Friday, Aug. 25: Cascades vs UBC Okanagan Heat, 6 p.m., MRC Recreation Complex
Saturday Aug. 26: Cascades vs Thompson Rivers WolfPack, 4p.m., MRC Recreation Complex
Watch: canadawest.tv
 
Season Preview
The University of the Fraser Valley men's soccer squad takes to the pitch to open their 2023 Canada West season this weekend as they face the UBC Okanagan Heat, and the Thompson Rivers WolfPack.   

After posting a 7-6-2 record, the Cascades saw their 2022 season come to an end with a thrilling 2-1 extra time loss to the Mount Royal Cougars in the Canada West quarterfinals. The Fraser Valley based squad will have new faces step up this season, as six players graduated last year including leading goal scorer Taylor Richardson, and captain Trevor Zanatta.

UFV will rely heavily on the attacking presence of fifth-year player Manpal Brar, second-year Mateo Brazinha, and rookie Kian Proctor to create opportunities up front, while Carson Muter and newly dubbed captain Nicolas Burret will anchor the team's backline. Fourth-year goalkeeper Jackson Cowx will once again stand as the Cascades' last line of defence as they squad looks to clinch the program's third consecutive playoff appearance.

"I'm excited. The boys have worked hard in preseason," noted UFV head coach Tom Lowndes. "Obviously graduating that many players, we have had to adjust roles for some guys compared to last year but they're ready. They have stepped up and shown that they can play."

"Full of energy, enthusiasm, and be difficult to play against," said Lowndes on what he wants to see from his team this weekend. "Hopefully we can show some signs of maturity even though we are going to be a young team."
 
See the Canada West season preview here

Opponents
The Cascades have won four straight, and played six games unbeaten, in Canada west matchups against UBC Okanagan. The Heat finished last season with a 4-7-4 record, good for 6th in the Pacific Division.

Saturday's opponent, TRU, comes in as the defending U SPORTS national champions. After picking up a 7-3-5 record in the regular season, the WolfPack fell in the Canada West quarterfinals but qualified for the national championship tournament as the host team. UFV has one win, one loss, and two draws against TRU in their last four contests.