TRU’s Men’s Soccer
Lead the Pack
As of Wednesday, October 12th, the TRU Men’s Soccer team continues to stand at the top of their division, after a loss (1-2) and a tie with HBC Okanagan at their last two home games of the regular season. This recent success was a refreshing advancement from their placement in the last few years as they’ve typically ended up mid-table, coming sixth in 2018, and fourth in 2019 and 2021. (No university sports happened in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) This sudden rise in success could be attributed to any number of factors, as the team has managed to outperform much of their competition throughout the season. They’ve managed to hold an average of 1.31 goals scored per game and allowed an average of only 0.77 goals per game. This, in part, can largely be credited to their forward, Nelson BC native Rylan Lewis, who has scored 7 of the 17 goals in the 12 games played so far this season.
Goalkeeper Jackson Gardner, in his fourth season for the Wolfpack, has also made his mark this year with 27 saves on 37 shots on goal. When asked about changes made that helped improve the team’s record and standing from previous years, Gardner was happy to point the finger of success at the team’s coach John Antulov.
“All in all, I think it’s like the perfect storm, just a bunch of guys coming back and great new signings as well. Also, the culture this year is amazing, in the sense of preparation, you know, doing the extra recovery sessions, having that team-focused mentality,” he said. “Having 18 guys in the match all ready to go, 35 odd guys in the entire squad that are really dedicated, taking training seriously, just an overall really good environment. I think that’s something I wouldn’t say we’ve lacked in previous years, but this year is definitely kind of top-notch. We’ve found a new level” Two games remain in the regular season, and Gardner is optimistic they’ll be heading to the championship game, scheduled to be held November 10th to 13th at Hillside stadium, the Wolfpack’s home turf. When asked how he feels about the team’s chances, Gardner had a confident answer.
“One hundred percent I think if you want to win you need to have a championship mindset. We want to keep it professional and take care of business, and I think that’s what the best teams do, you know? They don’t get caught up with all the accolades or the standings,” he said.
“We just know we have a job to do every week, so we want to carry that mentality through the playoffs and then hopefully, next thing you know, we’re walking away with a medal around our necks.”
This year, the TRU Wolfpack also welcomed a new member in Jude Mitton, a young man who suffers from a rare disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder which causes muscle degeneration and weakness. Jude’s love of soccer and the Wolfpack earned him a spot on the starting lineup for the evening game on Sept. 9 and a permanent honorary spot on the team.
“Yeah, it’s definitely special, it’s one of those things that not every athlete gets to experience, touching someone’s life like that and having them touch yours as well,” said Gardner. “It’s definitely heartwarming, and it makes you really appreciate what you have and really relish the opportunity to kind of give back and make him a part of the game, which he deserves,”
“He’s such a great kid to have around, it’s really been a privilege getting to know him. Walking onto the field with him, going to his birthday party, things like that. It’s been really touching.”
Throughout the season, the Wolfpack will honour Jude’s love and dedication to soccer by continually raising funds and spreading awareness for this rare disease. The team’s last two regular season games will be played against the UVIC Vikes on October 21st, and the UBC Thunderbirds the next day.