For week two of the 2022 Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) soccer season, all five teams are in action. There are four matches over five days with the week ending on September 18. All results and standings listed at:mcacathletics.ca website.
Women’s soccer:
Sept. 14: Brandon University (BU) Bobcats at Assiniboine Community College Cougars (ACC) Cougars – 5:30 pm CT start
This the first match of the season for the Cougars (0-0-0) as they look for their first win of the season in front of the hometown fans. The Bobcats (0-0-1) seek to rebound from a home loss to start this season in week one and move up the conference standings. BU is also at number 15 in the latest Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national rankings.
Sept. 17: Providence University College (PUC) Pilots at Brandon University (BU) Bobcats – 3:15 pm CT start
Second match in four days for Brandon as they host Providence and want to earn their first home win of this season. The Pilots (1-0-0) are in second place and go on the road for the first time this year. This meeting is also a rematch of the 2021 championship semi-final when BU won 1-0 in extra time.
Sept. 17: ACC Cougars at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers – 3:15 pm CT start
This is also the second match in four days for Assiniboine Community College as they travel to Winnipeg to play CMU. The Blazers (0-0-2) had a tough week one and would like to right the ship with a home victory in week two.
Sept. 18: Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) Les Rouges at PUC Pilots – 3:15 pm CT start
For the third consecutive match, Les Rouges (2-0-0) will be on the road. The defending champs are also first in the MCAC standings and at number eight in the latest CCAA national rankings. USB are led by conference goal scoring leader and MCAC Athlete of the Week winner Sara Boissonneault. The Pilots will look to vault into first place with a home victory and play their second game in back-to-back days.
Men’s soccer:
zach Wood
Sept. 14: Brandon University (BU) Bobcats at Assiniboine Community College Cougars (ACC) Cougars – 5:30 pm CT start
In the first game of the season for ACC (0-0-0), they would like the hometown crowd cheer on a ‘W’ to start 2022. The defending MCAC champs Bobcats (0-0-1) play their cross-town rival and look to rebound from a home loss to start this season in week one and move up the conference standings.
Sept. 17: Providence University College (PUC) Pilots at Brandon University (BU) Bobcats – 1 pm CT start
Brandon stays in the city as they play second match in four days, for as they host Providence and want to earn their first home win of this season. The Pilots (1-0-0) want to continue their winning ways in this young season and are in second place.
Sept. 17: ACC Cougars at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers – 1 pm CT start
This is also the second match in four days for the Cougars as they travel to Winnipeg to play the Blazers. CMU (0-0-2) are seeking their first win of the season after a tough week one.
Sept. 18: Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) Les Rouges at PUC Pilots – 1 pm CT start
Les Rouges (2-0-0) are on the road for their third straight match. USB are also first in the MCAC standings and sit at number eight in the latest CCAA national rankings. Les Rouges had MCAC Athlete of the Week winner Jordi Haskerkehrer be recognized in his rookie season opener games in week one. The Pilots will look to vault into first place with a home victory and play their second game in consecutive days.
What a start to the brand new season. The 2022 Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) women’s soccer season began with the defending champs Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) Les Rouges picking up right where they left with two victories. Striker Sara Boissonneault led the team on the scoresheet during a strong performance in week one.
The fourth year veteran scored a whopping six goals in back-to-back wins on September 11 and 12.
To begin the campaign, Boissonneault scored twice in a rematch of the 2021 conference championship on the road against Brandon University (BU) Bobcats and helped Les Rouges to a hard fought 5-2 victory.
The next day, USB played their second consecutive road game as they traveled back to Winnipeg and the 2021 MCAC Women’s Soccer All-Conference continued to shine. Boissonneault netted four more goals in just the first half of a 7-0 road win over Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers on Sept. 11.
“Sara is a smart, quick, confident, talented and hard working student-athlete. All these traits were on full display this weekend; Sara had and amazing start to her season,” commented USB head coach Justin Légaré. “She not only scored six goals in the two victories, but Sara also helped set up her teammates for a few goals. We are thrilled with her hot start over the first two games and excited to see what she can accomplish this season.”
Les Rouges vaults to the top of the league standing with a 2-0-0 record.
The Winnipeg native and Nursing student-athlete will have some time to prepare for week two as USB play at Providence University College (PUC) Pilots on Sunday, Sept. 18 with kick-off at 3:15 p.m. CT.
