The undefeated UVic Vikes men's soccer team returns home to a provincial battle this weekend when they take on mainland rivals the UBC Thunderbirds and Trinity Western Spartans. The Vikes topped the 2009 Canada West standings in week two and are the only team with three wins to their name. The reigning Canada West champs stretched their undefeated run last weekend edging out the Saskatchewan Huskies 3-2 before drawing level with the Alberta Golden Bears 1-1.
GAME INFORMATION
Sat. Sep. 26 vs. UBC Thunderbirds (Centennial Stadium) - 2:15
Sat. Sep. 27 vs. Trinity Western University Spartans (Centennial Stadium) - 2:15
SCOUTING THE VICTORIA VIKES
The Vikes currently top the Canada West standings with a 3-0-1 record and sit two points clear of the Trinity Western Spartans. Canada West MVP Cole McFarlane leads the team in goal scoring after netting three shots in just four appearances. The Vikes solid defence has held steady conceding only four goals in four matches with Canada West All Star 'keeper Dan Kilpatrick currently boasting a .857 save percentage and one shutout.
SCOUTING THE UBC THUNDERBIRDS
The T-Birds have struggled offensively this season netting just three goals in four games and currently sit fourth in the Canada West standings. The 'Birds fell prey to the Saskatchewan Huskies 2-1 in week one before falling to the Alberta Golden Bears 1-0. Week two saw the squad hit their stride as they claimed two 1-0 victories at home against the Calgary Dinos and Lethbridge Pronghorns.
HEAD TO HEAD
Last season the Vikes rebounded from an early 1-0 loss to the T-Birds to claim a crucial 1-0 victory at UBC in the final match of the regular season. The win was enough to see them edge past the 'Birds in the Canada West standings in goal difference and host the Canada West playoffs.
SCOUTING THE TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS
2008 CIS Championship runners up Trinity Western Spartans are currently nipping at the Vikes heels with a 2-0-2 record. Nathan Pogue, Jason Wiens and David Rowse currently lead the Spartans in scoring with two goals apiece. 'Keeper Andrew Fink is still yet to secure his first shut out but boasts an impressive .833 saves percentage allowing one goal per game. The Spartans have dropped a valuable four points this season by drawing 1-1 with the Calgary Dinos and then tying the Alberta Golden Bears.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Vikes defeated Trinity Western 3-0 and 3-1 in Canada West conference play last season before breezing past the Spartans 4-1 in the conference final. The Langley soccer powerhouse went on to better the Vikes at the CIS Championship, however, eventually falling to the York Lions 1-0 in the national final.
