End of season wrap up
Mya Fraser (She/Her) // Sports Editor
Chelle Lussi (Any) // Illustrator
Both the women’s and men’s soccer teams have officially wrapped up their seasons. While both teams had improved seasons from the last, it turned out to be an unfortunate ending for both squads. In saying that, both teams still have lots to be proud of.
The women’s team had a phenomenal season. They finished first in the league by five points, and only lost twice in the regular season. Both those losses were to the Douglas Royals, who went on to defeat them 3-1 in the provincial finals.
Alanah Dulong scored a total of eight goals, leading both her teams and the league’s scoreboard. She was named a PACWEST All-Star, alongside Aynsley Hurtado, Julia Peyton and Maya Smith.
The team will say goodbye to five graduating players: Catrina Olstrom, Aynsley Hurtado, Alanah Dulong, Jessika Thaler and Julia Peyton. Although, the team’s hopeful captain Julia Peyton will come back to use her last year of eligibility.
Thaler reflects on the season, saying, “I thought we had a great season overall. This season was probably one of our best over my 5 years playing at Cap. It had a very unfortunate ending though, losing in the provincial final.”
On her experience as a student athlete over the years, Thaler states, “It is hard to sum up my experience as a student athlete. There are so many different components. However, I can definitely say that I am grateful for this experience. I deeply appreciate the unwavering support from dedicated teachers and staff. I also appreciate all of my teammates. We navigated challenges, celebrated victories and created amazing memories together that I will have for the rest of my life.”
Even though next season is a ways away, the women’s side has lots to look forward to. Capilano University will be hosting the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Soccer National Championship. That means they are automatically qualified to participate in the national championships, however the season turns out.
On the men’s side, the team finished in fourth place. For the first time in years, they almost made the playoffs but were short by one point. Regardless of that outcome, the team improved tremendously from last season. As the team had a lot of new faces this year, including coaches, hopefully they all stick around to make their mark next season, with a whole year of gelling together to benefit them even more.
Sebastian Cirotto led his team with a total of six goals, finishing in the top three scorers in the league on the men’s side. First year goalkeeper Brandon Lecce had an outstanding season, keeping his team in the running all season long. Despite not coming away with many wins, the goalkeeper did his part in minimizing goals against. He was named a PACWEST All-Star, alongside Tommy Millar. Millar was one of the team’s captains, and was also recognized earlier in the season as a PACWEST athlete of the week for all his assists.
Adam Majuerae is a second year defender on the team. When asked about the season, he stated, “I am proud of the progress that we have made as a team, especially with a new head coach. The team battled from the first game to the last.” He mentions how it was upsetting that they were unable to seal a spot in the provincial finals, but that there are many positives to take away from this year. “The guys gave their all and found a way to win games when it mattered the most. In the end, it just wasn’t meant to be. Nonetheless, we hold our heads high and remain hopeful for next season.”
When asked about next season, he says he’s looking forward to building on the improvements from this season and keeping up the momentum that they have. “We narrowly missed out on the playoffs this year so we’ll be hungry to return next season for another shot at provincials and nationals.”
Both the women’s and men’s teams may do some light training in the late spring, but are done for now. Pre season will commence in August of 2024.