To commence the 2022 MCAC men’s soccer season, the Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) Les Rouges pulled off an upset and two road wins for week one. Rookie defender Jordi Haskerkehrer was a key part of a successful start to the year.
In the first match, USB traveled to the Wheat City and defeated the defending champs Brandon University Bobcats (BU) by a 4-3 margin and reversed the final result when the same two teams met in the 2021 conference championship semi-finals.
The next day, Les Rouges put up a clean sheet with a 2-0 road win over Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers on Sept. 11.
Haskerkehrer’s presence and leadership on the back line was on full display this weekend during the two victories. In his first MCAC regular season matches, he was strong on the back line and had several key defensive plays throughout both matches.
“Jordi dominated this weekend. Even though he was new in the team, the leadership he showed was remarkable,” stated Les Rouges head coach Seif Dhaoui. “I am very happy to have him on this talented Rouges squad.”
Les Rouges stands atop the conference standing with a perfect 2-0-0 record.
The Winnipeg native and University One student-athlete will now prep for week two as USB plays at Providence University College (PUC) Pilots on Sunday, Sept. 18 with first kick at 1 p.m. CT.
MCAC Athlete of the Week winners for 2022-23 season
Opening days for four of the five teams. There are three matches over the first two days of soccer matches to start the 2022 Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) soccer season during week one ending on September 11.
Women’s soccer:
Sept. 10: Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers at Providence University College (PUC) Pilots – 3:15 pm CT start
To start the 2022 campaign, both teams continue their rivalry from last year as PUC (0-0-0) won last year’s season opener by a 5-0 score. CMU (0-0-0) looks to reverse the result this time around.
Sept. 10: Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) Les Rouges at Brandon University (BU) Bobcats – 3:15 pm CT start
A rematch of the 2021 MCAC championship final playoff game begins the 2022 campaign for these two teams. Les Rouges (0-0-0) won that championship match by a hard fought 2-0 win and should expect the same close result for this year as Brandon (0-0-0) seeks to change the result this time around.
Sept. 11: USB Les Rouges at CMU Blazers – 3:15 pm CT start
The second match of the weekend for both teams. Depending on first game result, one of these teams could be looking at a two game win streak and a maximum of six points to start week one. The defending champs USB Les Rouges will have an opportunity for their another road victory while the Blazers is looking for a ‘W’ in front of the hometown fans in their season home opener.
Men’s soccer:
Sept. 10: CMU Blazers at PUC Pilots – 1 pm CT start
A rematch of the 2021 MCAC semi-final playoff game to start 2022 for these two teams. CMU (0-0-0) won that post-season match by a hard fought 1-0 win and should expect the same close result for this year as PUC (0-0-0) seeks to change the result this time around.
Sept. 10: USB Les Rouges at BU Bobcats – 1 pm CT start
Another rematch of the 2021 MCAC semi-final playoff game begins the 2022 campaign for these two teams. The Bobcats (0-0-0) won that post-season match by a tight 2-1 win and should be the same competitive result for this year as Les Rouges (0-0-0) seeks to reverse the result this time around.
Sept. 11: USB Les Rouges at CMU Blazers – 1 pm CT start
The second match of the weekend for both teams. Depending on first game result, one of these teams could be looking at a two game win streak and a maximum of six points to start week one. Last year’s championship finalist CMU Blazers will have an opportunity for their first home win while USB plays their second consecutive road match.
The Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) women’s soccer season should prove to be another competitive year as all five team battle to be named conference champions at the end of October and then continue to the Nationals as being MCAC’s second representative at Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Soccer Nationals hosted by Champlain College Saint-Lambert from November 9-12, 2022 in Saint-Lambert, QC.
Coming into this exciting season, the Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) Les Rouges will seek to defend their MCAC championship won in 2021 and looks for a three-peat performance. The other four MCAC women’s soccer teams are expected to be up for the challenge and compete hard for the MCAC title in another hard-fought games on the pitch during the upcoming 2022 campaign.
