THE CPL KICKOFF
MATCH #2
VALOUR FC (1-0-0) vs HFX WANDERERS (0-0-1)
When: Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 6 p.m. CDT
Where: IG Field, Winnipeg
How to watch: OneSoccer is broadcasting all CPL games live https://onesoccer.ca/
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MATCH PREVIEW:
Valour FC opened the 2021 season with a solid-across-the-board 2-nil victory over Forge FC, the two-time defending Canadian Premier League champions. Valour scored twice within the first 30 minutes, as Moses Dyer scored on a penalty and Austin Ricci followed with a spectacular marker.
Shorthanded to start the season, Valour got some spectacular work by just about everyone available, with goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois celebrating his 20thbirthday by posting a clean sheet in the win. The defence in front of him led, in particular, by Andrew Jean-Baptiste, was particularly stout in the win over Forge FC.
Now Valour will attempt to accomplish something it has never managed in the first two years of its existence: win back-to-back-games. Up next is a HFX Wanderers side that appeared in the finals of last year’s Island Games, but fell to Forge FC. The Wanderers dropped their first contest 2-nil to Pacific FC in a game during which head coach Stephen Hart had to be taken to hospital for precautionary measures, but he has since indicated on social media that ‘all is well.’
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All-time head to head, Valour FC vs. HFX Wanderers
Overall (win-draw-loss): 2-1-3
May 11, 2019, IG Field: Valour FC 1 HFX Wanderers 0,
June 26, 2019, Wanderers Grounds: HFX Wanderers 2 Valour FC 0
August 5, 2019, Wanderers Grounds: HFX Wanderers 1 Valour FC 0
August 28, 2019, IG Field: Valour FC 2 HFX Wanderers 0
September 21, 2019, Wanderers Grounds: HFX Wanderers 0 Valour FC 0
September 2, 2020, Island Games, PEI: Valour FC 0 Wanderers 2
2019 Canadian Championship (0-0-2)
June 5, 2019, Wanderers Grounds: HFX Wanderers 2 Valour FC 1,
June 12, 2019, IG Field: Valour FC 0 HFX Wanderers 2
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VALOUR FC INJURY/ROSTER REPORT:
Brett Levis, who started the first match at fullback, was substituted off in the first half due to injury. His status is unknown heading into the match against the Wanderers. Also on the mend and likely not available is veteran midfielder Jose Galan.
As well, Valour FC is waiting on Brazilian midfielder Rafael Galhardo and Mexican defender Rodrigo Reyes to finish their quarantine, while Arnold Bouka Moutou remains in France due to visa issues.
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3 VALOUR FC PLAYERS TO WATCH
#1 Jonathan Sirois, GK: Was solid in his pro debut. Aggressive at all the right times, good in the air to latch onto dangerous volleys into the box.
#16 Daryl Fordyce, MF: The veteran co-captain authored arguably his best game in Valour colours as a steadying presence for a team still featuring some new faces.
#9 Austin Ricci, F: He was voted the ‘Man of the Match’ and with good reason: drew a penalty that led to the Dyer penalty-kick goal, scored a sensational one himself and later set up Sean Rea for a possible third goal. A physical force up front, too.
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The CPL’s 2021 schedule plan
-Each CPL team will play eight matches inside the ‘Kickoff’ bubble through to late July. At that point the league is hoping the clubs can return to their home markets and begin playing matches at home, and in front of fans, for the remainder of the season.
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Upcoming
Valour FC ‘Kickoff’ schedule/results (times subject to change)
Match 1: Sunday, June 27 — Forge FC 0 Valour FC 2
Match 2: Wednesday, June 30 vs HFX Wanderers, 6 p.m.
Match 3: Saturday, July 3 vs Atlético Ottawa, 9 p.m.
Match 4: Wednesday, July 7 vs. York United FC, 9 p.m.
Match 5: Sunday, July 11 vs. Forge FC, 12:30 p.m.
Match 6: Thursday, July 15 vs. Atlético Ottawa, 4 p.m.
Match 7: Sunday, July 18 vs. York United FC, 9:30 p.m.
Match 8: Saturday, July 24 vs. HFX Wanderers, 1 p.m.