MSOC: 2025 Season Preview

Aug. 22, 2025 – After claiming both the Canada West and U SPORTS banners in a storybook 2024 season, the UBC Thunderbirds enter the new campaign back on top — but far from comfortable.

The conference has revealed the results of its 2025 men's soccer coaches poll ahead of Friday night's season opening action. UBC emerged as the unanimous preseason favourites, securing all 12 possible first-place votes. Victoria finished second, followed closely by Prairie Division powers in Alberta, Calgary and Mount Royal.

The Thunderbirds will look to build on last season’s double-title campaign, which saw them win a CW Final rematch against Mount Royal — securing their sixth conference title in seven seasons.

UBC went on to capture its first national title since 2013, defeating the Montreal Carabins 1-0 in the U SPORTS final.

Sporting a number of key returnees including forward Henri Godbout, midfielders Brennen Fuerst and Luke Norman and defender Eric Lajeunesse, the T-Birds' superior depth make them a favourite to repeat.

“I expect our group to be strong again this coming season, but getting out of Canada West is always a challenge and it seems like the division gets stronger every season," says UBC head coach Mike Mosher.

After two straight CW Finals appearances, the Mount Royal Cougars will look to remain in title contention as they rebuild on the fly. Despite roster turnover, the Cougars' extensive championship experience should keep them in the hunt.

"Our leadership core will be important as always, and hopefully the bounces go our way when we need them,” says MRU head coach Ryan Gyaki.

Fans can circle their calendars for a CW Final rematch on Sept. 20 between the T-Birds and Cougars in Calgary.

The Prairie Division race promises to be exceptionally tight. The Alberta Golden Bears topped the division last year with a 10-1-3 record and should be a formidable force once again, while the high-powered Calgary Dinos will also be a threat, sporting a full returning roster.

Out west, keep an eye on the Fraser Valley Cascades, who will be led by 2024 Canada West Player of the Year Mateo Brazinha. The Cascades pushed UBC to overtime in last year's semifinal round and will be hungry to take the next step this season.

Opening weekend across the conference begins Friday night with a trio of Pacific Division contests, including: ​

Prairie Division action gets underway on Saturday, with Alberta visiting Mount Royal and Calgary hosting MacEwan. All teams will be in action the following weekend.

The regular season runs through Oct. 19, with playoffs slated to begin Oct. 24. The Canada West Gold Medal Game will be contested the weekend of Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, hosted by the highest remaining seed in the Prairie Division. ​

Fans can catch all the action on CanadaWest.TV - Presented by BioSteel, with All-Access and Regular Season Sport Passes now available for purchase. The conference's official streaming service now has mobile apps for Apple and Android, in addition to a full suite of Connected TV apps including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku.

For the complete 2025 Canada West men’s soccer schedule, click here.

To view CW men's soccer history and records, click here.

2025 CW Men's Soccer Coaches Poll 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEW

UBC Thunderbirds

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: Entering the 2025 campaign as both the Canada West and U SPORTS defending champions, the Thunderbirds return a number of key pieces to their roster in Henri Godbout, midfielders Brennen Fuerst and Luke Norman and defender Eric Lajeunesse. Combined with another strong recruit class, UBC will battle for their seventh CW title in the last eight seasons.

From the coach: “I expect our group to be strong again this coming season, but getting out of Canada West is always a challenge and it seems like the division gets stronger every season. I think some of our keys to success will be the replacement of our goalkeeper of several years and some key players and leaders in our defensive group. If we are successful there, we will be a strong team.” - Mike Mosher

Key Performer: Henri Godbout
​​
​Forward
​​
​2nd
​​
​Vancouver, B.C. ​
​

In one of the most memorable seasons by any freshman donning the blue and gold, Godbout led the team in goals and assists en route to being named Canada West Rookie of the Year, totalling seven goals and 5 assists in 12 points. Scoring twice and adding a couple assists at nationals, Godbout helped UBC secure their first U SPORTS Championship in 11 years and was named a Tournament All-Star for his efforts. He was selected 2nd overall in the 2025 CPL-U SPORTS Draft and has spent the summer with Vancouver FC.

Victoria Vikes

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: After a 9-2-4 Canada West record earned the Vikes the second seed in the Pacific Division, the season ended earlier than hoped with a loss to MRU in the playoff quarterfinals. Returning over 80% of their offensive production from 2024 and being led by veteran defensive leadership from Callum Weir in net and reigning Canada West Defensive Player of the Year Fin Tugwell, Victoria looks to take the next step and make a run for the Canada West banner in 2025.

From the coach: “The Vikes will be focusing on continuing to add to a positive culture with some new additions to the already well established group. For the team to be successful this season they will need to be resilient and produce consistent performances both at home and away.” - Larry Stefanek

Key Performer: Callum Weir
​Goalkeeper
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Haines Junction, Yukon

Earning Canada West First Team All-Star honours in 2024, Callum Weir was the man in net for the Vikes for team's 11 shutouts in 15 games last season. Weir finished the season with a .33 goals against average and will look to lead the Vikes once again after spending the summer with League1 BC and with Winnipeg's Valour FC of the CPL. Weir has amassed 20 wins and 18 shutouts in his previous two seasons with the Vikes.

