canada 2021–2023 14 1 1 16
2 Forward Marco Bustos  Canada 2022–2022 15 0 0 15
3 Forward Terran Campbell  Canada 2019–2021 8 2 0 10
4 Forward Josh Heard  Canada 2020– 6 1 2 9
Forward Alejandro Diaz  Mexico 2020–2022 9 0 0 9

Note: Bold indicates active player

Most career appearances

[edit]
As of January 19, 2024[citation needed]
# Pos. Name Nation Career at club Games played
CPL CC Int'l Total
1 Midfielder Sean Young  Canada 2020– 89 5 4 98
2 Forward Josh Heard  Canada 2020– 85 7 4 96
3 Defender Thomas Meilleur-Giguère  Canada 2020– 78 5 4 87
4 Defender Kunle Dada-Luke  Canada 2021– 75 6 4 85
5 Midfielder Manny Aparicio  Canada 2021–2023 68 6 4 78

Note: Bold indicates active player

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Pacific FC is a professional soccer club based in , on , competing in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) as one of its eight founding members. Established in 2018, the club made its debut in the inaugural CPL season on April 28, 2019, securing a 1–0 victory over . The team plays its home matches at , a renovated venue in Langford that was upgraded in 2019 to meet professional standards and is nestled amid trees. Since joining the CPL, Pacific FC has established itself as a consistent playoff contender, qualifying for the postseason in each of its first six seasons (2019–2024), though missing the in 2025 after finishing seventh with a 5–15–8 record. Notable achievements include capturing the 2021 CPL championship with a 1–0 final win over defending champions on December 5, 2021, marking the club's first league title. That same year, Pacific advanced to the Canadian Championship final and defeated Major League Soccer's 4–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw, securing qualification for the . In continental play, the club reached the second round of the , highlighted by a 6–0 aggregate victory over of . Additionally, Pacific has reached the semi-finals of the Canadian Championship three times in four years by 2024 (in 2021, 2023, and 2024), though it was eliminated in the preliminary round in 2025, underscoring its growing prominence in Canadian soccer.

History

Founding and early years

The Canadian Premier League (CPL) was officially sanctioned by the Canadian Soccer Association on May 6, 2017, creating a new professional men's soccer league to grow the sport across the country. On May 5, 2018, a Vancouver Island-based ownership group was accepted as one of the CPL's founding franchises, with the club officially unveiled as Pacific FC on July 20, 2018. Based in Langford, British Columbia, the club selected Westhills Stadium (later renamed Starlight Stadium) as its home venue and was owned by SixFive Sports & Entertainment, a group led by former Canadian internationals Josh Simpson (president) and Rob Friend (CEO), alongside local businessman Dean Shillington. This local investment underscored the club's commitment to developing soccer on Vancouver Island and contributing to the CPL's goal of fostering domestic talent. To build the team for the league's debut season, Pacific FC appointed , a former Danish international with coaching experience in , as its inaugural head coach on August 20, 2018. The club assembled a competitive roster blending Canadian talent and international experience, with key signings including striker Marcus Haber—a Vancouver native and Canadian international with over 25 caps—who joined on January 9, 2019, after stints in the and English . Other notable additions were midfielder Marcel de Jong, a Dutch-born Canadian with experience, and forward , providing leadership and skill to the squad. Pacific FC's inaugural 2019 season saw the club compete in a 28-game regular season divided into spring (10 games) and fall (18 games) halves, finishing fifth overall with 10 wins, 10 draws, and 8 losses for 40 points. The team qualified for the playoffs but was eliminated in the first qualifying round by with a 0-1 aggregate defeat. Early milestones highlighted the club's promising start: their first match on , 2019, ended in a 1-0 victory over , with defender Hendrik Starostzik heading in the club's historic first from a in the 21st minute. The game drew a sellout crowd of 6,211 at Westhills Stadium, the largest attendance for a CPL regular-season opener. Supporter culture emerged quickly, with groups like The Tide forming during the season to rally fans and create an electric home atmosphere.

