Image credit:TRU WolfPack

By Larry Read

WolfPack soccer

WolfPack soccer players/alumni to get pro experience

Jul 25, 2019 | 3:26 PM

KAMLOOPS —- Five current or former members of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team are getting some semi-pro experience.

The five have joined the Saskatchewan Selects who are playing against some Canadian Pro Soccer League teams.

Recent grads Mitch Popadynetz (Nelson, BC) and Finlay McPhie (Vernon, BC) are joined by current WolfPack vets James Fraser (Penticton, BC), Josh Banton (London, England) and Jan Pirrates Glasmacher (Barcelona, Spain). The five are playing in a four game exhibition series being played at SMF field at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

“Saskatoon wanted a CPL franchise and is trying to convince CPL officials that they could sustain one,” says WolfPack head coach John Antulov. “ They have had two matches against the second squads from Edmonton and Calgary. Tonight (July25), they are playing against the Whitecaps U-23 squad.”

Antulov was approached by the selects head coach Bryce_Chapman, who is also the head coach of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. “Bruce contacted me about utilizing some of our players. He was impressed with how they played against them in the Canada West. For our guys, it’s a great chance to not only try to impress him but other CPL coaches as well. I was happy he called. It’s worked out well both for our players and for him.”

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Antulov says early reports have all five of the players doing well.

Popadynetz and Banton were playing earlier this summer in the Professional Development League (PDL) with the Victoria Highlanders. McPhie, Fraser and Glasmacher played in the Pacific Coast Soccer League Men’s Premier league. McPhie and Glasmacher were with the Kamloops Wolfpack while Fraser was a member of the Penticton Pinnacles.

The Saskatchewan Selects final exhibition match is August 11^th at home against the Toronto FC second squad.

Antulov is hoping the experience that Banton, Fraser and Glasmacher are getting will help with the WolfPack when they begin their training camp August 1^st. “ They have been training at a very high level. They will be fit. When you are playing against good players against stiff competition, it will only make you better. They will be looked upon as leaders with our club. Expectations on them will be high. The fact they are playing in Saskatoon will be huge for our program going into August.”