Sign, sealed and soon to be delivered....

After a challenging first year in the CIS standings for the MRU Cougars - the team has added more youth to it's squad for the upcoming season.  With a young squad already, coach Fusco, likes the foundation of his squad.  "I really enjoy coaching this squad of players; they get on with each other, they compete, and they laugh together. We had some hard lessons last year,  I hope this new group of first year players will come in and push my returners to be better with the goal of earning opportunities for themselves as well."

This year of new recruits include:

Nav Virk - a skillful magician in the attacking third.  Nav has good vision of field and a better understanding of the game.  We hope to see her add some flare to the Cougars attack this year.
Currently playing with Rangers Soccer Club - Nav will join the squad this fall once completing her youth soccer career.  We look forward to having her in the squad.

Brianna Keil - a hard and determined tackler.  Exactly what is needed at the CIS level and one who isn't shy to get stuck in to win the ball.  We will look to Bri attacking down the flanks getting forward, but first and foremost, we need her to win us some balls and distribute.  She comes to use from the Southwest United Soccer Club.

Alyssa Himbeault - a crafty midfielder with good skill.   Enjoys playing as a defensive midfielder; an area that has been vacated by departing Kim Silcox who has left the program as a University Transfer to pursue her academic goals.  With this comes OPPORTUNITY, something that was promised to all new recruits.  The chance is yours to take it.

Bailey Duncan - a surprise signing nonetheless, a quality player who can come into the midfield with her 5'10" frame and make a difference.  We look forward to challenging Duncan to see what she can bring to the team.  Both Alyssa and Bailey are teammates on the Foothills Soccer Club.

Christine Jenkins - a native of Nanaimo, BC.  One of two new recruits from outside the city for the Cougars this coming year.  Christine, has good pace down the flanks and a strong determination to compete;  both great attributes to add to the squad. She will be playing with the Mid Isle Highlanders FC of the Pacific Coast Soccer League this summer and will join the squad for pre-season in the fall.

Kennedy Paonessa - will be making the 3 hour journey south on Highway 2 from Edmonton to join the Cougars.  A member of the St. FX Soccer Academy, Kennedy has the qualities to be a leader and we look forward to having her in the squad.

To all those...

To all those players who have been cut or told they are good enough because they were too small....non-sense!  What's your next level of greatness?

Cougars participate in CMSA Coaching Convention

As part of the team's commitment to local community service - the team participated in a training session run by head coach, Tino Fusco, as one of the clinicians for the event.   As many players were not that excited to be awake at 11am on a Sunday morning the players attention soon increased when Christine Sinclair and other WNT members walked by.   The players left with a good round of repetitions of a few strikes on goal and a FREE t-shirt.  Win - Win !

However, the star of the session seemed to be goalkeeper, Janelle Chicilo who on may occasions made some acrobatic saves in goal earning numerous roars of applause from the crowd in attendance.  Way to go Janelle!!  I am sure she getting treatment today.