2019–2021: Rise to prominence

The 2020 season was profoundly affected by the , prompting the league to implement a centralized bubble format dubbed the in , , where all matches were contested from to . Pacific FC adapted effectively to the condensed schedule and isolation protocols, going 3 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in the first stage to finish third and advance to the championship stage, where they recorded 1 win and 2 losses, for a total of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. Despite their regular-season success, the team fell short in the playoffs, suffering a 2-0 defeat to in the second round on , 2020, which eliminated them from contention for the title. Building momentum into 2021, Pacific FC delivered a competitive regular season under Pa-Modou Kah, achieving 13 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses to finish third in the league table with 45 points. The Tridents peaked in the postseason, advancing past with a 2-1 victory in extra time during the conference semi-final—a result that further fueled their growing rivalry with the Calgary-based club—before clinching the championship. On December 5, 2021, Pacific defeated defending champions 1-0 in the final at Tim Hortons Field, with midfielder Alessandro Hojabrpour scoring the lone goal in the 59th minute to secure the club's first league title. The 2021 triumph earned Pacific FC their inaugural berth in international competition, qualifying them for the preliminary round of the . Forward Alejandro Díaz played a pivotal role in the title run, contributing 7 goals during the regular season and providing consistent attacking threat alongside Hojabrpour's midfield dynamism. This period solidified Pacific's status as an emerging force in the CPL, marked by resilience amid logistical challenges and on-field execution.

2022–present: Sustained competition and challenges

Following the departure of head coach to in January 2022, assistant coach James Merriman assumed the role and led Pacific FC to a fourth-place finish in the Canadian Premier League regular season with 13 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses for 46 points. The team qualified for the playoffs and advanced to the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by (1–3 aggregate) after a 0–2 first-leg loss and a 1–1 second-leg draw. In continental competition, Pacific participated in the as defending CPL champions, advancing past (6-0 aggregate) in the preliminary round before exiting in the round of 16 to Herediano on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate scoreline. The 2023 and 2024 seasons saw Pacific FC settle into mid-table contention amid roster turnover and inconsistent form. In 2023, the club started strongly, leading the league midway through the campaign, but a late slump resulted in a fourth-place finish and a playoff semi-final loss to . The following year, Pacific clinched the final playoff spot on the last day of the regular season, finishing fifth, only to be ousted 0–2 by York United FC in the play-in round; they also reached the Canadian Championship semi-finals for the third time in four years. Challenges included key player departures, such as forward Alejandro Díaz moving to York United FC after the 2023 season, contributing to transitional difficulties on the pitch. By the 2025 season, Pacific FC endured a challenging campaign, finishing seventh in the standings and missing the for the first time since 2018, with recent matches highlighting defensive vulnerabilities in a 1–4 loss to on October 19. This outcome precluded qualification for the 2026 . Off the field, the club faced financial pressures, including arrears on lease payments to the City of Langford and an expiring stadium agreement at the end of 2025, prompting discussions of a potential ownership sale to ensure long-term viability. Attendance averaged approximately 2,937 per home match, reflecting steady but modest fan support amid economic headwinds. Despite these hurdles, Pacific maintained through expanded initiatives, including the Van Isle Wave program serving over 150 players aged U14 to U18 and additional academies in and on .

Club identity

Name, crest, and colours

Pacific FC, the official name of the club, was adopted in 2018 to evoke the Pacific Ocean's influence and Vancouver Island's regional identity as a professional soccer team in the Canadian Premier League. The club's crest was unveiled on July 20, 2018, featuring a stylized Douglas Fir tree native to Vancouver Island, split into segments where the right side abstractly outlines the island's shape to symbolize strength, survival, and local roots. At the base, a trident represents traditional spear fishing and mythological control over the ocean, underscoring the club's maritime heritage and resilience. The design is bordered by a chevron evoking an ocean wave, while also standing for Victoria (the provincial capital), victory, and the island itself, encapsulating coastal identity and ambition. The crest is trademarked by Pacific Football Club Inc. as the primary visual identifier for the team, with guidelines restricting its use to official club merchandise, communications, and branding to maintain integrity and prevent unauthorized reproductions. Pacific FC's primary colors are Starfish Purple as the dominant hue, Lagoon Blue for accents, and Lighthouse White, each carrying symbolic weight tied to the region's natural and cultural elements. Purple draws from the resilient sea star, native to and known for surviving epidemics, representing the club's enduring spirit. Lagoon Blue reflects the Pacific Ocean's essential role in island life, symbolizing connectivity and vitality, while Lighthouse White honors the historic lighthouses dotting the coastline, evoking guidance and beacon-like presence in the community. These colors have remained consistent since the 2018 launch, integrated into the crest and applied across official branding without major alterations.

