Cavalry FC earned a 1-1 draw on the road against Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League in Victoria Sunday.
And while Calgary’s club is still winless in the new CPL season, Cavs head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr is pleased to have seen his side technically go undefeated over 90 minutes in each of its first three road games of 2023.
Cavalry FC drew 2-2 with Forge in the opening game last weekend and were eliminated from the Canadian Championship by Pacific FC on Thursday on penalty kicks after the game ended 1-1.
“It’s tough for anybody to be on the road, and all against tough opponents,” said Tommy Wheeldon Jr after the match Sunday. “It can take a toll on the lads mentally and physically, but we have to suit up, show up and show different sides of us.
“Last year, we lost these sorts of games on the road. So we’re taking this point with us and we’ll take it back to ATCO Field for next week.”
Cavalry FC take lead but Pacific FC responds
Similar to Thursday’s Canadian Championship first round match, Cavalry FC took the lead. This time via an Emil Gazdov own goal in the 9th minute – the Pacific FC keeper directed the ball into his on net after Cavs forward Goteh Ntignee latched onto an excellent cross from Ali Musse in the 9th minute.
Pacific FC responded well and eventually found an equalizer shortly before half time. Josh Heard claimed his first goal of the 2023 season, though the Pacific FC captain likely new little about it.
Heard was lying on the ground following a challenge when the ball ricocheted off him and into Marco Carducci’s goal in the 42nd minute.
Cavalry FC resilient in defence
Pacific FC took the initiative from then on, hoping to drive home their home field advantage – the home side eventually outshooting their opponents 22 to 6.
But Cavalry FC’s defence showed resilience and held on for what they’ll consider a good point earned.
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“We know that these are qualities that our guys have, and we had to showcase that today,” said Cavalry FC defender Daan Klomp. “Hopefully next game, we can do that a bit less, and we can dominate the game a bit more, but these are types of games that you take the point and carry on.”
Cavalry FC now travel back to Calgary to host Valour FC in their CPL home opener at ATCO Field Sunday, April 30.
