UFV: The New Kids on the Block ⚽️
Quick rundown: What’s better than cracking the national rankings for the first time in 20 years? Following it up the next week with an even higher ranking.
This is the reality for the UFV men’s soccer squad.
The rise: Two weeks ago, they found themselves ranked 10th nationally — their first appearance in the top 10 in program history. Last week, they moved up two spots to eighth in the national rankings and became the second-highest-ranked Canada West team behind the conference goliath, UBC.
Even though they slipped out of the top 10 this week, a 7-3-4 record still puts them in second place in the Canada West Pacific Division, with the conference’s third-best offense and fourth-best defense.
The offensive balance: The straw that stirred UFV’s drink last season was fifth-year forward Mateo Brazinha, who finished the season with 13 goals, two assists and 15 points, earning U SPORTS Player of the Year honours.
Though the Port Coquitlam native has taken more of a back seat this season, he has still contributed five goals and three assists for eight points.
Last year, UFV had three players among the top 10 in Canada West goals scored, but this year paints a different picture. With only one goal scorer in the top 10 yet still boasting one of the conference’s top three offenses, the Cascades are putting forth a more balanced attack, with 11 players on the roster contributing at least one goal.
That depth could prove valuable as they chase their first-ever appearance at the national championship.
The chase: The road to nationals, however, is a tough one.
UFV will finish the season against Trinity Western and Victoria, two teams the Cascades have either beaten or tied with, putting them in the Canada West playoff picture as the second-ranked team in the Pacific Division.
But making it to nationals is a long road.
UFV would have to either win the Canada West title or lose to national championship host Victoria in the conference championship to punch its ticket to its first-ever national tournament.
The Cascades have already made history this season. Can they make more?