Assiniboine Community College Cougars (ACC)
Head coach: Kate Broadhead, 1st season as head coach, (assistant coach for previous five MCAC seasons)
Number of total team members to start the season: 17
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 0-0-12; 5th place in regular season; did not qualify for MCAC playoffs
Last MCAC championship: none
Total MCAC championships: none
Season Preview with head coaches comments:
What games does the coach look forward to most. “I look forward to our games against CMU and St. Boniface. In the previous years they have been a closer game and provide a challenge to the cougars when playing on the turf. Without access to turf in Brandon to practice on, it presents a new experience for the athletes and tests their adaptability to field conditions.”
What games does the coach feel will be a challenge and/or circled on the calendar.“Our season opens off with a game vs. BU – these games are often more intense since there double the crowd watching and many girls know each other from various leagues.”
What does the coach expect from the League this year (i.e. competition, teams to watch for, etc.).“I anticipate that the competition to be on par with previous seasons. Covid caused many athletes to fall away from the sport, while others have been waiting for the right time to get back into school and have trained hard to make up for lost time.”
What are the challenges they expect with the season. “As always, challenges with a quick starting season remains numbers for ACC. Each year produces an entirely new team, which forces the athletes to learn fast and train harder. Fall weather can hinder athletic abilities and is often the reason players acquire injuries easier. Hoping for a mild fall and no injuries.”
What are the team goals, expectations for the upcoming season /looking forward to. “Our team goal is to make it into Final 4, then to compete as best we can. As always I look forward to watching the athletes improve their skills and become a tight knit family. ACC does not have the best track record, but athletes time and time again boast of their worth-while time being a student-athlete.”
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why “Tonielle Bachewich is a returning player from a few seasons prior. She is a poised and smart player, which will bring much knowledge to the team. She is a hard worker and dedicated player. Tonielle players center-mid, controlling the offensive attacks and assisting our defense.”
Who is your team captains this year Megan Beswitherick (Center Defence), Madison Kilburn (Goalkeeper)
Final comment/quote from the head coach. “I am very excited for yet another year on the coaching side of things. I have a great group of girls that show great passion for the sport. Our team consists of senior players and new athletes fresh from high school. With a mix of players from various backgrounds, it is always rewarding seeing them bond and work with each other regardless of the game outcomes.”
Brandon University Bobcats (BU)
Head coach: Danielle Sanjenko, 2nd year as head coach
Key Losses: Kira Ireson (Forward), Helen Langrehr (Midfield)
Number of total team members to start the season: 20
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 9-1-2; 2nd place in regular season; MCAC finalist (1-0 extra time win over PUC in semis; 2-0 loss to USB in Championship Final)
Last MCAC championship: 2017
Total MCAC championships: 2 (2017, 2016)
Season Preview:
The Bobcats women’s soccer team came within striking distance of capturing the program’s first conference championship on home field last season. The squad will be looking to bring the MCAC league banner back to the HLC when the final games are played here in Brandon as ACC hosts the league Final Four set for October 29-30.
After a thrilling semi-final win at the HLC last October, the team came just short in the final against St. Boniface. The disappointment of not qualifying for CCAA nationals lasted just minutes however, as the focus immediately shifted to getting the job done in 2022.
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why Kylie Van De Woestyne. Last year’s team MVP finished second in the team in scoring, but it was her all-around game that made the conference all-star standout. Van de Woestyne’s ability to control the game and defensive presence made her one of the most dominant players in the league. That combined with a cannon for a right foot, Van de Woestyne’s net presence and talent on corner kicks make her a league all-star candidate again this season.
Number of total team members to start the season: 20
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 3-1-8; 4th place in regular season; MCAC semi-finalist (5-0 loss to USB in semis)
Last MCAC championship: 2018
Total MCAC championships: 2 (2018, 2009)
Season Preview with head coaches comments:
What games does the coach look forward to most. “We enjoy playing against USB, they’ll have a strong squad this year but our games with them always seem to feature really nice, disciplined, and organized soccer.”
What games does the coach feel will be a challenge and/or circled on the calendar.“We’ve had some trouble playing at Providence the last couple seasons so that will be a challenge for us. And of course, our home opener will be a big moment.”
What does the coach expect from the League this year (i.e. competition, teams to watch for, etc.).“I think that recruiting across all schools has been really impressive this year so I think the level of play will be quite high. A few key additions at USB will probably make them a team to watch, but there’s been some notable pick-ups at all schools.”