Alberta Golden Bears

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: After leading the Prairie Division with a 10-1-3 record last season, suffering just a single defeat in 14 regular season games, the Golden Bears have their eyes on a CW championship in 2025. Head coach Martin Fenger-Andersen expects his team to be well balanced at both ends of the pitch, led by the calming presence of fifth year midfielder Rodane Cato.

From the coach: “We are excited to start another season of CW soccer and are ready to compete and challenge at a high level in this always tough division. I expect our team to continue to improve with each week, to be well balanced in both attack and defence, and look forward to seeing players from within our group emerge as impact players and stand out performers.” - Martin Fenger-Andersen

Key Performer: Rodane Cato
​Midfield
​5th Year
​Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.

Cato returns for his fifth year and brings a high level of energy, speed, and power to the midfield. An ever present impact player since joining the program, the senior midfielder will once again play an important role in the team's success on the field.

Calgary Dinos

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: The Dinos lost just two games all year in the first season under head coach Ramon Mifflin. Calgary returns its entire starting lineup and will look to build off a strong season that saw them finish second in the Prairie Division and lead Canada West with 33 goals scored.

From the coach: “We have everyone returning and have added a few key pieces. If we can stay healthy, grounded, and learn how to win critical games, we think we can compete with the top teams in the prairies.” - Ramon Mifflin

Key Performer: Owen Antoniuk
​Midfield
​4th Year
​Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

It was a breakout season for Owen Antoniuk under first-year head coach Ramon Mifflin last year. Antoniuk earned All-Canadian honours after racking up eight goals and five assists in the Dinos' high-powered attack and was selected in the CPL Draft. After a summer with Cavalry FC, Antoniuk is back and once again figures to be a key piece for Calgary.

Mount Royal Cougars

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: After two straight appearances at U SPORTS nationals and the Canada West Final, the Cougars men's soccer team will look a lot different in 2025. Nine players have graduated or left the squad, leading to a new era for the Cougars. Head Coach Ryan Gyaki will look to turn his youngsters into stars and compete for another Canada West championship.

From the coach: “Keys to success this year for MRU will be staying patient with our learning and sticking to our principles. Our leadership core will be important as always, and hopefully the bounces go our way when we need them.” - Ryan Gyaki

Key Performer: Alex Kemsley
​Defence ​
​4th Year
​Hometown: Axbridge, United Kingdom

After another trip to Nationals and a Canada West silver medal last season, Alex Kemsley has earned the captain's badge for the Cougars in 2025. Last season, Kemsley had the best season of his tenure securing two goals and three points. He was a key player in big games and especially big moments, and looks to bring the Cougars back to the top of Canada West.

Trinity Western Spartans

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: This is a new chapter for the Spartans, as nine players have graduated and the team will have a different feel and look. Captain Jordan Low will lead a team looking to challenge in the competitive Pacific Division.

From the coach: “For our team it will come down to two different areas…can our key players stay healthy. Last season we lost key players to injury before preseason and during the first weekend of the season. We need to stay healthy. If we can stay healthy then it will come down to key moments in the game and winning those. We lost too many points from winning positions last year.” – Head Coach Mike Shearon

Key Performer: Jordan Low
​Midfield
​4th Year
​Hometown: Port Moody, BC

As on-field captain, Low will help lead much of the play for the Spartans in 2025. A dynamic player that can do it all - defend, attack, set up goals and score - he's a player that always seems to show up when the team needs it the most. He scored five goals last season, adding two assists for seven points in 14 games.

Fraser Valley Cascades

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: After setting a new program-high points total in 2024, and pushing the eventual national champions from UBC to extra time in the CW semifinal, the Cascades return for 2025 looking to make the next step forward. Guided by head coach Tom Lowndes, and led offensively by the reigning CW player of the year in Mateo Brazinha, the team has its sights set high in an ever competitive Pacific Division. The team will be returning plenty of key players, and looking for a few new additions to quickly fill the void left from last year's graduating class.

From the coach: “We are looking to build on the success of a CW Final Four appearance last season. Attacking power of CW Player of the Year Mateo Brazinha will be key in UFV having a strong season. Defensively, third year Adam Szymanski and rookie goalkeeper Matheus De Souza will be instrumental in our push to have a successful season.” - Tom Lowndes

Key Performer: Mateo Brazinha
​Striker
​4th Year ​
​Hometown: Port Coquitlam, B.C.

The reigning Canada West Player of the Year returns to lead the Cascades into 2025. After setting a new program points record with 17, and becoming the first player to lead the conference in both goals (8) and assists (9) since 2012, the talismanic striker will aim to push the program to even greater heights when he hits the pitch this season.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: While the WolfPack have had plenty of roster turnover with 12 departures from last year's squad, the 18 new faces that veteran coach John Antulov brought in figure to have the 'Pack right in the thick of the battle in the ultra-competitive Pacific Division.

