Title Run

 

SPORTS

Men's Soccer focused on Nationals

Brian McLennon, Sports Editor

The Douglas College Royals Men’s Soccer team are the
2005 BCCAA Provincial Champions. With a 2—1 win
over the number-one seed Capilano Blues, the Royals
advance to the 2005 Big Kahua/Adidas Canadian
Colleges’ Athletic Association (CCAA) National Soccer
Championships on November 9, 2005 at the Burnaby
Lake Sports Complex.

In front a capacity crowd at McArthur Island Park
in Kamloops, BC, the two teams took to the field in
what was probably the most anticipated match of the
soccer season. “What a way to end the season,” said
one spectator. “An exciting rematch of last year’s
[Provincial] finals.” The Royals knew they were facing a
determined Capilano team who would be looking to
avenge last year’s 40 defeat. As the game got started,

 

the emotions and energy were running high, but the
fans had to wait until the 44th minute of the first half
when All-Canadian and BCCAA Player of the Year,
Cameron Wilson, scored to give the Royals a 1-0 lead
going into the break.

In the second half, the Royals continued to utilize
the clock well as Capilano tried to get the equalizer, but
were turned away each time by goal keeper, Kris
Johannson, who was nominated the best goal keeper of
the tournament. Player of Game, Casey Wilson,
chipped home the Royals’ second marker to solidify the
victory of Douglas. With their third Provincial
Championships in four years, the Royals will make
another run at a National Championship that has elud-
ed them since their first appearance in 2002. The

mclennonb@douglas.bc.ca

Royals took home the silver in 02, and then the bronze
in the ’03.

“T have a pretty good feeling about this group of
guys, there is something special about them,” said Head
Coach, Joe Ormerod. “Unlike other years, we have so
many good players; it will make it difficult to scout us.”
Actually, the Royals have a multitude weapons and they
can call upon at anytime.

First, there is Player and Rookie of the Year,
Cameron Wilson. In my many years of watching the
soccer team, I haven’t seen a more exciting player wear
the Royals uniform. Secondly, they have BCCAA
Tournament MVP and first team All-Star, Mike
Woolridge. Now in his third year, you can see a growth
and maturity that has allowed him to be a team leader
on this young team. “It’s important for us to stay loose
and go in with confidence,” said Woolridge. After suf-
fering a broke nose at last year’s Nationals, Woolridge
welcomes the second chance to win National glory.
Thirdly, Matt Telford, the First Team All-Star who has
won a couple of BCCAA Athlete of the Week awards
and is a force to be reckoned with by opponents.

Added to this stalwart list of players is rookie sen-
sation Ivan Estada, who was named Best Forward in
the BCCAA tournament. This kid has loads of poten-
tial and is a very dynamic player with tremendous
speed and skills. Lastly, probably what I think is the
most underrated position in the game, the Goalkeeper.
Kris Johannson finally got his dues with being named
the Best Goalkeeper in the BCCAA Championships.
The sophomore has returned this year and done an
outstanding job between posts for the Royals.

The Royals—seeded fourth overall—will look to
make their National title run this week starting
Wednesday, November 9, at the Burnaby Lake Sports
Complex in Burnaby. Their first round match is against
fifth seeded University of New Brunswick, Saint John’s.

“This is Nationals, every team is there for a reason.
We need to stay focused on our goal,” said Ormerod.
“Defeating UNBSJ is part of the goal.”

For more information, visit the Royals Athletic
website at www.douglas.be.ca/ athletics.

 

UPCOMING
GAMES
&

   

Thursday, November 10
National Soccer Championships @ Burnaby Lake
Douglas vs. UNBSJ

Friday, November 11

National Soccer Championships @ Burnaby Lake
Douglas vs. NAIT

Basketball @ Kwantlen—Women: 6pm, Men: 8pm
Volleyball vs. COTR—Women: 6pm, Men: 8pm

Saturday, November 12

National Soccer Championships @ Burnaby Lake,
Medal Rounds

Basketball @ Kwantlen—Women: 6pm, Men: 8pm

Sunday, November 13
Wrestling @ Boxer Open, Forrest Grove, OR.

Volleyball vs. COTR—Women: 2pm, Men: 3:30pm

Women’s Rugby

vs. SFU (Premier) 1pm

vs. UBCOG (Div. I) 11:30am
vs. Abbotsford (Div. Il) 2pm
Men’s Rugby

vs. Langley (1st Div.), 2:30pm
vs. Langley(2nd Div.), 1:00pm
vs. Rogues (3rd Div.), 11:30am