Joshua StorieIf you said that the University of Alberta Golden Bears soccer team was the team to beat in Canada West this year, not many people would dispute you.
The Bears finished with an 8-4 record this year, placing second only due to a winless last weekend of the season, marking the only time this season they’ve lost consecutive games.
Head coach Len Vickery said his team’s strong play has come down to their depth as a squad.
“The reason we’ve been able to do well is that we’ve been able to draw upon the full squad of players, not just the starting 11,” Vickery said.
“For us to be doing well, it speaks to the strength of the squad, because we’ve been missing some key players in the lineup, but other (players) have stepped in and kept us moving in the right direction.”
The Bears will host the University of Fraser Valley Cascades in their quarterfinal match. The Cascades finished third in the Pacific Division this year, with a record of 5-4-3. Despite the fact that they’re hosting a lower seeded team, Vickery said that a win definitely isn’t guaranteed.
“Each and every quarterfinal be very competitive,” Vickery said.
Vickery also noted that he thought the Bears did have an advantage because they would be hosting a game.
“We won’t have the extra hardship of having to travel to the coast and play a team that we haven’t seen all year,” Vickery said.
The Bears have found success with a solid, all around game this year, as they lead the Prairie Division in goals scored, while also tying for the fewest goals surrendered.
Vickery highlighted the play of both Mohamed Teliani and Niko Saler as keys to his team’s offensive production.
“Both of (them) are featuring in the top of CIS when it comes to goals and assists,” Vickery said.
Teliani finished the year with eight goals and 12 points overall, ranking him fifth in overall scoring in Canada West, while Saler led all of Canada West with nine assists on the year, to go along with two goals of his own, all from his left back position.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears were anchored this year by fifth year defender C.J. Gilroy, as well as Saler, and with defensive midfielder Tim Hickson currently sidelined with an injury, Vickery said that first year defender Cameron Sjerve has also been able to step into a more regular role on the team.
In terms of their approach heading into the playoffs, Vickery said that it isn’t really much different than during the regular season.
“Each and every game, whether we have injuries or not, we want to set a high standard for ourselves, and approach each and every game in that consistent manner,” Vickery said. “Everything is in preparation to get it right on the day.”
The Bears will host the Cascades this Saturday at Foote Field.
