The Martlet

Last season was a huge success for UVic’s men’s soccer squad. But whether or not they will be able to keep that momentum going this fall remains to be seen, especially with the loss of some vetran squad members.

The Vikes ended last season with an 8-5-1 record in their conference, and made another trip to the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championships where, despite a tough loss to the University of Toronto, they finished strong, coming in at fifth place in the country.

“I thought we did very well last season,” said head coach Bruce Wilson. “We won the Canada West championships and in the CIS championships, we only lost to Toronto by one goal.”

WIlson’s players seem to agree.

“Getting knocked out of the Nationals so early was difficult,” said second-year midfielder Andrew Ravenhill, “but I think it says something to win the Canada West championships.”

Among the challenges for the Vikes last season was the fierce competition within their conference. “Just winning our own conference was an achievement as we had to overcome some outstanding teams,” Ravenhill said.

Last season’s team was highlighted by a few select all-stars, including forward Cole McFarlane. Keeping their winning ways this year may prove problematic for the Vikes, as they will have to do without the likes of McFarlane and other integral players who have now graduated. While the loss of all this talent will definitely hurt the team, the Vikes aren’t ready to call 2010-2011 a rebuilding year yet.

“Goals this year will have to come from everyone, not just me and the attacking midfielders,” said third-year forward Jordie Oberg, “ We will be stronger because we know we will have to push ourselves forward and attack as a team instead of relying on a few individuals, since we have been spoiled in prior years to have someone like McFarlane who can change the game very quickly.”

Also leaving is all-star goalkeeper Dan Kilpatrick, who led the conference last season in save percentage. Stepping into this huge void is backup keeper Eliot Mitrou, a second-year player who seems more than capable of excelling in his new role.

“Mitrou’s going to be a very good goalkeeper for us, he’s just going to need game time,” said Wilson, “and Kilpatrick is going to stay on as our goalkeeper coach, so Mitrou will be able to learn even more from him.”

Mitrou not only has his coach’s high praises, but his teammates also have nothing but the utmost confidence in him to help lead them this year. Oberg calls Mitrou “a natural athlete” and praises the young goalkeepers maturity. “He brings a lot of morale to the team,” Oberg adds.

Mitrou has had time to watch and learn from Kilpatrick and with him coaching the goalies this year I believe all of our goalies will progress greatly from his experience and his coaching.”

The team will need some time to build chemistry between all the young incoming talent: there are no fourth or fifth year students to rely on for stability this season. Without old veteran leadership, success for the Vikes rests heavily on youth to stay competitive in the tough Canada West Conference. While the ultimate goal is always to win the CIS Championships, the Vikes know they need to stay focused to even repeat last years success.

“As a team we are going to have to go into every game expecting a fight and expecting to have to do the work necessary to win,” said Ravenhill. “We can’t afford to underestimate teams and we’ll have to be ready for the challenges that the league will undoubtedly offer.”

The season kicks off on September 2nd against Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, and the Vikes first game at home will be against University of Alberta on September 25th here at Centennial Stadium.

To check out the Vikes’ men’s soccer 2010/2011 schedule, visit vikes.uvic.ca