Zach Wood, Soccer

Zach Wood made the most of a rare opportunity to start his season.

The veteran midfielder scored in both the Brandon University Bobcats men’s soccer games on opening weekend and earned male athlete of the week honours.
The fourth-year physical education student from Morden unleashed a perfect left-footed blast to score the first goal of the Brandon University Bobcats season. It proved crucial in securing a point against the Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges in a 1-1 draw as goals were hard to come by.

Wood scored again as the Bobcats beat the Assiniboine Community College Cougars 5-1 on the road on Sunday.

“There’s lots to say about Zach. He’s a very skilled player and he’s quite thrifty and creative in controlling the midfield and creating scoring opportunities,” said Bobcats head coach Glen McNabb.“When he scored that goal, he was actually on his left foot … It just speaks to his creativity and his skill level.” McNabb added Wood’s calm presence was key on the defensive end while his speed and vision make him a constant threat on the attack.

Brandon’s solid opening weekend drew attention around the country as it was ranked No. 15 in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national rankings.

Les Rouges secured a 3-0 win over the Canadian Mennonite University Blazers on Sunday and were ranked No. 10.

USB returns to action at home on Thursday against the Providence University College Pilots.

CMU hosts ACC on Saturday, then the two head to Brandon for a rematch on Sunday while BU hosts Providence.