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Mount Royal University Cougars Athletics & Recreation

Recreation
MSOC and WSOC Season Recaps

General Aaron Hilson

2024 Cougars soccer season recap

Men's Soccer:

The Mount Royal Cougars men's soccer team had an impressive 2024 season, finishing third in the Prairie Division with a 7-2-5 record. Their determination and teamwork shone throughout the campaign, culminating in a deep postseason run.

In the Canada West quarterfinals, the Cougars defeated the Victoria Vikes 2-1, with Jonathan Walter delivering a stunning 90th-minute winner. They continued their momentum in the semifinals, securing a gritty 1-0 victory over the Alberta Golden Bears.

However, in the Canada West Final, the Cougars fell 1-0 to the UBC Thunderbirds, earning a silver medal but solidifying their reputation as a top contender.

The Cougars advanced to the U SPORTS Championship, where they faced the Montreal Carabins in a tightly contested quarterfinal match. Despite their best efforts, they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss, marking the end of a strong season.

The team's success was bolstered by standout performances from Miguel Da Rocha and Ethan Keen, both named Canada West Second-Team All-Stars. Keen, a fourth-year defender, anchored the backline, while Da Rocha's midfield presence was key to the team's success.

Although losing some key graduating players, Ryan Gyaki and the Cougars men's soccer team look to return to the final for the third straight year in 2025.

Women's Soccer:

The Mount Royal Cougars women's soccer team concluded the 2024 season in fifth place in the Pacific Division with a 4-6-4 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. Despite the challenges in the standings, the season was defined by the emergence of a talented rookie class that showed immense promise for the program's future.  

First-year players took center stage, with several stepping into starting roles throughout the year. Rookie goalkeeper Ella Filek made an immediate impact, earning the starting job and providing consistent performances in net. Up front, fellow rookie Dany Juarez impressed with her skill and energy, offering a glimpse of her potential as a key attacking threat in the years to come.  

Defensively, Ruby Szautner stood out as a stabilizing force on the backline. Her exceptional performances earned her a well-deserved spot on the Canada West All-Rookie Team, further emphasizing the bright future of this young squad.  

While the Cougars faced growing pains during this transitional year, the experience gained by their rookies lays a strong foundation for future success. The 2024 season showcased a team in the midst of building something special, with its young core ready to push the program to new heights in the seasons ahead.
 
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Players Mentioned

Dany Juarez

#21 Dany Juarez

Forward
5' 4"
First Year
Ruby Szautner

#4 Ruby Szautner

Defender
5' 4"
First Year
Ethan Keen

#4 Ethan Keen

6' 0"
Fourth Year
Ella Filek

#22 Ella Filek

Goalie
5' 7"
First Year
Miguel Da Rocha

#20 Miguel Da Rocha

6' 2"
Fifth Year
Jonathan Walter

#10 Jonathan Walter

5' 10"
Third Year

Players Mentioned

Dany Juarez

#21 Dany Juarez

5' 4"
First Year
Forward
Ruby Szautner

#4 Ruby Szautner

5' 4"
First Year
Defender
Ethan Keen

#4 Ethan Keen

6' 0"
Fourth Year
Ella Filek

#22 Ella Filek

5' 7"
First Year
Goalie
Miguel Da Rocha

#20 Miguel Da Rocha

6' 2"
Fifth Year
Jonathan Walter

#10 Jonathan Walter

5' 10"
Third Year