Kits and suppliers

Pacific FC has partnered with Italian sportswear manufacturer Macron as its kit supplier since the club's inception in 2019, providing bespoke playing and training apparel for the team through the 2025 season. The club's home kits have maintained a consistent foundation in its signature starfish , frequently incorporating subtle wave patterns to evoke the coastal identity of . For instance, the 2020 home design featured a gradient fade from to , drawing inspiration from local sunsets and waves. The 2023 iteration introduced a geometric pattern symbolizing the spirit bear, a culturally significant animal in , with golden accents on the purple base. The 2025 primary kit, named "Rising Tide," features an embossed flowing wave pattern in , paying homage to the waters of the . Away and alternate kits have varied, often using white or light bases to contrast the home purple, with tied to regional motifs. The 2021 away kit adopted a black base accented by blue and purple details for a sleek, versatile look. In 2023, the away design shifted to a pale teal collar on white, featuring swirling patterns representing West Coast activities like and paddling. The 2024 alternate, dubbed the Resilience Kit, showcased white fabric printed with illustrations in purple and teal, created in collaboration with Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. to honor Indigenous resilience. The 2025 secondary kit, "Sky's the Limit," uses to depict the sky with accents matching the club's youth program colors. Kit launches typically involve community-focused events, such as in-store unveilings and partnerships, to engage fans and highlight local cultural ties, though no formal fan voting processes for designs have been implemented.

Sponsorships

Pacific FC's sponsorship portfolio has evolved since the club's inception in 2019, emphasizing partnerships that enhance visibility, , and revenue generation through kit placements and broader commercial agreements. The primary focus has been on shirt sponsorships, with deals structured to align with the Canadian Premier League's overall marketing strategy while providing targeted support for the Vancouver Island-based team. From 2019 to 2022, served as the club's primary shirt sponsor, featuring its logo prominently on the front of both home and away jerseys across multiple seasons. This partnership, part of Canada's broader involvement with the league, contributed to early brand exposure for Pacific FC during its formative years in the Canadian Premier League. In 2023, TELUS assumed the role of primary shirt sponsor in a multi-year agreement tied to the telecom giant's five-year league-wide , which runs through at least 2027. The TELUS logo appears on the front of Pacific FC's primary and alternate jerseys, including the 2025 kits, providing significant on-field visibility and supporting community initiatives like ticket donations for local youth. This deal replaced and has been instrumental in bolstering the club's operational revenue amid growing competition in the league. Beyond shirt sponsorships, Pacific FC maintains key commercial partnerships with local and national entities, including strategic alliances that extend to development. In 2025, Maxxam Group became the official sponsor for the club's program, outfitting over 150 young athletes and underscoring a commitment to grassroots soccer on . The club also participates in league-affiliated deals with brands like and Hellmann's, which offer supplementary financial support and product integrations, though specific values for Pacific FC's share remain undisclosed. These sponsorships have progressively shifted toward long-term, community-oriented arrangements, with the 2023 TELUS extension highlighting sustained investment in the club's growth and stability through 2025 and beyond.

Facilities and infrastructure

Starlight Stadium

, located in , at City Centre Park, opened in 2009 as Bear Mountain Stadium with an initial capacity of 1,600 seats. It was renamed Westhills Stadium on September 29, 2012, following a agreement, and underwent a major expansion in 2019 to accommodate professional soccer. The venue was officially renamed in January 2021 through a $500,000 sponsorship deal with Starlight Investments, with a ceremonial renaming held in September of that year. Since Pacific FC's founding in 2018, has served as the club's primary home venue for matches, selected during the expansion process for its proximity to Victoria and potential for upgrades to professional standards. As of November 2025, the lease is set to expire at the end of the year, with the city and club engaged in negotiations amid reported financial disputes and the ownership exploring a potential sale of the club. The stadium features a premium-grade surface built to specifications, floodlighting for evening games, and facilities supporting community programming beyond soccer. Its current fixed seating capacity is 6,000, expandable to 8,000 with modular additions, allowing flexibility for larger events while maintaining an intimate atmosphere for fans close to the pitch. To prepare for the 2019 CPL season, the City of Langford invested approximately $8.8 million in the first phase of renovations, transforming the venue from a community field into a professional facility. These upgrades included increasing permanent seating from 1,600 to 6,000, constructing modern locker rooms for players and officials, enhancing media and broadcast areas, and adding 18 VIP suites with concessions and restrooms. A second phase of improvements followed, focusing on infrastructure like relocating a nearby pole to improve safety and usability. The stadium has hosted key moments for Pacific FC, including the 2019 CPL Final against , which drew an attendance of 5,831 and marked the league's inaugural championship. It also saw a sold-out crowd for Pacific's 4–3 upset victory over in the . Beyond soccer, supports multi-purpose community use, hosting rugby matches for the BC Bears and concerts such as the Great Canadian Bash classic rock festival.

