MSOC: Timberwolves at MacEwan/Lethbridge Preview

Men's Soccer
September 20, 2017

September 23rd, 2017
Canada West Men’s Soccer Preview
UNBC @ MacEwan
12 PM MT


UNBC Timberwolves (2-3-3)
6th in Pacific Division Standings
9 Goals For
10 Goals Against
Goals Leader : Stu Rowlands, Brett Bobier, Tofa Fakunle: 2 Goals
Assists Leader: Tofa Fakunle: 3 Assists
Points Leader : Tofa Fakunle : 5 Points
Saves Leader : Ty Venhola : 32 Saves


Player to Watch:
Dan Goodey, D
The fifth-year veteran does it all for the Timberwolves, and yet flies under the radar. Whether it be stepping up for crucial free kicks or corner kicks, or clamping down defensively, Goodey plays in all situations. Look for him to make a mark on this matchup.

MacEwan Griffins (1-5-0)
6th in Prairie Division Standings
6 Goals For
14 Goals Against
Goals Leader : Lahai Mansaray : 3 Goals
Assists Leader : Cruz, Foster : 1 Assist
Points Leader : Lahai Mansaray : 3 Points
Saves Leader : Dory Elliott : 15 Saves


Player to Watch:
Lahai Mansaray, F
A former National high-jump champion, Mansaray is athletic enough to cause problems for most defenders. Leading the Griffins in points and assists, the third-year midfielder/forward will be a focus for the Timberwolves.


September 24th, 2017
Canada West Men’s Soccer Preview
UNBC @ Lethbridge
2:15 PM MT

UNBC Timberwolves (2-3-3)
6th in Pacific Division Standings
9 Goals For
10 Goals Against
Goals Leader : Stu Rowlands, Brett Bobier, Tofa Fakunle: 2 Goals
Assists Leader : Tofa Fakunle: 3 Assists
Points Leader : Tofa Fakunle : 5 Points
Saves Leader : Ty Venhola : 32 Saves


Player to Watch:
Stu Rowlands, F
What Rowlands lacks in grace, he more than makes up for in power and aggression. At 25 years old, the big forward has scored a pair of goals, and seems to be always around the net. With the TWolves looking to step up their scoring, Rowlands is a candidate to help shoulder that load.


Lethbridge Pronghorns (1-5-2)
5th in Prairie Division Standings
8 Goals For
17 Goals Against
Goals Leader : Point du Jour, Davies : 2 Goals
Assists Leader : Stephen Primeau : 3 Assists
Points Leader : Stephen Primeau : 4 Points
Saves Leader: Nolan French : 38 Saves


Player to Watch:
Nolan French, GK
French has been under fire all season, and currently leads Canada West in saves. A big body, the third-year keeper will need to be on his game to fend off a UNBC attack that went blow for blow with the National Champion Alberta Golden Bears.


Quotes:
UNBC’s Tofa Fakunle


On working towards the Canada West playoffs…
“Why not keep getting better, and hopefully go for that playoff spot that everyone wants so badly? It’s a competitive league, but I think if we keep going, we will be fine.”

On Saturday’s matchup with the Pronghorns…
“They’re new in the league, just like us. They’re a team that will be looking at us saying ‘that’s a game we can win,’ just like we are looking at them saying ‘that’s a result we want.’ They have some speed on the sides and up front, so they’re a tough matchup, but nothing we can’t handle.”


On Sunday’s matchup with the Griffins…
“Lethbridge is a tough team. They work really hard, they don’t give you much, they’re stingy, so we are going to have to come with maximum effort. They bring maximum effort all the time, and some quality as well, so we will have to match their intensity and energy.”

On converting on scoring chances…
“I had a couple chances against Alberta, we had chances against Mount Royal, against Victoria we had a couple chances. It’ll come. Every team has their highs and lows, but once we start putting some away, you’ll see the net continue to fill. It’s something we are aware of and working hard at.”