Vernon's Finlay McPhie graces the cover of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men's soccer team's media guide.

Vernon's Finlay McPhie graces the cover of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men's soccer team's media guide.

Finlay McPhie clearly in WolfPack season picture

Vernon’s Finlay McPhie has become the poster boy for Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer. Literally.

Vernon’s Finlay McPhie has become the poster boy for Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer.

Literally.

“His picture graces the team poster, a big collapsible banner and Finlay will be on the cover of the team’s media guide,” said TRU sports information officer Larry Read.

McPhie is a third-year backfield player with the WolfPack and has been named one of the team’s three captains.

He will be counted on for strong play in the backfield along with Adam Swanson of North Vancouver, and the team’s only fifth-year player, Stef Shaw of Duncan.

The 2016-17 season should see another step forward for head coach John Antulov and the WolfPack men’s soccer program.

After barely missing the playoffs in their second year of Canada West and CIS play, the ‘Pack are looking to make more of an impact.

Antulov’s core of young talent – which includles McPhie – have another year of experience under their belt. They have set a post-season berth as one of their key goals for the coming season.

McPhie was kept off the scoresheet in TRU’s opening game of their own invitational pre-season tournament, a 2-1 win over the Quest University Kermodes of Squamish.

TRU opens the season for real on Saturday, Aug. 27, and Sunday, Aug. 28, as they host divisional rivals UBC and Victoria, respectively, in a Canada West doubleheader at Hillside Stadium.

The WolfPack will host the CIS Men’s Soccer Nationals in 2017 (Nov 9-12).

Vernon Morning Star