Saturday, May 18, 2019
~ by Mary P Brooke, West Shore Voice News
More power and edge was evident in the Pacific FC team performance in this sunny afternoon home game at Westhills Stadium. Goals by Marcus Haber and Ben Fisk in the 2-2 tie match against York9 FC were gratifying to team, coach and fans.
The York9 FC team gave them a good run. It was a strong interface between the two teams — with York FC stronger in the second half — resulting in the 2-2 tie.
“Even at 2-1 we created chances,” said Pacific FC Coach Michael Silberbauer. “We had the opportunity to close it down and keep playing. The boys made a really good effort,” he told media after the game.
In the second half the team kept playing and searching for chances. Two scores saw the team moving forward on the score sheet. “I’m happy for them,” said their coach. “Marcus was a constant threat. Ben was moving around and got a couple of chances. Jose running around trying to create something had a shot as well. We kept pushing forward,” said Silberbauer.
With a gruelling start of season schedule with several back-to-back games and a lot of travel, it’s been a big job for the team was just to recover from game to game.
In today’s game Silberbauer was looking for performance and “to go out and show the home crowd that they are willing to fight and play attacking football, and they surely did that”. He said their attitude and the chances they created were great. “You try and you keep doing it.”
Central Midfielder Ben Fisk (#10) got the first goal of the game. “I was disappointed we couldn’t hold onto a win. but we’re proud of that performance,” said Fisk. “We did more than enough to win a game but we need to do better on set pieces and defensive.”
Fisk also mentioned the ‘crazy schedule’ as taking a physical toll on the team. “We’re happy with where at. One game at a time, and if we pick up points we pick up points. We’ve been creating plenty of chances and getting in the right areas.,” said Fisk, whose technical flare and creative ability will support his week-to-week progress. Fisk says he didn’t agree with the calls on the penalty, but looks to the future. “We need to defend the corners and set pieces better.”
Marcus Haber (#9) says it could have gone either way. “I credit to York coming out in second half and putting pressure on us from set pieces. It was an exciting game,” said Haber.
Getting the goal was exciting for Haber: “As a forward it’s your job, it’s what you’re paid to do. You get an adrenaline rush when you score,” he told media. “It was a big weight off my shoulders, I’ve been trying to get one.”
“We’ve got lots to take away from today’s performance. We were up for the physical side today. There’s been a lot of travel and a lot of games in a short period of time. It takes a bit of adapting, especially for a young squad not used to this sort of hectic schedule, they’re not used to it. But we’re coping well, and we’re going to go forward,” said Haber.
Haber is older than many of the other players. He recovers by getting rest, putting his feet up, getting fluids in and taking care of his body. “When you’re 30 it’s a lot different than 20. So you’ve got to do a bit more for preparation. Take care of yourself. That’s part of the game, part of being a professional.” He says the players do whatever works for them including ice baths, massage, good nutrition, and sleep. “Just do the right things.” He commends the physiotherapists, saying they’re doing a great job and that the team will be ready.
York9 FC Coach Jim Brennan enjoyed his first time at Westhills Stadium. “The setup is great. He spoke to Pacific FC President Josh Simpson and heard about the plans for the stadium to its full completion. “It’s going to be a nice setup,” said the visiting team coach who is also awaiting the completion of his home stadium (Lions Stadium at York University).
As for York9 FC on-field: “We were very flat in the first half, I don’t know if it was the travel or what,” said Brennan. “I was happy for the guys in the second half, that’s more like us. We were on the front foot and created chances,” he said.
The York9 team had worked on strategies ahead of time, and decided to change formation at half time. “We weren’t getting the joy that we wanted. We knew Pacific was going to come at us — also a young energetic side. We had to adjust at half time, create more opportunities for ourselves … to suit us and give us those chances to score goals,” said Brennan.
A call for fans to come dressed in country western garb to this Saturday afternoon game was a moderate success. The noise at the field was still the soccer-style drums, no country-western music. However, purple starfish mascot Stewie wore a tiny cowboy hat for his social activity around the stadium!
Attendance was 2,661 for today’s game, say organizers.