VICTORIA - As hosts of the 2026 U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship, the University of Victoria Vikes enter the season with their sights set on a national title. With an automatic berth at nationals secured, the focus will be building a squad that can compete with the country's best and return the program to national prominence.
The Vikes are coming off a strong 2025 campaign, finishing 10-3-2 and placing second in the Canada West Pacific Division. However, their postseason run ended in the Canada West semifinals, falling to Mount Royal for the second straight season.
Head coach
Larry Stefanek enters his fifth season behind the bench with a veteran-heavy roster featuring eight fourth-year and seven fifth-year players. While the team will need to replace the offensive production of standout forward
Matthew Pearse, who will miss the season with a torn ACL, UVic's experienced core and strong defensive foundation provide plenty of optimism heading into 2026.
Led by Pacific FC draft picks Fin and
Archie Tugwell, the Vikes' backline is expected to be a major strength as they navigate one of the toughest conferences in the country. A handful of experienced additions will also help bolster the squad as UVic prepares for a season with championship expectations.
From the coach
"We will be looking to build off a strong 2025 season with numerous returning players coming back for their last season. Some good recruits will add reinforcements to the squad, which will look to play an attacking style of soccer. Our keys to success will be our ability to perform consistently and remain healthy over the duration of the season." –
Larry Stefanek, Head Coach
Key returners
Fin Tugwell | Defender | Fifth Year
One of the top defenders in U SPORTS, Tugwell was selected by Pacific FC in the 2025 CPL-U SPORTS Draft and earned Canada West First Team All-Star honours in 2025. The Canada West Defensive Player of the Year in 2024-25 started 17 matches last season and contributed three goals, including two game-winners.
Archie Tugwell | Defender | Fourth Year
Selected by Pacific FC in the 2026 CPL-U SPORTS Draft, Archie has been a fixture in the Vikes lineup since 2022. He has appeared in 55 matches, starting 54, while logging nearly 5,000 career minutes. The centre back added two goals in 2025 and remains a versatile presence who can build an attack from the back line.
Matteo Hilton | Midfielder | Fourth Year
Hilton has developed into a leader in the Vikes midfield, combining strong work rate with excellent passing range. An attacking threat from the middle of the park, he recorded two goals and one assist last season and is expected to play a key role in driving UVic's attack in 2026.
Additions to watch
Felipe Morales Moya | Forward | Fourth Year
An experienced forward originally from Mexico City, Morales Moya brings an international résumé and added depth to the Vikes attack. Most recently, he played for Nanaimo United in the BC Premier League and earned Star of the Month honours in June. His experience across Mexico, the UAE, England, and Canada should provide valuable leadership and versatility in the final third.
Rees Goertzen | Defender/Forward | Fifth Year
Returning to the Vikes after stepping away following the 2022-23 season, Goertzen adds experience and versatility to the roster. The first Vikes player selected in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft when Pacific FC chose him in 2022, he is capable of contributing at either end of the pitch and gives UVic another veteran option heading into a championship-hosting season.