Training facilities and academy

Pacific FC primarily conducts its training sessions at the Island Training Centre, a 55,000-square-foot indoor facility located adjacent to in . However, as of September 2025, the club owes approximately $691,000 under the Indoor Training Centre agreement, which the city has held in abeyance during ongoing negotiations. Opened in 2020 following a $5 million by the club, the centre features three fields, batting cages, a pitch, and a multi-use court suitable for , , and , making it the largest indoor in the . The facility supports year-round training for the first team and programs, enhancing player development in the region's variable weather conditions. Additionally, through a 2025 partnership with FC, Pacific FC accesses fields and resources at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre for supplemental training sessions. The Pacific FC Academy, established in 2019 with the club's inception in the Canadian Premier League, focuses on nurturing local talent through structured youth development. Operating under the Van Isle Wave banner, it fields competitive teams from U-13 to U-19 levels in the BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL), the province's top youth competition, emphasizing technical skills, tactical awareness, and holistic player growth. The program integrates scouting, coaching aligned with the first team's philosophy, and pathways to professional contracts, fulfilling the league's mandate for homegrown talent identification. Notable achievements include the successful transition of academy products to the senior squad, such as midfielders Sami Marvasti and , who signed developmental contracts in 2023 after training with the first team. These promotions highlight the 's role in bridging youth and professional levels, with several alumni contributing to the current first-team roster. Partnerships with educational institutions, including St. John's Academy since 2023, provide integrated academic and soccer training environments. In 2025, the expanded with the launch of a dedicated women's program in partnership with St. Margaret's School, marking Vancouver Island's first elite female football academy and commencing operations in September to foster gender-specific development. This initiative builds on broader university pathways that have seen graduates secure scholarships at institutions like . International scouting ties were strengthened through ongoing collaborations, such as with SciSports for data-driven talent identification and for player exchanges, alongside youth development centers in .

Supporter culture and rivalries

Supporters and fan groups

Pacific FC's dedicated fan base is anchored by organized supporter groups that foster a vibrant atmosphere at . The primary group, Lake Side Buoys, was founded in 2009 to support soccer teams and transitioned to become the inaugural supporters for Pacific FC in 2019, positioning themselves behind the goal to lead chants and displays. Complementing them is . (Torcida Organizada Pacific), established in 2019 by Brazilian expatriates to infuse South American energy through high-energy cheering and tailgate barbecues. In 2024, the Calamari Collective emerged as a newer, all-inclusive group emphasizing positivity and fun without pretension. Supporter traditions revolve around collective singing, with the Lake Side Buoys maintaining a songbook of adapted tunes like "Build a " to rally the crowd during matches. Elaborate displays are a hallmark, including a notable 2021 tearaway banner during a match against that mocked opponents as "A Sea of Mediocrity" before unveiling Pacific FC's colors and the phrase "An Unstoppable Wave." Fans also provide robust away support, traveling across to back the team in key fixtures. These elements blend European-style organization from the Lake Side Buoys with T.O.P.'s dynamic flair, creating an inclusive matchday experience. Attendance has grown steadily since the club's debut, reflecting strong local interest in Greater Victoria. In 2019, Pacific FC averaged 3,826 fans per home match, establishing a solid foundation. Figures rose to around 3,178 in amid the championship success, then stabilized near 3,200 in 2022, with league-wide growth pushing averages toward 3,000–4,000 by 2023–2025. The fan base is predominantly composed of Victoria-area residents, including families and long-time soccer enthusiasts drawn to the club's community-oriented vibe. Community engagement is a core aspect of supporter culture, with groups and the club hosting events like post-match trivia nights to build connections. Pacific FC promotes inclusivity through initiatives such as matches in partnership with Victoria Pride Society and gender equity games highlighting women and girls in . Supporter groups actively advocate for diverse representation, participating in programs like Play Proud to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusion within the fan community and beyond.

Rivalries

Pacific FC's most prominent rivalry is the Salish Sea Derby with , which emerged following Vancouver's expansion into the Canadian Premier League in 2023. Named for the shared coastal waters encompassing and the mainland, the derby has quickly become one of the league's most heated contests due to the clubs' close geographic proximity—spanning just over 100 kilometers—and the intense regional pride it evokes. Matches have consistently delivered high-stakes drama, including a league-record 4-4 draw in June 2025 and Vancouver's first-ever derby win via penalties in the 2025 . By late 2025, Vancouver held a narrow head-to-head edge over Pacific with 5 wins to 4 and 3 draws across 12 encounters. Another key rivalry for Pacific FC is with , rooted in their frequent clashes during the 2021 season, including league fixtures, semifinals, and playoffs where Pacific advanced past en route to the CPL final. This matchup has fostered a "Prairies vs. Pacific" narrative, highlighting the cultural and geographic divide between Alberta's and British Columbia's Pacific. The teams have met 34 times as of October 2025, with holding an 18–9–7 advantage, though encounters remain fiercely competitive, such as their 3-3 thriller in October 2025. Pacific FC has also experienced playoff tensions with , particularly from the 2021 CPL final where Pacific claimed the championship with a 1-0 victory, ending Forge's bid for a . This has contributed to a quirky marked by contrasting styles—Pacific's counterattacking flair against Forge's possession dominance—across more than 20 fixtures, where Forge leads 14-5-2 as of 2025. Less defined but notable are sporadic playoff frictions with York United FC, though their 27 meetings show a nearly balanced record of 9 wins for York, 10 for Pacific, and 8 draws, favoring neither side strongly. Fan perspectives emphasize and packed, electric matchdays, with these rivalries gaining momentum after Pacific's 2021 triumph as the club solidified its status as a league contender.

