Two soccer teams from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) have punched their tickets to Squamish next weekend.
Both the men’s and women’s KPU Eagles teams assured themselves a top five finish in their respective PACWEST (Pacific Northwest Athletic Conference) standings and a berth at the provincial playoffs hosted by Quest University.
The men’s team failed to earn a point from two games last weekend, but when the Capilano Blues lost Saturday afternoon to the Langara Falcons, the Eagles were assured of a top-four finish.
KPU lost 1-0 to the Quest Kermodes Saturday at Newton Athletic Park, then were blanked 2-0 by the Vancouver Island Mariners Sunday in Nanaimo.
“We are excited for provincials, its the first time since beginning of the season that we have had everyone healthy which is very positive,” said KPU head coach Srdjan Djekanovic, “We have stuck together, fought for each other, and have achieved a great result for our program in the regular season. Now it is time to focus and look towards our goals at provincials next week.”
The Eagles finished at 5-3-7 (won-tied-lost) and finished in third place, nine points back of the second-place Douglas College Royals and one up on Quest and the Falcons.
KPU will kick-off against the Mariners at 1 p.m. Saturday in a semifinal contest. Medal games are set for Sunday.
Vancouver Island won two of three games against the Eagles, both by 2-0 scores. The two teams also played to a scoreless draw.
The women wrapped up their playoff berth by playing to a scoreless draw with the Kermodes Saturday at Newton. KPU then finished their regular season schedule with a 1-0 loss in Nanaimo.
The Eagles were 4-6-5 in league play, placing fourth, six points back of Langara and five up on Quest.
The women’s team will also play against Vancouver Island in the playoffs. The two teams kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday night in a semifinal contest, then play for gold or bronze medals Saturday.
