The WolfPack men's soccer team will be a different-looking group compared to the two previous squads (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

TRU WOLFPACK

WolfPack men’s soccer program raising a few pups in retooling season

Aug 7, 2019 | 7:53 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s been a breakthrough last two years for the TRU men’s soccer team.

From the basement of the Canada West in its first three seasons in USPORTS to a bronze medal at the national championships it hosted in 2017. Then last season, it captured another bronze medal at the Canada West Final Four.

“The last two years have been great,” said third-year defender Josh Banton. “It really set up a foundation for everyone. Two back-to-back playoffs, back-to-back Final Fours, back-to-back bronze medals. It’s been really good for the program.”

However, it’s a different feel going into the upcoming season with a much younger group.

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“Our kids are kids,” noted head coach John Antulov. “Our average age came down quite a bit this year. It’s going to be a bit tough at the beginning, but we think we have the talent to be able to work through that.”

Antulov says this group has some experience together, playing as a unit in the Pacific Coast Soccer League.

The WolfPack also have a number of preseason games leading up to the Aug. 31 season-opener at home against UBC. Part of the exhibition schedule includes a trip to California to play some NCAA competition.

Antulov is cautiously optimistic going into the new year with a new group of players.

“The 11 guys we have returning are good solid contributors to the program. With the new kids coming in, I really believe those are guys that can really step in. We lost some fantastic players in Mitch [Popadaynetz], Findlay [McPhie] and Thomas Lantmeeters. Those guys are hard to replace, so I think we’ve recruited well, but I think it’s going to take some time to adjust.”

Veterans like Banton will be a key in helping with the youth movement.

“Being more responsible, I’d say. I’ve got to show other people around me the way now, whereas before I had other Canadians, domestic players showing me what to do, showing me everything around campus, around the pitch. That’ll be a nice change for me.”