PHOTOS: Pacific FC players start preparations for new season

Head coach James Merriman smiles during post-practice stretches during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Head coach James Merriman smiles during post-practice stretches during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Georges Mukumbilwa celebrates his team winning the penalty shootout during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Georges Mukumbilwa celebrates his team winning the penalty shootout during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
One team celebrates winning the penalty shootout during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)One team celebrates winning the penalty shootout during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
The practice was held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)(Bailey Moreton/News Staff)The practice was held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)(Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Georges Mukumbilwa blocks a cross during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Georges Mukumbilwa blocks a cross during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
New striker Easton Ongaro said he’s eyeing a championship with his new team this season. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)New striker Easton Ongaro said he’s eyeing a championship with his new team this season. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Vancouver Island Wave Program member Sam Marvasti makes the tackle during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Vancouver Island Wave Program member Sam Marvasti makes the tackle during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Cedric Toussaint celebrates his team winning the penalty shootout during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)(Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Cedric Toussaint celebrates his team winning the penalty shootout during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)(Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Georges Mukumbilwa passes the ball down the line during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Georges Mukumbilwa passes the ball down the line during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
New midfielder Steffen Yeates dribbles under pressure during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)New midfielder Steffen Yeates dribbles under pressure during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Practice ended with a penalty shootout at Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24.(Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Practice ended with a penalty shootout at Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24.(Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Head coach James Merriman watches on during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Head coach James Merriman watches on during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Newboy Steffen Yeates dribbles away from fellow midfielder Sean Young during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Newboy Steffen Yeates dribbles away from fellow midfielder Sean Young during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
New striker Adonijah Reid takes a penalty during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)New striker Adonijah Reid takes a penalty during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Players got some running into their legs during a scrimmage, during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)Players got some running into their legs during a scrimmage, during Pacific FC’s pre-season training, held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich on Feb. 24. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)

Pacific FC kicked off preparations for the 2023 Canadian Premier League season with several pre-season training sessions held at the PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) in Saanich.

The practices on Wednesday (Feb. 22) and Friday (Feb. 24) allowed coaches to get a first look at some of the new signings, and also assess some trialists, including U Sports draft picks and members from the club’s Vancouver Island Wave program.

READ MORE: Pacific FC drafts two young defenders

Striker Easton Ongaro said he’s eyeing a championship with his new team. Ongaro scored 25 goals in 55 games with FC Edmonton over a 3-year span.

“I was in Edmonton, where I was at a team that wasn’t very successful. I managed to score some goals, which was good for myself personally, but it’s gonna be nice to be in a team now that has a history of winning matches and has a title behind them, and we’re looking to get another one.”

Also taking to the field was Manny Aparicio who recently re-signed with the team on a club option for the 2023 season. The dynamic midfielder was nominated for the Canadian Premier League’s player of the year.

READ MORE: Pacific FC season-opener pushed back to April 15

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