Management and personnel

Ownership and administration

Pacific FC is owned by SixFive Sports & Entertainment, the group's founding ownership entity established in 2018 to launch the club as a member of the . The principal figures include co-owners Josh Simpson, a former Canadian international and lead investor; , another ex-international player; and Dean Shillington, an investment entrepreneur. In September 2025, SixFive announced it is exploring a potential sale of the club, with the process overseen by Shillington's firm, Knightsbridge Capital, while emphasizing continuity in operations and community commitment. Key administrative leadership includes Josh Simpson as president, overseeing strategic direction. Paul Beirne served as managing director from 2022 until April 2025, bringing prior experience as the CPL's inaugural president. Ross Marshall succeeded Beirne as managing director in April 2025, focusing on operational stability amid the ownership transition. The board draws from sports and business expertise, with co-owners actively involved in decision-making. Financially, Pacific FC generates revenue primarily through ticket sales, sponsorships, and league broadcasting deals, supplemented by merchandise and community events. The club encountered significant challenges during the 2020 , when the CPL conducted a shortened "" season in a bio-secure bubble in to mitigate health risks and sustain operations. By 2025, reports indicate ongoing financial pressures, including arrears to the City of Langford exceeding $691,000 for stadium and facility usage, contributing to strained relations amid the sale exploration. In terms of governance, Pacific FC adheres to standards as a member club, with its ownership group holding representation on the league's board through Simpson's role in broader soccer initiatives. SixFive's portfolio, including co-ownership of , aligns with CPL compliance on financial transparency and competitive integrity.

Coaching staff

As of the 2025 season, Pacific FC's coaching staff is led by head coach James Merriman, who was appointed on January 21, 2022, becoming the youngest head coach in history at age 36. Merriman, a native of , , joined the club in 2018 as an assistant coach after working in youth development with the academy; he holds a Soccer A Licence and favors a high-intensity, attacking 4-3-3 formation. In July 2023, he signed a three-year contract extension through 2026, reflecting the club's confidence in his leadership following playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023. The assistant coaching team includes lead assistant Armando Sá, who joined on March 10, 2022, bringing experience as a former professional right-back for Mozambique's national team and clubs in and . Sá, aged 50 and holding dual Mozambican-Portuguese citizenship, focuses on tactical preparation and player development, having previously coached in the Canadian Premier League with York United FC. Complementing him is assistant coach Chris Merriman, James Merriman's brother, who has been with the first team since 2022 after serving in youth roles with Pacific FC's academy programs. Chris, 34, from , emphasizes skill development and holds coaching responsibilities across senior and youth levels. Goalkeeping coach Cam Griffin, head of goalkeeping for the club since at least 2023, specializes in technical training for shot-stopping and distribution, drawing from his background as a former university-level goalkeeper at the . Support staff includes performance and video analyst Shota Tamaki, who provides data-driven insights for match preparation and opponent scouting, joining post-2022 to enhance tactical analysis. Fitness and medical roles are filled by Chris Hinton, focusing on and athletic performance; team athletic therapist Leo Iizuka, responsible for on-field rehabilitation; and team physiotherapist Dale Rainsford, handling long-term player recovery—all retained from 2024 with no reported changes in 2025. No major hires occurred post-2024, maintaining continuity in the department. The staff's philosophy centers on youth integration, with regular pathways from Pacific FC's to the first via development contracts, and tactical evolution toward a possession-based, high-pressing style to adapt to league demands. This approach has supported the integration of homegrown talents like Mattias Vales in 2025.

