Pacific FC Signs Baldisimo To New Deal

Pacific FC original Matthew Baldisimo will be back with Pacific FC for the 2022 CPL season.

The 24-year-old midfielder had already quietly been confirmed to return, with today’s announcement revealing that he has signed a new deal with the reigning champions.

Baldisimo has made 41 appearances for the Tridents since joining ahead of the inaugural season, though his input last season was limited to just seven appearances through injury.

The Vancouver Whitecaps Residency product first arrived to the club after spending several seasons with the MLS side’s former USL affiliates, the Whitecaps FC 2 and Fresno FC. His first season with Pacific saw him establish himself as a squad regular with a high ceiling, and he followed that up with a good campaign at The Island Games in 2020.

Matthew has played in a variety of midfield positions throughout his time in purple, and recently even took to the pitch as a centre-back for the west coast team.

The club had earlier ascribed that the return of players like Baldisimo and Bustos would feel like new signings after their absences next year, with both players now expected to play significant roles in the club’s title defense.

Last season also saw Matthew Baldisimo accept a call up to the Philippines national team, though a paperwork issue prevented his debut in May. He was recalled to national duty in November, but had to withdraw from the squad due to his ongoing injury.

Pacific FC has now confirmed six returning players for the 2022 CPL season, with Matthew Baldisimo returning alongside Alejandro Diaz, Jamar Dixon, Callum Irving, Thomas Meilleur-Giguere, and Josh Heard.

Of the above players, only Matthew Baldisimo is a club original.

The Pacific roster is in the midst of some significant change, with Lukas MacNaughton signing with Toronto FC and Kadin Chung trialing with the MLS side, whilst a number of other departures have already been confirmed – including core players Terran Campbell and Alessandro Hojabrpour.

The length or financial details of Matthew’s new contract with Pacific FC was not disclosed by the club.