Men's Soccer Kicks Off

The PACWEST men’s soccer schedule opens on Saturday with a pair of games.

Douglas Royals @ Langara Falcons – Saturday September 10, 2:15pm – Swangard Stadium | WATCH HERE

WHAT TO WATCH

* The Royals begin their quest for a three-peat as back-to-back PACWEST champions. They lost their first three games last year before going undefeated the rest of the way and allowed just one goal in four playoff games.

* The roster for the Royals is truly international with players from Canada, Italy, India, Chile and the Philippines, all bringing a unique style of play that will need to gel quickly.

* Keeper Jacob McCall returns for this third season after a masterful post season and almost backstopping the Royals to national gold. With his playoff experience and the defence in front of him, goals will be difficult to score.

* The Falcons have already punched their ticket to the national championship as the host, but they will not rest on that. Head coach Marc Rizzardo will have his team competing every single game.

* The #1 keeper position is still one to be determined. Two freshman keeper are trying to win the spot but also continue to be a good and supportive teammate. Either Blake Charlesworth and Nathan Schouls are battling to win their spot as the starter

* A total of four Japanese players have made the Falcons roster including Taku Ota who is in his fourth year of eligibility.

Capilano Blues @ VIU Mariners - Saturday September 10, 3:00pm – Merle Logan Field | WATCH HERE

WHAT TO WATCH

* The Blues were the lone team to miss the playoffs last season and have had plenty of time to reflect and retool in preparation for this season. They will be even hungrier in 2022.

* Former All-Canadian and lethal goal scorer Adrian Sahagun returns for his final year. He hasn’t played in the PACWEST since 2019 when he was named the PACWEST leading goal scorer, Conference All-Star, team MVP an All-Canadian.

* This is a veteran laced team with five-fifth year players. None of them however are keepers as Kia Ahmadpour and Amin Manaf are first year players and Marcus Biagi is in his second season.

* The Mariners have a new head coach as Kevin Lindo has moved over from the women’s program and is ready to take on the new challenge

* There are seven new athletes to join the Mariners this season, all looking to make an immediate impact

* In goal Kevin Picard will bring is calm, cool demeanor back to the Mariners and has the ability to steal a game or two during the regular season.