MSOC: Cougars strike late to dethrone Thunderbirds in Canada West Final
Mount Royal earns second CW banner in three seasons
CALGARY - The Mount Royal Cougars and UBC Thunderbirds have made the Canada West men's soccer final their annual stage — and once again, it delivered a thrilling finale.
Meeting for the third straight year with the title on the line, Mount Royal reclaimed the conference crown on Saturday with a dramatic 2–1 victory over defending champion UBC at Stadium Field.
Each chapter of the trilogy has gone to the home side: the Cougars in 2023, the Thunderbirds in 2024, and once again Mount Royal in 2025 — this time sealed by a late header from Canada West Rookie of the Year Chanan Chanda.
The win marks Mount Royal’s second conference title in program history and capped a season defined by resolve, belief, and overcoming adversity.
“I thought both teams were fantastic,” said Cougars head Coach Ryan Gyaki. “The last couple of games against UBC have always been really exciting and close.”
The win also spoiled UBC's bid for a historic undefeated season.
The T-Birds looked poised to continue their reign early, striking first through Theo Afework in the opening minutes. But the Cougars refused to fold, pressing relentlessly and finding the equalizer off a corner midway through the first half when Ruben Koudelka buried a rebound off the crossbar to level the score 1–1.
From there, the match evolved into a tense tactical battle. Midfielder Hyunsoo Ryu anchored the MRU attack with his pace and creativity, while the back line, led by Alex Kemsley, held strong against UBC’s surges. The Thunderbirds controlled stretches of possession in the second half, but the Cougars’ composure and defensive discipline kept them at bay.
With the clock winding down, Mount Royal finally broke through and sent the sizable Stadium Field crowd into a frenzy. Josh Flaksman gathered the ball near the goal line and lured UBC goalkeeper Jack Garner off his line. He then floated a delicate chip across the crease to a wide open Chanda, who nodded it home to secure the title for the Cougars.
Second-year midfielder Tim Beckendahl was named Championship MVP for the Cougars after an incredible two-way performance.
“[Beckendahl] just kept going and played for the team,” Gyaki said. “To finish as man of the match in a final is impressive.”
Both the Cougars and Thunderbirds now turn their attention to the U SPORTS National Championship next weekend in Toronto, where Mount Royal will look to carry its momentum onto the national stage.
