On the eve of the U SPORTS National Championship, three University of Victoria men's soccer players were recognized among the nation's best, earning U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian honours at the men's soccer awards banquet on Nov. 11 at Sngequ House.

Defender Fin Tugwell, goalkeeper Callum Weir, and midfielder Evan Larson were all named U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadians following standout seasons for the Vikes.

The recognition comes after UVic finished third in the Pacific Division and advanced to the U SPORTS Championship tournament on home soil.

Much of the Vikes' success this season was built on a strong defensive foundation. Anchored by the Tugwell brothers and Weir, UVic conceded just 10 goals during the regular season, ranking among the top defensive teams in Canada West.

For Tugwell, the honour marks the second All-Canadian selection of his career. The fifth-year captain and Pacific FC defender was a First Team All-Canadian in 2024 and has established himself as one of the premier defenders in U SPORTS.

Weir earns All-Canadian status for the first time after another outstanding campaign. The fourth-year goalkeeper from Haines Junction, Yukon, recorded a 0.87 goals-against average and continued to add to an already impressive collegiate resume.

Larson also receives his first national honour following a career-best fifth season. The midfielder started every match for the Vikes and led the team offensively with 17 points, scoring seven goals and adding three assists.

The U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship gets underway today, with the host Vikes taking on the McGill Redbirds at 7:15 p.m. at Centennial Stadium. It will be the first time UVic has hosted the national championship since 2011, when the Vikes captured the program's most recent national title.

This marks the fifth time UVic has hosted the event, having previously welcomed the championship in 1975, 1978, 1999, and 2011.