Vancouver FC had reason for optimism going into Sunday’s game against an undefeated Cavalry FC, with back-to-back victories, their first CPL win of the year two weeks ago against Pacific, and then beating Langley United in the Canadian Championship preliminary round.
The Pacific win was particularly emboldening for Vancouver, with Terran Campbell scoring a brace en route to a convincing win against their B.C. rivals.
But the Eagles were also without Paris Gee, after he exited last weekend’s game against United at halftime with an injury.
On the field, Cavalry FC maintained their undefeated streak,downing Vancouver FC 2-0 at The Stadium at Langley Events Centre.
Following a scoreless first half, Cavalry came alive in the second half, when Tobias Warschewski opened the scoring for the visitors in the 70th minute before Levi Laing sealed the victory deep into second-half stoppage time.
Heading into the match, both teams made changes to their lineups after featuring in the Canadian Championship last weekend, where both picked up wins in their respective preliminary round matches to set up matchups against MLS opposition in the quarter-finals.
After beating Langley United 2-0, Vancouver made three changes to their team, with Kian Proctor, Isak Ssewankambo and Aboubacar Traore entering for Paris Gee, Emrick Fotsing and Thierno Bah.
Cavalry made just one change to the lineup that beat Pacific 3-1, as Adam Pearlman entered for Levi Laing.
With the loss, VFC is now seventh of eight in CPL standings, with one loss and one draw in six games.
Next, the Eagles will stay at home to host FC Supra du Québec on Saturday, May 23rd in Willoughby Community Park at 3 p.m.