What are the challenges they expect with the season. “The 12-game season can be a grind, if any injuries pop up its too much of a “sprint” season to really recover. We’ve got a very heavy schedule in October, but our athletes have been working hard this off-season to prepare physically.”
What are the team goals, expectations for the upcoming season /looking forward to. “Our goal this season is to improve on our 4th place finish last year. We have some learning goals of improving our movement, decision-making, and execution in attacking this year.”
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why “Tiegan Kroeker continues to be a driver on our team. She will be a key performer in the midfield. She has unbelievable endurance and creativity on the field, and her shot makes her dangerous as soon as we get into the attacking third.
Who is your team captains this year Tiegan Kroeker
Final comment/quote from the head coach. “I can’t wait to see some amazing MCAC soccer this Fall. These athletes do so much on and off the field all year to play at the university level, that watching them having a great time together during games seems like such a nice reward.”
Providence University College Pilots (PUC)
Head coach: Tory Walker, 7th season as head coach.
Keys for the team from head coach perspective:
Key Additions: Milina Dueck (High level club player E&E Sports ), Ameika de Klein (Fusion FC leading scorer), Sarah Friesen (FCNW Strong defender)
Key Returnee: Jessica Waytiuk (Centre Mid and Captain), Paige Heide (Centre Mid and MCAC-All Conference), Chloe Jahn (Centre Mid and Captain), Ava Temple (Strong Center Defence)
Key Losses: none
Number of total team members to start the season: 19 rostered right now
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 7-0-5; 3rd place in regular season; MCAC semi-finalist (1-0 extra time loss to BU in semis)
Last MCAC championship: 2014
Total MCAC championships: 4 (2014, 2013, 2012, 2008)
Season Preview with head coach comments:
What games does the coach look forward to most. “As a coach, I am looking forward to seeing how our team grows together. I’m excited to challenge them and see how they come together as a group.”
What games does the coach feel will be a challenge and/or circled on the calendar.“Our home opener each year is a huge event for us here at Providence. Our aviation program organizes a huge fly over during this event and our stands and fields are full of fans. Its just such a great atmosphere and is always a huge highlight.”
What does the coach expect from the League this year (i.e. competition, teams to watch for, etc.).“As always I expect the competition to continue to grow and get better. The beginning of the year is exciting to see who is going to be the hardest to beat.”
What are the challenges they expect with the season. “USB Coach Justin Légaré has built such a strong program and are always a hard team to play. I expect that to stay the same.”
What are the team goals, expectations for the upcoming season /looking forward to.“My goal for this group and any team I coach is to be the hardest working team.”
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why “Ava Temple is one of the strongest centre backs in the league and will be a force to contend with. Paige Heide is a threat offensively from anywhere on the pitch.”
Who is your team captains this year – Jessica Waytiuk & Chloe Jahn are our captains now for the past three years. They are entering in their final season.
A comment/quote from team captain“The team and I are super stoked to be back for a full season once again and are excited for some good competition this year.” – Chloe Jahn
Final comment/quote from the head coach. “I am really excited to get going, this group is going to be a lot of fun to coach and I think has loads of potential. Our team has been building and getting better both on and off the field each year. These young women are eager and excited to grow together and I think this may be the most fun year yet.”
Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges (USB)
Head coach: Tonya Derkson and Justin Légaré – Co-head coaches
Keys for the team from head coach perspective:
Key Additions: We have not only added some key additions on the player side of things but also in the coaching side of things. Adding Tonya Derkson as Co-head coach this season will help us elevate our game even further. She brings lots of experience and great energy to the team.
We have added a goalkeeper with U SPORTS experience Camille Forbes. She brings some much valuable experience to the team and is extremely talented. She is vocal and excited to make her mark in the MCAC.
Another player that will be joining us this season has 4 seasons of U SPORTS experience. Chantal Boulet brings leadership quality and some high-level experience. A talented player that will help us strengthen our back line and the middle of the pitch.
Another addition is Marlene Zarychta who with her skill set will help us boost our offensive game. She is extremely talented and will be a nightmare for anyone trying to defend her. She has great foot work, vision, and a good shot and I am excited for her to share her talents in the MCAC.
