Pacific FC signs former FC Edmonton defender Amer Didic

2022-02-09

Charlie O’Connor-Clarke, Digital Content Editor (@charliejclarke)

Pacific FC announced on Wednesday that they’ve bolstered their defence significantly, signing former FC Edmonton centre-back Amer Didic for the upcoming CPL season.

The 27-year-old defender has been one of the best at his position in three CPL seasons, making 48 appearances for the Eddies in total. Didic, who was born in Bosnia but raised in Edmonton, was the focal point of FCE’s backline the past three years, using his six-foot-four frame to provide a towering presence in both penalty areas. In 2021, Didic led the CPL in both interceptions (57) and clearances (147), finishing fourth in aerial duels won as well.

Didic also contributed significantly to Edmonton’s attacking set-piece threat, scoring three goals with his head from corner kicks in 2021.

Prior to signing with his hometown pro club, Didic spent several years on the books at MLS side Sporting Kansas City, where he played primarily for USL affiliate Swope Park Rangers. He saw some minutes with the first team during the 2016 Concacaf Champions League, playing against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Trinidadian team Central FC. Prior to his stint at SKC, Didic played college soccer for Baker University.

Didic is also on the Canadian national team radar, having earned multiple call-ups to John Herdman’s senior squad following impressive play in the CPL. He made his debut in January 2020, playing against Barbados and Iceland — and scoring his first international goal with a trademark header.

This is the first new signing the Tridents have made for 2022, with Didic joining a defensive group that already includes Thomas Meilleur-Giguère and Kunle Dada-Luke. With previous first-choice centre-back Lukas MacNaughton recently moving to MLS with Toronto FC, coach James Merriman will be hoping Didic can fill the considerable void at the back as his club begins its championship defence.

In total, the 2021 CPL champions now have 11 players confirmed for their roster this year, with key players like Manny Aparicio, Callum Irving, and Jamar Dixon all returning.