Vancouver FC recorded their first-ever home victory in club history on Tuesday night, striking twice in quick succession to down three-time CPL champions Forge FC in front of supporters at Langley’s Willoughby Community Park.
After Forge controlled the first half-hour of the match, hitting the woodwork twice but failing to put the ball into the back of the net, Vancouver FC found the game’s first goal in the 35th minute.
Sixteen-year-old TJ Tahid continued to impress for his local club, scoring with his first touch to redirect a low cross past Triston Henry and into the back of the net.
GOAL! 🚨
Tj Tahid secures his second #CanPL goal of the season to give @vanfootballclub the lead against @ForgeFCHamilton ! 👏
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) June 21, 2023
Four minutes after assisting the opener, Vancouver’s Ameer Kinani scored his first professional goal, pouncing on an errant pass from Khadim Kane before rounding Henry and patiently getting his feet set before putting the ball past Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson, who tried to defend the ball on the line.
The Hammers couldn’t find a goal themselves for the third match in a row, leading to a historic celebration for the CPL’s newest club as the referee blew the final whistle.
Vancouver FC players and fans celebrated their first-ever home victory in club history on Tuesday night, June 20, downing three-time CPL champions Forge FC at Langley’s Willoughby Community Park. (Canadian Premier League/Special to Langley Advance Times)
“First of all, I have to thank all the fans for their faith and their trust and their support over some very hard times that we’ve experienced together,” Vancouver head coach Afshin Ghotbi commented.
“I’ve always believed in this group and I believed in this club. For us to do it in such a fashion at home, against the three-time champions, four time finalists and maybe the best team in the league, I think it’s remarkable.
“It’s a very historic night for this club,” Ghotbi said. “Hopefully the beginning of many, many special nights at home.”
POST-GAME REACTION 🎙️
Hear from Ibrahim Bakare as @VanFootballClub celebrate a historic first win at home 🏡#CanPL | #VancouverFC pic.twitter.com/FaN4pPLmOy
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) June 21, 2023
Next up, Vancouver hits the road and heads to Winnipeg to take on Valour FC at IG Field on Sunday ay 12 p.m.
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