It was Calgary’s struggling CPL team Cavalry FC that came on top on this past sunny Sunday afternoon at Spruce Meadows with a 2-0 win over Langford’s 1st place team Pacific FC. Many fans hadn’t even made their way to the stands before Ali Musse struck home with an early goal just 2 minutes into the first half after a creative run of play from Joe Mason and Honduran footballer José Escalante.
In a game that saw the away side have the lion’s share of possession and goal attempts, it was Cavalry’s Joe Mason who doubled the lead and scored his 2nd goal of the season with a sensational finish from just outside the box. Jean-Aniel Assi nicked the ball away from Pacific FC’s left-back Nathan Mavila and laid it off to Mason just outside the 18 yard-box for a precise shot.
Multiple fantastic saves from Canadian shot stopper Marco Carducci preserved his clean sheet in an emotional comeback day as he missed the opening three matches with a testicular cancer diagnosis and an operation.
In the post-match presser, Carducci showered his team with praise saying “ I have to give credit to the guys in front of me who put in an absolute shift – we stuck the plan, we scored goals and we didn’t concede.” Cavalry’s manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr. added on by saying “The lads fought for him and his big save at the end to keep the shutout. That’s all I wanted – a shutout for him, because he’s an impressive human being.”
Cavalry FC looks to stick to winning ways on May 6th where they will travel north to face Albertan rivals FC Edmonton; who are chasing their first win of the year; for the first Al Classico of the season. Additionally, Pacific FC travel to Ottawa to clash with Atletico and look to continue their reign at the top of the table.
John Gilmour is a Canadian freelance writer and content creator covering the Canadian side of football. He resides in Calgary, Alberta, is an avid footy fan and loves scoring top bins.