Clan men's soccer have something to play for
This year, the SFU Clan men’s soccer team has something to play for.
Despite winning the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title the last two years, the Clan was ineligible for post-season play as only a provisional member of the NCAA.
But with full membership granted to the school this summer, the Clan’s nine returning starters are looking to live up to their ninth ranking in the pre-season national poll of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The Clan also received the nod from seven of eight GNAC coaches to repeat their conference championship.
The Clan will be led by forward Carlo Basso, whose 15 goals and two assists last season earned him a share of GNAC player-of-the year honours with Tyler Schultz of Seattle Pacific University.
Another key returnee will be senior defender Matt Besuschko, who was named to the GNAC first all-star team last year and an NSCAA All-American.
Four other GNAC all-stars will also be back, including midfielders Chris Bargholz, Justin Wallace and Michael Winter, and goalkeeper Sheldon Steenhuis.
SFU will be playing for one of six available spots in the NCAA West Regional playoffs.
The Clan continues its preparation for the upcoming season with a pair of exhibition matches this weekend at Terry Fox Field. They host Thompson Rivers Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Vancouver Island on Sunday at 3 p.m.
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