Marijka Yashysshyn a name which might be familiar to some as she has competed in the MCAC and proved to be one of the better players in the league for years. We are excited to have her with us and early on its clear her talents help life the play of her new teammates around her.
Key Returnee: With have many key returning players. The first might be the most decorated MCAC female soccer athlete to date. Katie Moniot, a team leader, our captain, and a player to keep an eye out for once again this season. She is focused and excited for this her final season in the MCAC.
Sara Boissonnealt who finished second in scoring in the MCAC last year will definitely keep defenders on their toes again this year. One of the most talented players in the MCAC we are excited to see her play with the new additions we have brought in this season.
Sophie Morham (Midfield) has a high game IQ and the talent to play multiple rolls for the team. Definitely a player that will be important for us again this season.
Jade Lopez will be an important key to our season in holding that midfield helping the team win balls and with keeping possession and distribution. A talented midfield player with great vision and great feet.
The speedy and strong Steph Jones will also be a key returning player who will keep defenders busy with her pace and finishing abilities!
No secret our back line is one of our strengths and returning this year are fullback’s Tara Boulanger and Melanie Chaput and center back Kalyna Demare. Talented and hard working they will be important to any future teams’ successes.
Key Losses: We lost a few key players from last year all-star goalie Daneige Edey and center back Cass Nazeravich. They will be great missed, but they have both committed to helping out at team sessions this season
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 9-2-1; 7-0-5; 1st place in regular season; MCAC Champions (5-0 win over CMU in semis; 2-0 win over BU in Championship Final)
Last MCAC championship: 2021
Total MCAC championships: 2 (2021, 2019)
Season Preview with head coach comments:
What games does the coach look forward to most. “We are just excited to get started again and to build on what have accomplished in the past few seasons. We are excited about all the games..”
What games does the coach feel will be a challenge and/or circled on the calendar. “We are not taking anyone lightly and will bring our best at each and every game..”
What does the coach expect from the League this year (i.e. competition, teams to watch for, etc.).“The league is getting stronger each year and that will be important for the MCAC team so we can strengthen our league and help us compete with the strong teams at Nationals.”
What are the challenges they expect with the season. “Like any MCAC season one of the biggest challenges in how condensed our season is. We want to keep everyone healthy and playing at a high level.”
What are the team goals, expectations for the upcoming season /looking forward to. “We obviously want to defend our championship and earn another chance to represent the MCAC at Nationals again this season.”
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why “The addition of Tonya as Co-Head Coach is exciting and will helps us reach new heights.”
Who is your team captains this year Katie Moniot (midfield)
Final comment/quote from the head coach. “We are excited to see our team compete and express themselves on the field and continue to grow as a group.”
The Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) men’s soccer championship will see all five teams battle for the trophy and become the MCAC’s second representative at Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Soccer Nationals hosted by Langara College from Nov. 9-12, 2022 in Langley, BC.
Embarking on another action packed season, the Brandon University (BU) Bobcats will seek to defend their MCAC championship won in 2021 and looks for a three-peat performance. The competition expects to be fierce from other men’s soccer teams on the pitch looking to hoist the conference title during the upcoming 2022 year.
Assiniboine Community College Cougars (ACC)
Head coach: Chris McLachlan, 2nd year as head coach
Keys for the team from head coach perspective:
Key Additions: Theo Manias (Striker), Paulo Pinto (Midfield), Hesmeider Realas (Midfield), Roberto Alonzo (Defence), Christian Buck (Defence), Gerardo Alas Donado (Goaltender)
Key Returnee: Nick Eu (Midfield), Greg Eu (Defence/Midfield)
Key Losses: Jafet Sandoval (Midfield), Kevin Cruz (Midfield), David Castellanos (Defence)
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 0-0-12; 5th place in regular season; did not qualify for MCAC playoffs
Last MCAC championship: none
Total MCAC championships: none
Season Preview with head coach comments:
What games does the coach look forward to most. “First game (against BU); always excited to get back onto the field and see how we stack up against MCAC competition.”
What games does the coach feel will be a challenge and/or circled on the calendar.“Oct 1-2 against Providence; first back-to-back, especially on our own field.”
What does the coach expect from the League this year (i.e. competition, teams to watch for, etc.). “As always the level of competition will be high, and we are excited to see where our team fits into this mix. It will be interesting to see how Brandon University comes out after winning the league last year with some changes to their line-up.”