Notable head coaches and captains

Michael Silberbauer served as Pacific FC's inaugural head coach from January 2019 to October 2019, guiding the club through its debut season in the Canadian Premier League. Under his leadership, the team achieved a 7-7-13 record across 27 league matches, finishing fifth overall and missing the playoffs, though they secured a historic 1-0 victory in the club's first-ever game against . Silberbauer also oversaw an unbeaten streak of four matches during the spring season, contributing to early momentum despite injuries and a challenging schedule. His tenure emphasized youth integration, with the squad logging over 9,910 under-21 minutes, aligning with the league's player development goals. Pa-Modou Kah took over as head coach in January 2020, holding the position until January 2022, and is credited with transforming Pacific FC into a title contender. In his second season, Kah led the team to a 13-6-9 regular-season record, securing third place and the club's first North Star Shield championship with a 1-0 final win over , marking him as the first coach of colour to win the CPL title. His tactical approach focused on resilience and player development, fostering a "family" culture that overcame disruptions and injuries to achieve a 48% win rate across 43 matches. Kah's impact extended to individual recognition, earning him the 2021 CPL Coach of the Year award for guiding Pacific to their first victory over an MLS opponent in the Canadian Championship. James Merriman, who first joined as an assistant in 2019 and served as interim late that year, assumed the full role in January 2022 and remains in position through at least 2025. Over 133 matches as manager, Merriman has compiled a 46-32-55 record, prioritizing a 4-2-3-1 formation and continuity from his long association with the club. His leadership saw Pacific finish second in the 2022 regular season and reach the playoffs consistently, with a focus on local talent development; he extended his contract in 2023 for three years plus options. Merriman's tenure has emphasized stability, including integrating Japanese coach in 2024 for technical expertise. Marcus Haber captained Pacific FC during its 2019 inaugural season, providing leadership as a veteran Canadian international striker who donned the armband in the club's historic debut. His role helped stabilize the young squad amid early challenges, contributing to key early wins before departing in 2020. Marcel de Jong succeeded Haber as from late 2019 to 2021, leading through recovery from injury and the 2020 . Jamar Dixon succeeded de Jong as from 2021 to 2022, wearing the armband in significant matches and guiding the team through the pandemic-shortened season toward playoff contention. Josh Heard has served as captain since 2023, extending through 2026 after re-signing in late 2024, and continues in the role into 2025. A Victoria native and versatile forward-midfielder in his fifth season with the club by 2025, Heard has been instrumental in leadership during playoff pushes, including a healthy return from injury to anchor the 2025 campaign aimed at reclaiming top contention. His tenure overlaps with the 2021 championship, where his on-field presence supported the team's success under Kah.

Current squad

First-team roster

The first-team roster for Pacific FC in the 2025 Canadian Premier League season comprises 27 players, showcasing a blend of experienced professionals and emerging talents with strong Canadian representation alongside international players from and . This diversity enhances the team's tactical flexibility, with 16 Canadian nationals forming the core and others contributing from countries including , , , , , , , , and the . Several players, such as young defender Will Edgson and midfielder Sami Keshavarz, have progressed through academy pathways to secure first-team spots. Key signings for the 2025 season included the return of midfielder Matthew Baldisimo on August 8, alongside centre-back Ahmad Mansour and defensive midfielder Roshawn Juhmi, who were added to guaranteed contracts for the remainder of the year to bolster depth amid injuries. The squad is organized below by position in the following table, including jersey numbers, player names, nationalities, and dates of birth (for age context as of November 2025). Join dates and contract details are noted where publicly available from official announcements; most contracts extend through the end of 2025 unless specified otherwise.
PositionNo.PlayerNationalityDOB (Age as of Nov 2025)JoinedContract Until
Goalkeepers
GK55Sean MelvinCAN07/09/1994 (31)20232025
GK31Daniel ZadravecCAN06/07/2000 (25)20242025
Defenders
DF7CAN09/05/1998 (27)20222025
DF36Will EdgsonCAN02/29/2008 (17)2025 (academy)2026
DF32Matthias HallamCAN01/09/2008 (17)2025 (academy)2026
DF16 MansourCAN11/03/2000 (25)Aug 20252025
DF2Georges MukumbilwaCAN09/23/1999 (26)20232025
DF5Juan QuintanaCOL11/10/2003 (22)20242025
Midfielders
MF33Matthew BaldisimoPHI01/20/1998 (27)Aug 2025 (return)2025
MF6Lukas Browning-LagerfeldtSWE01/06/1999 (26)20242025
MF8Aidan DanielsCAN09/06/1998 (27)20232025
MF21Daniel de Pauli OliveiraBRA08/06/1999 (26)20242025
MF15Christian Greco-TaylorCAN02/20/2005 (20)20232026
MF66Roshawn JuhmiCAN07/24/2001 (24)Aug 20252025
MF34Sami KeshavarzCAN08/18/2006 (19)2025 (academy)2026
MF44Aly NdomFRA05/30/1996 (29)20242025
MF88Matteo SchiavoniCAN04/09/2005 (20)20242025
MF37Mattias ValesCAN02/29/2008 (17)2025 (academy)2026
MF20CAN04/20/2001 (24)20232025
Forwards
FW10CAN04/22/1996 (29)20242025
FW39Veniamin ChernyshevUKR12/09/2008 (16)2025 (academy)2026
FW99Alejandro DíazMEX01/27/1996 (29)20242025
FW11Josh HeardWAL11/29/1994 (30)20222025
FW27CAN09/02/2003 (22)20232025
FW17Emanuel MontejanoMEX07/12/2001 (24)20242025
FW64Yann ToualyCIV06/01/2001 (24)20242025
FW9CAN05/24/1997 (28)20232025
As of November 18, 2025, Pacific FC has the following players on the due to season-ending injuries: centre-back Juan Quintana ( surgery, expected return December 31, 2025), right winger ( surgery, expected return December 31, 2025), and Lukas Browning-Lagerfeldt ( injury, out for the remainder of the season). No players are currently listed as suspended or on reserve beyond these injuries.