From the coach: “Young, building program. 16 new recruits and 12 second year players. Looking to make a step forward from 2024.” - John Antulov

Key Performer: Domenico Comita
​Defender / Midfielder ​
​4th Year
​Hometown: Kamloops, B.C.

A leader for the 'Pack on and off the field, Comita will be relied upon to provide a veteran presence as the lone returning player on the squad in his fourth year of eligibility. Able to play both defence and in midfield, he is a solid defender that organizes the WolfPack's backline while starting the attack with impressive passing. The lone player remaining on the team from the WolfPack's 2022 U SPORTS National Championship winning season, the Kamloops local secured that victory in front of his hometown crowd with the shootout-winning goal.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: With a new head coach in Christopher McKaig, this season is an exciting one for the program, where youthfulness and experience blend together. Keys to success will be in how the 'Horns set up their identity, player unity and togetherness. 

From the coach: "We have a young team with 13 new signings and 13 graduating players from last year's team. Making our home field a fortress, a unified group, representing our identity and most of all; players enjoying their football.” - Christopher McKaig

Key Performer: Will Hughes
​Wing
​5th Year
​Hometown: Lethbridge County, Alta.

Hughes is an experienced player who will be counted on to bring a wealth of knowledge to a young group of Pronghorns. The local product has a history of standout performances which have led him to Canada West achievements in the past.

Saskatchewan Huskies

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: The Huskies have an exciting group for the 2025 season, led by a strong leadership group who readjusted the program's culture since the 2024 campaign. Featured on the roster is a nice mixture of veteran student-athletes who will be complemented by an exciting rookie class.

Key Performer: Luke Mackie
​Centre Back
​5th Year
​Hometown: Saskatoon, Sask.

The returning captain of the Huskies, Luke Mackie is a veteran leader with a strong character who is heading into his final season with the program. Leading by example from the Dogs' backline, Mackie will be counted on as the heart and soul of the team.

UBCO Heat

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: After challenging for a playoff spot a season ago in the Pacific Division, head coach Dante Zanatta's squad is fully expecting to make a push for a spot in 2025. The team returns key starters in fifth years Alex Sol and Malachi Emerson, while goalkeeper Ronan Woodroffe also returns for his fourth season after setting the school record for most saves in a season a year ago. Finding more goals will be crucial to the Heat's success with last year's rookie sensation Jaise Shaw leading the attack up front.

From the Coach: "With only two graduating players and the addition of two first years who we believe that can push for a starting spot, we hope to make a playoff push. If we can find the back of the net on a consistent manner then we believe that this group can upset some of the top teams.” - Dante Zanatta

Key Performer: Jaise Shaw
​Forward
​2nd Year
​Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

After leading the Heat in assists and points last season as a rookie, Shaw will be once again looked upon to lead UBCO's offensive attack in 2025. Expect the 6-2 forward, who started just six of 15 games a season ago, to feature regularly in the Heat's starting 11 this season as he looks to build on his success from 2024.

UNBC Timberwolves

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: Steve Simonson's club is ready to take the next step. All of a sudden the UNBC Timberwolves are no longer riding a youth movement, and will have key, experienced players available in all areas of the pitch. Depth, defence and speed are all going to be calling cards of the 2025 TWolves and assuming this exciting group can stay healthy, there's no reason they can't challenge for a playoff berth.

Key Performer: Isaac Tate
​Midfield
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Victoria, B.C.

Every time Isaac Tate touches the ball he has the ability to electrify. The third-year midfielder is coming off a superb summer with Kamloops United FC (League1 BC) and in 2025 he figures to play a big role in UNBC's climb up the Canada West table. His ability to pass and finish makes him one of the strongest dual-threats in the conference. He enters this season ranked 10th all-time in program points.

MacEwan Griffins

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: With a strong incoming recruiting class, the Griffins have reloaded after losing some key pieces to graduation and the pro ranks. Thirteen new players bolster a strong group of returners led by Chance Carter, Ali Yildiz, Jakob Sievert and T-boy Fayia. Always competitive with their Prairie Division opponents, the Griffins will be looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. ​

From the coach: “The lads look great and are coming together nicely - keeping lads fresh, and managing their volume appropriately will be crucial.” - Adam Loga

Key Performer: Chance Carter
​Midfield
​5th Year
​Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.

Heading into his final university season, the former FC Edmonton player is primed for a big campaign as the general of the Griffins' midfield.

Big and physical, he presents a problem for opposing defenders to contain, has elite two-way ability to control possession and has a cannon of a shot, as evidenced by his 2024 production - three goals and five points in just eight games before an injury ended his season. That's a pace that would have put him in the top 10 in Canada West scoring if he had played all 14 games.