Not every story can be told in words, and the story of the 2025 season for Mount Royal’s men’s soccer team is one that is told best told through the moments that defined it. The following gallery takes you on a journey, moment by moment through one of the best seasons in program history.

1. Aug 23 - “It all Starts Now.”  Head Coach Ryan Gyaki speaks to his team in the huddle right before kicking off a brand-new season. The Cougars would win their season opener 3-1 over the University of Alberta.

2. Aug 23 - “Oteng Doubles Down.”  Kwasi Oteng-Frimpong scored the opening 2 goals of the season for Mount Royal and was a driving force during their opening day win over the U of A.

3. Aug 24 - “Chanda's First of Many.”  Canada West and U SPORTS Rookie of the year Chanan Chanda notched his first goal of the season during Mount Royal's 3-1 win over the GMU Griffins – proving this to be sign of what was to come to for the rest of the season.

4. Aug 29 - “Sundown in Saskatchewan.”  The Cougars were able to walk away with a 2-1 win over the Huskies and a 3-0 start to their season while the sun sets in Saskatchewan.

5. Sep 6 - “The Crowchild Classic: Soccer Edition.”  The Cougars and the Dinos lineup across from each other at McMahon Stadium for their first matchup of the season.

6. Sep 6 - “Chanan ‘Flippin’ Chanda."  Chanan Chanda celebrates in style after scoring his second goal of the game and powering the Cougars to a 4-0 win over the U of C Dinos. (Scroll)

7. Sep 27 - “Soo Sets the Record Straight.”  After 3 ties and a loss to carry out the bulk of their September schedule, Hyunsoo Ryu scored the insurance marker in a 2-0 win over the GMU Griffins to get the Cougars trending back in the right direction. 

8. Oct 5 - “Chanda Cements his Season in History.” Chanan Chanda scores his final goal of the regular season. Chanda broke the program record for most points in a regular season, most goals in a calendar year and earned both the Canada West and U SPORTS Rookie of the year award.

9. Oct 18 - “Celebrating the Seniors.” The Cougars gathered around fifth year forward Josh Flaksman and fourth year Kwasi Oteng-Frimpong for a photo to celebrate their careers at MRU. Both Flaksman and Oteng played a critical role in progressing the MRU soccer program during their time as Cougars. 

10. Oct 24 - “The Second Season Starts Now.”  The Cougars huddle before their postseason kicking off against the TWU Spartans. 

11. Oct 24 - “Who Wants it More.” Canada West All Rookie team member Joe Green races for a loose ball against a TWU player with the game knotted at 1 late in their Quarterfinal matchup against the Spartans. 

12. Oct 24 - “Clement in the Clutch.” Clement Guay celebrates after burying the game-winner in the 87th minute, sending MRU to the Canada West semifinal with a 2–1 victory over the Spartans.

13. Oct 26 - “Dialing in the Details.” Head Coach Ryan Gyaki makes sure his team is on the same page ahead of the Canada West Semi-final against the University of Victoria.

14. Oct 26 - “The Highs and Lows of Sport.” On the brink of elimination, Josh Flaksman ties the Canada West Semifinal in the 90th minute. The Cougars celebrate with their sideline in front of a distraught Victoria team. 

15. Oct 26 - “Sharky Saves the Day.” Goalkeeper Sjard Strauss scores the game winning goal in penalty kicks to advance the Cougars to the Canada West Final. The Cougars defeated the University of Victoria 10-9 in penalty kicks. 

16. Nov 1 - “Ready to Go.” The Cougars lineup in front of their home crowd just moments before the Canada West Final against the UBC Thunderbirds.

17. Nov 1 - “More Magic in the 90th Minute.”  Chanan Chanda plays the role of hero once again for the Cougars as he scores the game winning goal in the 90th minute to capture Canada West Gold. 

18. Nov 1 - “Solid Gold.” A close up on the Canada West Gold Medal.

19. Nov 1 - “Champions.”  The Cougars raise the Canada West trophy and pose for a team photo after beating the UBC Thunderbirds in the Canada West Final by a score of 2-1. The win marked the second time in program history that the Cougars were able to capture Canada West Gold. 

20. Nov 6 - “Touching Down in Toronto.”  After winning the Canada West Final, the Cougars touch down in Toronto for the U SPORTS National Tournament. There first game was against Cape Breton University.

21. Nov 6 - “Off and Running.” Joanathan Walter celebrates after scoring the opening goal of Nationals for the Cougars. Mount Royal would go on to win quarterfinal and eliminate Cape Breton by a score of 2-1. 

22. Nov 7 - “Under the Lights.” Ruben Koudelka, Sjard Strauss, Hyunsoo Ryu, and Alex Kemsley are photographed under the lights during the U SPORTS Nationals Semi-final against UQTR. 

23. Nov 7 - “The Chanda Show Goes Nationwide.”  Chanan Chanda scored both goals for the Cougars in their 2-0 win over UTQR. Chanda's 7 postseason goals set a Mount Royal record for the most goals scored in a single playoff run. 

24. Nov 9 - “True North."  The Cougars lineup for the Canadian National Anthem in some uniquely Canadian conditions ahead of the U SPORTS National Championship against York University.

25. Nov 9 - “Stalemate.” Josh Flaksman sizes up a UQTR defender late into the game and the score tied at 0. The 2025 U SPORTS National Championship will be remembered for the unique conditions and the environment those conditions created. 

26. “Just Short.” The Cougars accept their U SPORTS Silver Medals after losing 1-0 to York University in extra time. 

Despite the loss, the Cougars demonstrated a level of resilience rarely seen in program history. Their camaraderie and ability to rise to the occasion was evident throughout the season, culminating in unforgettable moments—none bigger than celebrating a second Canada West title on home field. Looking ahead to 2026, the standard for the program remains high: defend their place atop the conference and return to the national championship to take care of unfinished business.