MSOC captures bronze in Canada West Men's Soccer Final Four

Box Score
For the second year in a row, the Mount Royal University Cougar men's soccer team has claimed the Canada West bronze medal after beating the University of Fraser Valley 2-0.

Both teams came out to Stadium Field ready to claim a win, attacking the field with intensity and speed.

Mount Royal was able to maintain possession for the majority of play, but UFV never made it easy for them. The Cascades held the game scoreless for 42 minutes before Moe El Gandour was able to capitalize on a bicycle kick in the front of the net.

The lob came in from David Schaefer and put the Cougars in the perfect position going into the second half of play.

"It was an emotional game, both teams played well and I was proud of our boys," Ryan Gyaki, MRU head coach said. "It was a good season and it was important for us as a group to come out after Covid and show that we could perform again. To win the central division and come third in back-to-back years is a big achievement for us."

UFV's goalkeeper, Jackson Cowx, didn't give the Cougars an easy pass, making incredible saves on the line off of shots and rebounds.

"Mount Royal is a good team and we gave it our all," Thomas Lowndes, UFV head coach said. "We came, we were disciplined, and I thought we represented the school really well and I am really proud of the boys."

The Cascades had a Cinderella season. Pre-season polls placed UFV ninth overall, but the team was able to battle their way to a fourth place finish in Canada West. The team expects nothing but growth in the upcoming season and is excited to see what happens next.

"I'm proud of the season we had as a team and it didn't go our way today or yesterday but it is what it is and I'm proud of the guys for what we've done this season," said UFV player of the game David Parfett.

The second half saw much more action including six yellow cards, two of which went to UFV's Trevor Zanatta, resulting in a red. But, it wasn't until extra time that the Cougars were able to capitalize a second time.

Justin Anderson-Louch went for a baseline run on the right looking to pass it to the center of the box but a Cascades' touch sent the ball to the boot of Miguel Da Rocha. Da Rocha was able to connect beautifully and hammer the ball past Cowx and into the back of the net to secure the bronze medal for MRU.

"It doesn't mean we're going to stop building," said MRU player of the game Sterling Kerr. "You know, we really wanted to get into the final this year, so it's going to be the same thing next year and I'm already ready for the next pre-season. Let's get going!"

With today's win the Mount Royal Cougars have brought home their second consecutive Canada West bronze medal. Today's match has also concluded the 2021-22 men's soccer season for both the Cascades and the Cougars.

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Players Mentioned

#20 Miguel Da Rocha: Midfield; 6' 2"; Second Year

#7 Mohamed El Gandour: Forward; 5' 10"; Third Year

#1 Sterling Kerr: Goalkeeper; 5' 11"; Third Year

#11 David Schaefer: Forward; 5' 9"; Third Year

#10 Justin Anderson-Louch: Midfield; 6' 1"; Fifth Year

Players Mentioned

#20 Miguel Da Rocha
: 6' 2"; Second Year
: Midfield

#7 Mohamed El Gandour
: 5' 10"; Third Year
: Forward

#1 Sterling Kerr
: 5' 11"; Third Year
: Goalkeeper

#11 David Schaefer
: 5' 9"; Third Year
: Forward

#10 Justin Anderson-Louch
: 6' 1"; Fifth Year
: Midfield