What are the challenges they expect with the season. “Trying to stay healthy is always a challenge (playing 12 games in a short time frame can be tough on the players).”
What are the team goals, expectations for the upcoming season /looking forward to.“Getting into the playoffs.”
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why “Paulo Pinto – very experienced high-level player from Brazil, hoping will help a young team, Gerardo Alas Donado – impressed by his athletic ability in net, and his vocal leadership from the back. He has produced many timely saves already in pre-season play.”
Who is your team captains this year Theo Manias (Striker), Roberto Alonzo (Defence)
A comment/quote from team captain “I will do my best to help the team this season to get us into a position to make the playoffs; I really want us to be successful this year, and I feel like we can do that.” – Theo Manias
“I think we have a good team to compete with this year. There is a lot of work still needed to be put in to accomplish our goal of winning the league, but with effort and focus it can be done.” – Roberto Alonzo
Final comment/quote from the head coach. “We have been really excited with the new players we have been able to add to our roster in the off season. We have already seen a lot of progress in our pre-season, both on and off the field, and we are looking forward to seeing how we stack up to this year’s MCAC competition.”
Brandon University Bobcats (BU)
Head coach: Glen McNabb, 3rd year as head coach
Keys for the team from head coach perspective:
Key Additions: Victor Lamb (Midfield), Matheus Ruffini (Forward)
Key Returnee: Juan Camilo Rodriguez (Midfield)
Key Losses:Diego Rodriguez (Midfield)
Number of total team members to start the season: 20
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 9-1-2; 2nd place in regular season; MCAC Champions (2-1 win over USB in semis; 4-0 win over CMU in Championship Final)
Last MCAC championship: 2021
Total MCAC championships: 2 (2021, 2019)
Season Preview:
Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history hasn’t stopped the Brandon Bobcats from preparing for another hard-fought campaign.
After earning the first league championship at home and booking the program’s first appearance at CCAA Nationals, the team will have a slightly younger line-up than year’s past, but if last year’s group of rookie and sophomore players have a repeat of last year the program should be in good hands.
Losing MCAC All-Star goal keeper Ryder Anthony for the season due to injury means the team will have to play solid defensively to earn another league title and book a return trip to the national tournament.
This year’s player to watch is coming off an outstanding rookie season but is hungry to prove he is only just beginning. Juan Camilo Rodriguez led the league in scoring but was not named a league all-star following last year’s campaign. Seeing older brother Diego named league MVP and both lifting the league championship trophy together has the younger brother motivated to further his name this season.
The younger Rodriguez scored timely and critical goals last season and will be leaned on to shoulder even more of the load this season. His passion for the game, much like his older brother, is unmistakable. Camilo’s hungry to make his own name and when he sees the accomplishments of his brother, he doesn’t have to look far to find motivation to leave his own mark on the program.
Rodriguez and the Bobcats open the season at home on September 10 against St. Boniface
Canadian Mennonite University Blazers (CMU)
Head coach: Anderson Pereira, 4th year as head coach
Keys for the team from head coach perspective:
Key Additions: Noah Schindel (Centre Back)
Key Returnee: Matheus Aquino (Winger) and Micheal Ladell (Midfielder)
Key Losses: Daniel McIntyre (Centre Back), Will Anderson ((Midfielder)
Number of total team members to start the season: 20
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 4-1-7; 4th place in regular season; MCAC Finalists (1-0 win over PUC in semis; 4-0 loss to BU in Championship Final)
Last MCAC championship: 2018
Total MCAC championships: 1 (2018)
Season Preview with head coach comments:
What games does the coach look forward to most. “All of them will be important this season.”
What games does the coach feel will be a challenge and/or circled on the calendar.“Playoffs for sure.”
What does the coach expect from the League this year (i.e. competition, teams to watch for, etc.).“All the teams have been building and getting better each year so we expect a very high level and good competition.”
What are the challenges they expect with the season. “Season is short and with lots of games so making sure everyone stay healthy and ready to play so many games in two months is always challenging.”
What are the team goals, expectations for the upcoming season /looking forward to.“We are always looking first to make it to the playoffs and then preparing to fight for the title as usual.”