Youth and reserve teams

Pacific FC's competed in through an affiliation agreement with Nautsa'mawt FC during the 2023 season, enabling the club to loan up to two outfield players and one goalkeeper to the semi-professional side for development and match experience. Following Nautsa'mawt FC's departure from the league after 2023, Pacific FC has not maintained a formal in as of 2025, instead emphasizing direct integration of promising players into the first-team environment via the Canadian Premier League's domestic U-21 initiative. The club's youth system, known as Pacific FC Youth (formerly the Van Isle Wave program), fields competitive teams across multiple age groups, including U-14 to U-18 squads for both boys and girls that participate in the BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL), the province's highest level of youth competition. In 2025, the program supports over 150 players through ten teams, with U-17 and U-15 squads also competing in aligned provincial leagues to foster skill progression and tactical understanding. for these teams is led by a dedicated staff, including head youth coach Chris Merriman, alongside specialists such as Victor Chen, Amin Jafari, and Makoto Kametani for the boys' program, emphasizing technical development and performance analysis. Several youth players earned promotions to the first team in 2025, with at least two to three academy talents receiving call-ups for and matches, contributing to the club's league-leading 3,876 U-21 minutes by late season. Notable among these is Sami Keshavarz, an 18-year-old who made 10 professional appearances, including a start in a 2-1 victory over York United FC in May. Key prospects from the include 17-year-old Mattias Vales, who debuted for the senior squad in early 2025 during the Canadian Championship and was described by James Merriman as the "brightest light" in the youth pipeline; Vales also trained with Bundesliga side in January as part of an international . Similarly, 17-year-old defender Will Edgson has emerged as a standout, representing Team BC at the 2025 Canada Summer Games where he helped secure a bronze medal alongside fellow players, and joining the Bochum training camp alongside peers Mattias Hallam and Vales. These talents highlight the program's focus on transitioning local Island players to professional levels. Pacific FC Youth runs annual development camps and international tours to accelerate growth, including open trials and training sessions in , , and other cities in December 2024, selecting 10 to 16 top participants for a week-long residency at the club's facilities in 2025. The program also leverages a with , sending academy players on tours to for elite training exposure, as seen with the January 2025 group. Additionally, cohorts like the 2008 boys' team competed at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, earning bronze and showcasing the benefits of these initiatives in building resilience and international competitiveness.

Records and achievements

Seasonal results

Pacific FC has competed in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) since its inaugural 2019 season. The club's performance across seasons has varied, with two championship wins in the playoffs despite inconsistent regular-season finishes. The following table summarizes their regular-season results, playoff outcomes, and leading goalscorers.
SeasonGPWDLGFGAPtsPos.PlayoffsTop scorer (goals)
20192887133443315thChampionsTerran Campbell (11)
2020104241514144thRunners-upMarcus Haber (5)
20212813694734453rdChampionsAlejandro Díaz (10)
Terran Campbell (10)
20222813783633464thSemi-final lossAlejandro Díaz (13)
202328117104235404thQuarter-final lossAyman Sellouf (7)
20242897122732345thSemi-final lossDario Zanatta (5)
20252858153059237thDid not qualifyAlejandro Díaz (7)
The 2020 season was abbreviated to 10 matches and conducted entirely in a centralized bubble environment in , , due to the . Starting in 2022, the CPL adopted a split-season format featuring a mid-season North Star Cup tournament alongside the regular season, with playoff berths determined by cumulative standings. Across all seven seasons (178 total matches), Pacific FC has achieved 63 wins, 44 draws, and 71 losses, with 231 goals scored and 250 conceded. The club's home record is 39-22-27, while their away record is 24-22-44.

