VICTORIA - The 2025-26 Canada West season kicks off Friday, August 22, at 7:15 p.m. when the University of Victoria host the Trinity Western Spartans at Centennial Stadium.

Fresh off a 9-2-4 campaign in 2024-25 that included a dominant 5-1 mark at home, the Vikes are looking to turn their trademark defensive grit into more goals and even better results. With the U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship returning to Victoria in 2026, UVic has its sights set on building a championship contender, and they are well on their way.

The Vikes are entering the season with confidence after dousing their preseason competition by an average of six goals per game. If they can continue to put points on the board, they will be a tough-to-beat program.

From the coach's desk:
"Our goal is to keep improving the team culture. There is a lot of harmony with this group, and we want to continue to focus on that while adding some new additions to the team," said head coach Larry Stefanek. "The ability to finish in the toughest games against the toughest opponents is something we're working towards. For us to be successful this season, we will need to be resilient and produce consistent performances both at home and away."

Key returners:

Fin Tugwell – Defender
Last year's Canada West Defensive Player of the Year and team captain returns to the pitch after spending the summer with Pacific FC on a CPL–U SPORTS contract. A U SPORTS All-Canadian, Tugwell anchors the Vikes backline alongside younger brother Archie, forming one of the toughest defensive duos in the country.

Callum Weir – Goalkeeper
Fresh off a season as the No. 1 keeper for TSS Rovers FC in League1 B.C., where he started 15 matches and featured in the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship, the 21-year-old also gained pro experience on short-term deals with Valour FC and Pacific FC. His shot-stopping and composure give UVic a proven last line of defence.

Matthew Pearse – Forward
Entering his third season with the Vikes, Pearse has evolved into the team's most dangerous finisher. A Canada West Second Team All-Star in 2024-25, he led UVic with six goals while adding three assists. With another step forward this season, Pearse could become one of the country's elite attackers.

Key additions:

The Vikes bolster a promising core heading into the 2025-26 season, with numerous players who can expect to see minutes and impact the game. One newcomer likely to make an immediate impact is fifth-year student-athlete Gregor Smith. A veteran midfielder transferring from the University of Northern British Columbia, Smith played four seasons with the Timberwolves, starting all 13 games in his final season. According to head coach Larry Stefanek, Smith is a "difference maker," bringing leadership and composure to a young squad.

Among the rookies, Owen Lemmer (Vancouver) adds pace and precision as an attacking left wingback, while Elliot Lupton (North Vancouver) brings creativity and vision to the centre midfield after excelling with Norvan FC in the BC Premier League as a high school student. On the back line, Nathan Aquilina (Ontario) is a left-footed centre back known for his decision-making, aerial strength, and ability to play line-breaking passes — tools that could earn him early minutes in high-stakes games.

The Vikes are back on the field Saturday, August 23, at 5:30 p.m. against the University of the Fraser Valley.

Marquee games
Varsity home opener: August 22 vs Trinity Western
Thunderfest: September 5 vs UNBC
Jersey Night: September 26 vs UBCO
Senior's Night: October 11 vs UBC