MATT HIRJI
Special to the Sheaf

Despite a valiant effort by the U of S Huskies men’s soccer team, a UBC goal within the first minute of play in the Canada West gold medal match has eliminated the Green and White from advancing any further into the CIS playoffs this season.

Lead by fourth year Canada West player of the year Josh Northey, the Huskies were optimistic that this year’s squad could advance to the CIS national championships for the first time in team history.

However, a challenging series of opponents at the Canada West Final Four proved to be too much for the young Huskies team that needed to claim top prize to keep their dreams of national glory alive.

Winning their first game of the weekend 1-0 against the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Nov. 6 launched the Huskies into the pivotal Canada West Finals match against the second ranked UBC Thunderbirds.

Nevertheless, the opening goal by UBC midfielder flustered the young Huskies and the Birds were able to hold onto their slim one-goal margin for the next 89 minutes of play.

“I thought we battled. We came out hard after we went down on an early goal. We just weren’t fortunate enough to tie it up,” Huskies head coach Bryce Chapman explained.

The cold weekend in northern Alberta was not a complete disappointment for the Huskies squad. As Chapman asserts, the team came together as a cohesive group this season — something that gives him optimism for the future of the team.

“I think we are progressing really well as a program this year,” Chapman explained. “This year was probably our biggest improvement with a great group of players. Obviously, we are a bit disappointed that we didn’t get what we needed this weekend, but our play over the weekend was excellent.”

A key to the Huskies successes this year was the consistent play of fourth year veteran mid-fielder Josh Northey. The Saskatoon local had a breakout season this year, scoring seven goals and claiming five assists on his way to being named the Canada West player of the Year.

“Josh has had an impact ever since he came into our program. This year I thought he was a player that rose to the challenge each game and lead the rest of his teammates,” Chapman added. “He is always a dangerous player when we are in possession and I though that allowed us the success that we had this year.”

Looking back, Chapman is extremely pleased with his squad’s development in 2010, especially compared to last season’s playoff-less performance. With only one player, Myles Sheddon, being lost to graduation, the Green and White have a bright future ahead.

“I thought the entire season, we got better each time that we came to the park,” Chapman said. “We went on a bit of a run at the end of the season, which was great.”

Chapman believes his team’s continuing evolution this season will carry onto 2011 and will speak to the improvement of the program.

“We got better at it as the season went along. That bodes well for the program as a whole.”

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image: Peter Holmes