International participation

Pacific FC qualified for its first international competition by virtue of winning the 2021 title, earning a spot in the . In the preliminary round, the club faced Jamaican side . The first leg took place on July 26, 2022, at in , ending in a goalless 0–0 draw, with strong goalkeeping performances from both sides preventing any breakthroughs. The second leg on August 2, 2022, at in , saw Pacific FC deliver a dominant 6–0 victory, advancing on a 6–0 aggregate; Alejandro Díaz scored a , while Josh Heard and each netted twice. Advancing to the round of 16, Pacific FC was matched against Costa Rican powerhouse . The first leg on August 16, 2022, at resulted in a narrow 0–1 defeat, with Herediano's Kennedy Rocha scoring a late winner in the 88th minute to secure the advantage. In the return leg on August 23, 2022, at Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero in Heredia, , Pacific FC fought back to win 1–0 through a 90th-minute goal by Josh Heard, leveling the aggregate at 1–1; however, Herediano progressed 6–5 in the ensuing . Pacific FC did not qualify for subsequent Concacaf competitions, including the 2023 and 2024 Concacaf Champions Cups or the 2023 , as other Canadian clubs secured the relevant domestic berths. The club's overall international record through 2025 consists of two wins, one draw, and one loss across four matches in the .

Individual player records

Pacific FC's individual player records highlight the contributions of key figures across all competitions since the club's founding in 2019. These statistics encompass regular season matches in the (CPL), playoffs, games, and competitions, with data updated through the end of the 2025 season. Records are tracked for players with at least 10 appearances to ensure meaningful longevity.

Most Appearances

The leader in total appearances is midfielder Sean Young, a Victoria native who debuted for the club in 2020 and has been a consistent presence in the midfield. As of the end of 2025, Young holds the all-time record with 157 appearances, including 10 goals and 4 assists during his tenure. Among active players, Young remains the benchmark, having surpassed previous marks set by long-serving teammates like Josh Heard, who accumulated over 140 appearances primarily as a winger before retiring in late 2025.
RankPlayerPositionAppearancesYears Active
1Midfielder1572020–present
2Josh HeardWinger1462020–2025

Top Goalscorers

Alejandro Díaz stands as Pacific FC's all-time leading goalscorer, with 37 goals across 75 appearances since joining in 2020 (with a stint away from 2022 to 2024 before returning in mid-2025). The Mexican forward's clinical finishing, including a league-record-breaking performance in 2025 that elevated him to the top of CPL history, underscores his impact. Trailing him is former forward Terran Campbell, who netted 25 goals in 69 appearances from 2019 to 2021, while contributed 17 goals in 90 appearances during his 2020–2022 and 2024–2025 spells. Among active players as of 2025, Díaz continues to extend his lead.
RankPlayerPositionGoalsAppearances
1Alejandro DíazForward3775
2Terran CampbellForward2569
3Winger1790

Top Assists Providers

holds the record for most assists with 21 in his 90 appearances, leveraging his playmaking ability from the wings to set up teammates during his time with the club. Terran Campbell ranks second with 10 assists alongside his scoring output, while Alejandro Díaz added 9 assists to his goal tally. These figures reflect the creative output of Pacific's attacking midfielders and forwards in building the club's offensive records.
RankPlayerPositionAssistsAppearances
1Marco BustosWinger2190
2Terran CampbellForward1069
3Alejandro DíazForward975

Single-Season and Notable Records

The single-season goals record belongs to Terran Campbell, who scored 25 goals across all competitions in 2021, a mark that propelled Pacific to the CPL championship and ranks second in league history. Hat-tricks have been rare but impactful; Alejandro Díaz recorded one in a comeback victory over York United FC, scoring three goals to secure a 3-2 win. In 2025, rookie forward Yann Toualy achieved the club's most recent hat-trick, netting three goals in a 3-2 defeat of HFX Wanderers FC to end a seven-game winless streak. For goalkeepers, Emil Gazdov set a club benchmark with 7 clean sheets in 21 appearances during the 2024 season, earning the CPL Golden Glove award. These individual feats often aligned with team successes, such as playoff runs and championship contention.

Team and club honours

Pacific FC has achieved notable success in domestic competitions since joining the Canadian Premier League (CPL) in its inaugural 2019 season. The club's primary team honour is the 2021 CPL Championship, where they defeated 1–0 in the final to claim the North Star Cup, marking their first and only league title to date. The team has not won any international titles but has participated in the , reaching the second round in 2022 after a 6–0 home victory over of in the first round. In the TELUS Canadian Championship, Pacific FC has made multiple appearances but has not secured the title. They advanced to the semi-finals in 2021 (after a 4–3 upset win over MLS side in the quarter-finals), 2022, and 2024, demonstrating consistent competitiveness against higher-division opposition. Overall, Pacific FC has won one major domestic title (the 2021 CPL Championship) and no runners-up finishes in league finals as of 2025.

References

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