Author: Mike Rice

I have been covering MLS since 2020, reporting as well as providing tactical analysis. I am a member of the North American Soccer Reporters and you can follow me on Twitter at @MikeRice1983
Canadian Premier League, Vancouver FC

Analysing Vancouver FC’s first big setback against Ottawa

Talk about being brought back down to earth! After a passionate and exciting 1-1 draw in their opening home match, which included playing with 10-men for over an hour against Cavalry, a crushing 0-5 defeat followed to an Atlético Ottawa side who had been chasing their first win of the season. With the stadium a little emptier than on its opening weekend six days earlier, … Continue reading Analysing Vancouver FC’s first big setback against Ottawa

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Canadian Premier League

Pacific FC Look for Revenge on the Road in Ottawa

Pacific FC have hit the road this weekend with a trip to face last year’s finalists Atlético Ottawa in the nation’s capital. This brings an end to a four-game run of home fixtures for Pacific to kick off the fifth season of the Canadian Premier League, as well as their opening game in the Canadian Championship. A new challenge now faces James Merriman and his … Continue reading Pacific FC Look for Revenge on the Road in Ottawa

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Canadian Premier League

Is Manny Aparicio irreplaceable at Pacific FC?

As the squad was assembled this off-season, Pacific FC looked to have covered all bases. The arrivals of Easton Ongaro, Ayman Sellouf, Kakuta Manneh and Bradley Vliet amongst others have provided depth and quality all over the pitch. So far though, while James Merriman’s side have a win over Cavalry in the Canadian Championship, their defeat against Forge FC this weekend leaves them with one … Continue reading Is Manny Aparicio irreplaceable at Pacific FC?

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Canadian Premier League

Pacific FC prepare for Forge this weekend

Pacific FC will welcome Forge to Starlight Stadium this weekend, looking to get one over their rivals in this early season clash. Forge arrive on the island still searching for the first win of the season, having drawn with Cavalry in the opening game and subsequently grabbing a very late equaliser against Halifax Wanderers last weekend. Pacific FC are coming off two consecutive draws with … Continue reading Pacific FC prepare for Forge this weekend

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Eighty Six Forever, VWFC2

Three VWFC2 Players to Watch

With a break for the first team this weekend, it’s worth having a look at the other Vancouver Whitecaps team in action: VWFC2. Competing in MLS Next Pro for a second season, the baby Whitecaps will be looking to bounce back from last week’s eventful 4-3 defeat to LA Galaxy 2. Sunday, the second Whitecaps team will host Minnesota United 2 at Swangard Stadium. Currently, … Continue reading Three VWFC2 Players to Watch

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Canadian Premier League, Voyageurs Cup

Pacific FC Progress on Penalties

Emil Gazdav was the hero, saving the fourth Calgary penalty, and Gorges Mukubilwa buried Pacific FC’s fifth penalty to win 5-3 on penalties, setting up a home tie with TSS Rovers in the next round. On a wet and slippery night at Langford, an early injury to Manny Aparicio caused concern for Pacific, before conceding the first goal on 28 minutes as Myer Bevan continued … Continue reading Pacific FC Progress on Penalties

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Canadian Premier League, Voyageurs Cup

Pacific Prepares for Cavalry in the Canadian Championship

As the Canadian Championship returns for 2023, this great cup competition featuring sides from MLS, Canadian Premier League as well as League 1 sides is here to entertain us all once again. For Pacific FC, they come off a home win over newly formed Vancouver FC, a 1-0 home victory for the season opener at the Starlight Stadium. Finally, they had the chance to put … Continue reading Pacific Prepares for Cavalry in the Canadian Championship

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Canadian Premier League, Vancouver FC

Looking Back on a Memorable Inaugural BC Derby

A special match was settled with a goal from a special player. Saturday in Langford, Manny Aparicio secured the three points for Pacific FC in their home opener against expansion side Vancouver FC with a half-volleyed strike from outside the area which will live long in CPL history. The newest rivalry in the Canadian Premier League saw the only win on opening day of the … Continue reading Looking Back on a Memorable Inaugural BC Derby

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Canadian Premier League

Josh Heard on Being Named Pacific FC Captain

With the Canadian Premier League fifth season almost ready to begin, I caught up with Josh Heard who has been named the new captain for Pacific FC going into the 2023 season by head coach James Merriman. Heard has been a key part of this Pacific FC side since returning to the island from Real Monarchs in 2020. The winger has 14 goals and nine … Continue reading Josh Heard on Being Named Pacific FC Captain

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Eighty Six Forever

Simon Becher breaks out against CF Montréal

Simon Becher wrote his name into the MLS history books this weekend becoming the fastest player to score his first four goals in the league – just 87 minutes. The Vancouver Whitecaps were aided in their tie with CF Montréal after central defender Rudy Camacho was sent off after just 23 minutes. The Whitecaps took full advantaged and went on to put five past their … Continue reading Simon Becher breaks out against CF Montréal

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