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why“Matheus Aquino (Winger) had a very good first season for us but unfortunately he got hurt midway through the season last year, this year we hope he can stay healthy and show his full potential.”
Who is your team captains this year We are still considering a few options.
Final comment/quote from the head coach. “We have been really excited with the new players we have been able to add to We are looking forward to do our best for another season. Our team has been challenging for the championship every season and we want to make sure this season is no different. We are all focus and with the same goal in mind.”
Key Returnee: Giovanni Benitez (Forward), Garreth Rayner (Midfield), Sean Kirkpatrick (Defender)
Number of total team members to start the season: 19
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 9-2-1; 1st place in regular season; MCAC semi-finalist (1-0 loss to CMU in semis)
Last MCAC championship: 2013
Total MCAC championships: 4 (2013, 2012, 2009, 2008)
Season Preview with head coach comments:
What games does the coach look forward to most. “I’m looking forward to playing every game. Every game is important. No one game has any more significance.”
What games does the coach feel will be a challenge and/or circled on the calendar.“I anticipate every game to be a challenge and so I do not have any one game circled on my calendar.”
What does the coach expect from the League this year (i.e. competition, teams to watch for, etc.). “Not sure. First year with the team.”
What are the challenges they expect with the season. “A tough schedule with challenging games. Playing a team 3 times in one season is not ideal. Conference should take another look at this.”
What are the team goals, expectations for the upcoming season /looking forward to.“We expect to compete for a conference championship.”
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why“Our two captains are returning players so I expect and demand a lot from them. Giovanni Benitez will play a key role in our forward line and is expected to be involved in most of our attacking plays. Sean Kirkpatrick will be the anchor on defence. I expect him to show a lot of leadership on and off the field.”
Who is your team captains this year Giovanni Benitez (Forward), Sean Kirkpatrick (Defender)
A comment/quote from returning players “The team this year is already showing signs of good things to come. Working hard and having a good mentality will help us reach our goals this year” – Giovanni (Gio) Benitez
“I’m super excited for this year, the potential I see with this group is limitless. We have solid returners and solid freshmen. I will expect big things from us by the time the end of October comes around.” – Sean Kirkpatrick
Final comment/quote from the head coach. “Our team is young comprised of more first year players than returning players. However, I believe we have the experience of our returning players and the talent of our new players to make a serious run for a conference championship.”
Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges (USB)
Head coach: Seifeddine Dhaoui
Keys for the team from head coach perspective::
Key Additions: Mohamed Osnou Yobouet (Midfielder)
Key Returnee: Ibrahim Bezzahou (Striker)
Key Losses: Phil St Cyr (Midfielder), Mohamed Bezzahou (Striker)
Number of total team members to start the season: 22
Record and MCAC championship history:
2021 MCAC regular season record and placing: 6-0-6; 3rd place in regular season; MCAC semi-finalist (2-1 loss to BU in semis)
Last MCAC championship: 2017
Total MCAC championships: 4 (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
Season Preview with head coach comments:
What games does the coach look forward to most. “Every game is important. But I am looking forward to play in the final this year.”
What games does the coach feel will be a challenge and/or circled on the calendar.“The first game will be challenging as we play BU which is very good team but I am also missing key players for this game”
What does the coach expect from the League this year (i.e. competition, teams to watch for, etc.). “Expect the league to play the semi-final and final in a turf field not in BU, because one it is on their favour, they know the field more than the rest of the teams and the field is super small, I am pretty sure, the field doesn’t respect the regular size for a soccer field.”
What are the challenges they expect with the season. “A tough schedule with challenging games.”
What are the team goals, expectations for the upcoming season /looking forward to.“We expect to compete for a conference championship.”
Please name a key performer for this upcoming year and why“Ibrahim Bezzahou the captain of the team and very good player and leader in the team and Mohamed Osnou, our new recruitment which will add a lot of value to the team in the midfielder.”
Who is your team captains this year Ibrahim Bezzahou
Final comment/quote from the head coach. ““I am happy with the commitment and the attitude the players are having so far. They really want to go to national which will make my job easy because they have that hunger, I need them to have. Our team has a good mix of young players and veterans that will hopefully be competitive enough and get to the final and then it will always come up to which team wants it more. I am not sure how bad the other teams want it, but my team wants it really bad.”
Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference 