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Mt Royal Cougars

Thursday, October 24, 2013

MRU @ Trinity Western

The Trinity Western field is hallowed ground in the CIS west league, there is no field like it and after this year the MRU team has played on every field. Preparing for the game the team did everything they could to play there best and seriously hoped the fog would stay at bay for the game unlike the previous night. The team started the game without 5th years Kelsey Marklund and Monica Neilson, but came out intending to put the work in and not give Trinity an easy win. Once the game started it was clear that both teams were hitting hard and not giving any ground without a fight. With an unfortunate skip of the ball at the MRU defensive line the Trinity player found herself on a breakaway, and managed to beat the keeper. Showing the character that Coach Fusco has asked for multiple time the team didn't step back though they keep pushing and with multiple good shots around the Trinity box Caitlin Specht found the back of the net pulling the game level again. The Trinity Trojans weren't giving up either though and not long after found another goal to put them ahead once again. Entering the half down 2-1 the Cougars talked at half about what needed to be different, and the only change was to put 5th year Kelsey Marklund in net. Shortly after half more changes were made in an attempt to get some more control in the midfield and up front. The game continued well for both teams, and Cougars keeper Marklund making some fantastic saves and Monica Neilson coming on. Late in the second half though with the Cougars having moved players around in an attempt to get a last minute goal Trinity Western scored themselves. This goal brought them up 3-1 which is how both the game and the 2013 season ended.

Very Important farewell to graduating and moving on players: Samantha Valadao (transferring), Kara Noel (graduating), Monica Neilson (5th year), and Kelsey Marklund (5th year). May you all have the best of luck in all your endeavours.

MRU @ UBC

Having left the Calgary airport which was literally packed full of uniformed officers from England, the team hoped that'd be enough excitement for the BC trip. Reaching Vancouver though it was clear to anyone in or near a window that the city below was surreal as you could see the clouds of fog below blurring out the city lights and details. Adding to the experience was landing through a thick layer of fog, and knowing that the pilots couldn't see the ground anymore then we could. A few bounces later though the plane was safely on the ground and had only the challenge of finding the gate remaining. With the game not till the next evening the team found the hotel and rested up for the weekend ahead. A light practice in the morning got the travel stiffness out of the teams legs and let Coach Fusco present some last minute changes to set plays. At this point I will be honest in saying that my analysis of the UBC game is extremely limited, because early in the game the before mentioned fog reappeared with a vengeance. I would say that no one coach, player, referee, or fan could see further then 20ft across the field. Whether it be a blessing or a curse I can describe both the goals that UBC scored, as both came down the right side of the field and the cross beat both keeper and defence allowing UBC to go ahead. After that point the blanket of oblivion descended on us all isolating individuals, and much resembling a nightmare where you can't see or hear anything. The end result was 2-0 for UBC which continued there undefeated season one more game. The team traveled that night to Langley BC to await the game against Trinity Western University. Those people are at half by the way....

Monday, October 7, 2013

MRU vs U of Regina

Having lost their Saturday game to U of S the Cougars were looking to redeem themselves against the University of Regina Cougars. With an epic Cougar vs Cougar game Coach Fusco asked his team to show him their character and grit in the game by coming back from Saturday. With a 5th year ceremony before the first whistle coach and players a like shed a tear for the last home game of Kelsey Marklund and Monica Neilson. The ceremony seemed to shake the MRU team up cause the UofR scored two goal within the first four minutes of the game, not the perfect start to a game to say the least. The first resulted from a bouncing ball in the box which was swarmed by UofR players who eventually put the ball in the net. The second was scored off of a penalty kick, which was a heart breaker because keeper Kelsey Marklund managed to get a hand on the ball before it went in. Showing the grit and character asked for before the game MRU responded with a goal shortly after by Kristin Bloom. Bloom off a pass from Ashley Wroe snuck the between keeper and post on the near side, giving the MRU team some hope. The comeback was completed when Kelsey Kinzner from a bouncing ball side stepped a defender and beat the keeper wide, bringing the game back to a level playing field. With the second half starting with a score of 2-2 the MRU team figured the advantage was theres, all they had to do was follow through. The second half was filled with excitement for both teams and yet nothing to bring one ahead of the other. The heart break was completed when at the end of the half the UofR team got one last shot on target and just got the ball over the keeper and under the bar. This game was well fought and MRU players gave it there all, and left bruised and wishing they could have chances back to change the outcome. With next weekend off from games the team will refocus and come back to face Trinity Western and UBC the following weekend.

Special Thanks to Kelsey Marklund and Monica Neilson for their 5 year of play with the MRU cougars, and the team hopes they know how much they will be missed in the next years season.

MRU vs U of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan was undefeated coming into this weekend and the Cougars knew they were gonna have a battle on their hands to get any points of the Huskies. The game started with the Cougars focusing on defence and hoping that an offence would develop as the team settled into the pace of the game. The game seemed to be stuck in the middle of the field though, neither the Huskies or the Cougars really had any quality chances as both defences were solid. As it would seem it goes for the Cougars though the Huskies had a low bouncing shot that beat the keeper who didn't see the shot till the last second. With minutes left in the half it was frustrating for the Cougars who knew they now needed to pick it up even more. Some changes were made at the half in an attempt by Coach Fusco to change the outcome of the game. The Cougars came into the second half with a little more jump up front and had a few almost chances, but none that came to anything. With the Cougars taking more chances trying to get forward the Huskies secured their lead with another goal which beat the keeper high. The game ended with a score of 2-0 and as dissappointing as the result was the Cougars fought hard against the Huskies, and once again improved on their performance from last year.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Women's Soccer supporting the Men's Hockey Home Opener

Some of the Cougars made it out to support there sibling team, the men's hockey team in their home opener against University of Saskatchewan. Although the male Cougars didn't fair to well in the game losing 5-2, there was still excitement to be had. In the first intermission two of the Cougars own were chosen to compete in the half time competition. In the past some of the teams players had been chosen to participate in other teams half time events, and not once had the team won the prize. This game though was different we had a two players competing, Christine Jenkins and Taylor Lamb (Ralph) both rookies on the team. Of these two Christine Jenkins pulled out the win, winning a free class at MRU in the next semester ($600). Needless to say the team is improving in all aspects of competition, all we need now are some better celebrations. 

Monday, September 30, 2013

MRU @ UofM

The weather in Winnipeg was drastically different from the day before with the sun out and barely a cloud in the sky, only a strong wind would subtract from the conditions. The Manitoba Bison were a better team then the Wesmen though and the Cougars needed to be prepared for the competition. The game started with the Cougars looking to attack fast and hard and get a leg up on the Bison, plans don't always go according to plan though. With a soft foul by a defender the Bison took advantage of their free kick and hitting it long and high beat the goalkeeper who had to battle the sun in her eyes. After this the Cougars struggled with the game and calls being made by the referee, one of which was deserved as it better resembled an American football tackle then a play in soccer. This foul did earn a defender a deserved yellow card (ugh... Zilkie), but the tackle helped boost the team to push harder and get back in the game. As hard as they pushed though the Cougars unfortunately went down another goal, putting them in a difficult position to come back for the win. Just before the half though with a long corner Reaghan Zilkie headed the ball into the goal to keep the Cougars in the game going into half. Substitutions were made at half to get some jump in the attack and change the outcome of the game. The second half started with better possession and not long into the half Ashley Wroe scored from a through ball, beating the keeper one vs one. With the game tied at two Coach Fusco made plans to push for a last minute goal, as things go though the Bison got the go ahead goal with 5 minutes to go in the half. Showing a resilience that might have surprised some the Cougars responded with a goal by Kelsey Kinzner who once again beat a keeper high tying the game up. With injury time dwindling Ashley Wroe sent a long throw past a defender leaving Donella Lockhart with a bouncing ball, a physical defender on her back, and the keeper to beat. She managed to do all of these things, however the shot was inches off as it wrung off the inside of the post and bounced out. Coach Fusco's comments on the game were that the team were lucky to tie and almost managed to win. All in all the game was full of excitement, and Alyssa Himbault will be taking donations to replace her cleats which literally fell apart while on the field.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

MRU @ UofW

Once again the MRU team found itself in a classy hotel in a not so classy part of town, but sticking to the buddy system the team managed to prepare for their first game of the weekend. The weather forecast was gloomy for Saturday and it poured all day, finally stopping when the team went out for dinner that night. The Cougars had a solid breakfast in the hotel and with a celebrity farewell (CSI actors) in the morning, they were ready to face the Winnipeg Wesmen. Thankfully the team was wearing their blue long sleeve jerseys which made the wet and cold easier to handle. The game started well for the Cougars as they maintained possession in the Wesmen's end, the defence able to handle anything that came at them. As the game progressed Kelsey Kinzner took a shot from outside the 18 yard box managing to beat the keeper high, putting the team up one to nothing. Not long after the Cougars went up a goal however the Wesmen managed to make a good attempt on goal from a long ball. The Wesmen striker beat both defender and keeper, the only reason a goal didn't result was thanks to Monica Neilson. Who with her volleyball background leapt up and blocked the shot, directing it wide for a Wesmen corner. The half ended with the score 1-0, and the Cougars knew that another lucky break and the Wesmen would be right back in the game. Coming into the half with a few substitutions the Cougars kept the pressure on the Wesmen and created more chances to score, the chances only falling apart at the last minute. Not to be thwarted though the Cougars pressed, and Kelsey Kinzner scored an almost identical goal to her first in the second half. Still pushing for more success the Cougars found another with a give and go, which got Donella Lockhart behind the Wesmen defence. Who sliding in with the defender and keeper managed to get the ball in the back of the net. Some more substituitions followed as Coach Fusco wanted to keep the energy high up front and solid in the back. Substitute Karlee Hodl finalized the Cougars dominance when she found the keeper out of postion and shot a great ball over the keepers head into the far corner. The game ended with the Cougars feeling confident about their play and the result, but knowing that Coach Fusco always wants more. The more that he wanted would follow that Sunday against University of Manitoba.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

MRU vs. Fraser Valley

Having lost the Saturday game to Victoria 2-1 the Cougars were eager to gain some points against a middle table ranked Fraser Valley team. Fraser Valley is a very quick and physical team, having watched video of the opposition Coach Fusco decided to go with a different starting line-up then the previous day. This line-up was effective though as early in the game Kelsey Kinzner won a ball off a Fraser Valley defender and lobbed the ball over the keeper. Calgary referees with their reputation called the play offside though, effectively calling the goal back. After much review by players and coaches a like the play was found to be on side and miscalled by both the linesmen and the referee. Almost right after this call the Fraser Valley team found the back of the net off a corner that the Cougars struggled to collect and clear. Needless to say this goal drastically shifted the momentum of the game and the Cougars struggled to recollect themselves. The Cougars left the half down 1-0 but Coach Fusco was confident in his squad and other then one substitution in the first half, the same players faced Fraser Valley at the start of the second half. Same as the first half though the Cougars struggled to get past the condensed Fraser Valley inside midfielders. With 20 minutes left in the half Coach Fusco made substitutions with the intent of pushing for an equalizer late in the game. Unfortunately Fraser Valley managed to get another goal off a corner almost identical to their first goal against the Cougars. With people pushed high and an unfortunate mistake made by the defence Fraser Valley got another goal to put them up 3-0. The game ended with a score of 3-0, leaving the Cougars down two games for the weekend. Most frustrating of all is the quality of play from one day to the next is still a struggle for the Cougar team, and unfortunately there isn't always extra time for a late comeback.

MRU vs Victoria

Last year the Victoria game was the teams first away weekend and both the scenery and competition made it an exciting learning opportunity. The game ended poorly for the team though with a loss of 5-0 to the more CIS experienced Victoria team. This year however the Cougars had better expectations and determination, and being the first game of the weekend the team was ready to go. The first half was full of hard work from both teams, neither team able to edge ahead of the other. The Cougars left the half the same as the previous year 0-0, this year though they were determined to not fall apart in the second half. Unfortunately it looked scary for a bit there when Victoria went ahead by a goal, but this years Cougar team isn't the same as last year. And substitute Alyssa Himbeault made a difference once again when she hit a low hard shot from outside the 18 yard box, beating the keeper to tie the game at 1-1. Not all the bugs have been worked out it seems though as Victoria managed to get another one on the Cougars putting them back ahead. More substitutions were made with 10 min left in the game to get more energy up front for a last minute come back. Victoria sensing the shift in momentum did a smart and yet frustrating thing (depends on perspective) and held the ball in the Cougars corner for the remainder of the game. Unable to get the ball forward the Cougars left the game down 2-1, in comparison to the previous year though the game had both better play and outcome.

Monday, September 16, 2013

MRU @ UNBC

This weekend was the first away game for the Cougars and it required a plane ride to Prince George with a layover in Vancouver. With any away game there are challenges and this trip had more then usual with lots of miscommunication and confusion over hotel arrangements and field locations. But with beds found to sleep in and a fashionably late arrival to the fields the Cougars were ready to take on the UNBC Timberwolves. The Game started with the Cougars hitting hard and winning balls, and it became clear that the fans were going to be a big part of the game. With the crowd very vocal about how the game was being played/called and the presence of a particularly large drum a different component of the game was added. Their fans had something to cheer about when due to both figurative and literal slips in the back allowed the Timberwolves to find the back of the net. The Cougars had the majority of the possession in the first half and made some good plays but didn't have the quality shots the team hoped for. The half ended with the Timberwolves up 1-0, with the Cougars knowing they were the better team. Substitutions were made at half to bring fresh legs into the attack and hopefully pull the Cougars ahead. The substitutes did just that when Karlee Hodl on the left wing found the back of the net with a long shot that went over the keeper finding the far side of the net. The Cougars controlled the game in the second half and any chances the Timberwolves had were easily dealt with my the Cougar defence and keeper. Taylor Lamb (Ralph) secured the win for the Cougars when she won a through ball and managed to beat the keeper low to put the Cougars ahead. By keeping possession in the Timberwolves half the Cougars waited out the rest of the game, with a final score of 2-1 for the Cougars. With the second win of the season the Cougars are hoping to continue their success and keep improving.

Recognition goes to Taylor Lamb (Ralph) for her first CIS game, and CIS goal.

Side Note: Always make sure your ID is where you think it is, make life a whole less stressful when trying to board a plane.


Thursday, September 12, 2013

MRU vs U of A

The game was rescheduled with short notice by Coach Tino due to the U of A pandas being unavailable for the original game day. The goal was to hit the Pandas before they knew what was going on, with the intent that the Cougars could steal the points. For the first half this went exactly as planned and the Cougars kept pace with the Pandas creating opportunities and controlling the offence of the Panda's. With all the opportunities created the Cougars continued to struggle with the final ball/shot and very few shots were placed on target. In the last 5 minutes of the half the Pandas got deep on the outside and drove a ball low across the box, where unfortunately a Cougar defender connected wrong with the ball and sent it into the net. Leaving the half the Cougars still believed they were in the game, and could come back and win the whole thing. Showing similar problems as the year previous though the Cougars, had 3 goals scored against them in quick succession right after the half. The rest of the half the Cougars continued to battle and Kelsey Kinzner got credit for a goal almost identical to the Panda's first, low drive across the box and in off a defender. The end result was a 4-1 loss for the Cougars, but theres always a positive and this time it's that the team in playing better each game and confident in the coming weekend.

Recognition goes to Kelsey Kinzner who not only scored the goal but received player of the match for her work ethic up top.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

MRU vs U of L

The second game of both the season and the weekend was against the U of L Pronghorns and presented the opportunity the Cougars were looking for to gain their first win. The weather did a 180 degree turn from the previous day and as the past has shown the Cougars only have to wear their long sleeved blue jerseys when the sun is out and temperature is high. Despite this the Cougars held most of the possession during the game and dealt with the Pronghorns long ball attack successfully. Keeping possession doesn't score goals though and getting the ball behind the defensive line and getting quality shots proved to be the challenge. Kennedy Paonessa got one of the few quality shots on target the Cougars had in the first half ringing the ball of the crossbar. Following in was Kelsey Kinzner who although didn't win the ball was fouled by the goalkeeper who went up to collect the ball, earning a penalty kick. Kelsey Kinzner also took the penalty hitting it low to the left corner beating the keeper to put the Cougars up 1-0. Substitutions were made at the half in an attempt to increase chances on net, and success was found on the wings by the substitutes. Although chances were increased no goals were scored, and in the last 5 minutes of the game the Pronghorns won a multitude of corner kicks and free kicks around the goal. These chances brought out the best in the defence and keeper Janel Chicilo who made some fantastic saves to ensure the win for the Cougars. A few things about this game are certain; the Cougars can always improve, and the referee was enemy #1 for both coaches at different points in the game.

Congratulations to Christine Jenkins who entered the game at half for her CIS debut.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Home Opener (U of C)

The home opener for the 2013 season was greatly promoted and planned for by Cougar athletics, but mother nature couldn't cooperate as it poured all morning stopping only once the game started. Despite the rain the Cougar team prepared for the first game of the season ( Crowchild Classic no less) with varying levels of excitement and anxiety. The game started fast and physical from the first whistle with both teams having opportunities on net in the first 5 minutes. U of C however pulled ahead off of a corner kick which bounced around the box after the initial save. This goal was followed with another by U of C on a long shot that beat the keeper wide and found the corner of the net. Despite being down the Cougars managed to fend off any other attacks the Dinos created and left the half down only by 2. The second half started with better energy and momentum from the Cougars, and with some subs just after the half opportunities increased. Kristin Bloom being one of these substitutions increased the Cougars energy up front and with a ball across the net found Donella Lockhart, who managed to beat the keeper high and score the Cougars first goal. Unfortunately the Dinos responded with another goal by intercepting a pass back to the Cougar goalie. This game has shown that there are still things to be worked on and places to grow as a team. The challenge now is to bounce back and compete against the U of L in the second game of the weekend.

Special note about Brianna Keil, Kennedy Paonessa, Navroop Virk, and Alyssa Himbeault for their first game time in the CIS, welcome to the league ladies!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

MRU SOCCER HELPS MOVE IN

Mount Royal Women's soccer spent their day off in pre-season helping future students move into residence. I hear there was also some " chasing cars ". 

Setting the standard on and off the field! 


Monday, August 26, 2013

Preseason 2013

With preseason almost over and the season just around the corner, the team has high hopes for the upcoming year. Having set our goals and made plans to reach them, the team ultimately hopes we will improve our previous years results and make playoffs. In an attempt to set ourselves up for this success Coach Fusco arranged tons of exhibition matches for our preseason. Specifically two tournaments one hosted by MRU the other by the University of Regina. The first weekend in Regina the team showed well while not accomplishing the desired results, however at home we exceeded expectations. This tournament hosted each year by MRU always draws high quality teams, and the MRU Cougars have never had the success they had this year. Now near the end of Preseason the team has a record of 2-3-1(w-l-t), and with returning and new players coming together this year looks promising.

The highlight of most of the teams preseason despite the well played games was the 8 hour bus ride each way to Regina. Where everything from epic food challenges (Bloom), febreze running (Lamb), photography of unsuspecting sleepers (Deeks), and many other memorable events occurred. Ultimately the team has come together both on and off the field and had a blast doing it.



Monday, July 22, 2013

Summer of 2013

Well the summer has almost past us by - or at least it feels that way with pre-season camp only three weeks away.

While the head coach was away in Poland and Russia for three weeks working with the Canadian University Women's Team at FISU; the majority of the team and a few rookies found their way to Vernon for a little R&R and some (PRE) pre-season team bonding at the Neilson household.

It's nice to see the team spending time together and enjoying each other off the field.  I am thinking that after a 8 hour bus ride (one way) and some crammed hotel rooms for the pre-season tournament, the team will need a a much needed break heading into the season.  

The team opens camp mid-August and it's a full schedule.  Time to start preparing the bodies and mind for the challenges ahead.  It's going to be a good one.  MRU opens league play September 7th at home vs. Calgary.  (the teams tied 1-1 last season).


Sunday, May 12, 2013

Cougars in the Community

Congratulations and thank you to all the Cougars who ran in the Mother's Day 10km run.  A fantastic event and great to see the members of the squad getting together and supporting each other.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!







Sunday, May 5, 2013

Spring Camp

When the camp was planned in January to have two-a-days over the weekend to kick start the spring preparations - it was not planned to be training in summer like temperatures.

The team was put thought double sessions on Saturday and Sunday this past weekend as it kicked off its "spring" training. Temperatures were in the mid 20's and the wind was no where to be found.

After a trying first day in the heat; the players rebounded, many moving slower than usual, on Sunday for the second round of sessions. The weekend concluded with a inter-squad game.

"It was great to get on the pitch and work with the squad again. It's a great group of ladies and our intentions to improve for next year are what's needed to build off our last regular season win last year. We will be bringing in new players to add depth to our squad and push the returning starters. Last year our goal was to make playoffs and we came 6 points shy; this season anything less would be a big disappointment."

Many thanks to the players that committed to the camp over the weekend. It's a very good step in the right direction of improving our performance in Canada West.

The team will resume training in the coming days after a few well deserved days off.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Cougar Team Awards

The cougar women posted their team awards prior to the traditional cougar night athletics banquet last week. Of the awards, Kelsey Kinzner (right) won the attacker of the year award while Monica Neilson (left) was awarded the defender of year. Congratulations to both players. We are expecting the same level of excellence next year as the team looks to learn from their first year in Canada West.

Can you repeat for next year?


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Camp 2

Day 1 of Camp #2.

The players were put through some defending fundamentals and we had some great tackles by the end of the session.  Thanks to KD for the image.

Day 2 - the players will be put through some testing as they start to prepare for year #2 in Canada West.

Thanks for the effort today from all the players.


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Deeks takes home MVP award at Cougar Night 2013

KRISTIN DEEKS 2012 WOMEN'S SOCCER MVP


3rd year, Education student and current team captain for the past two seasons, Kristin Deeks, takes home the team MVP award for 2012.

Kristin, played a pivotal role in the team's performances this past season being removed from her starting defensive midfielder role into a centerback role when starting CB, Kara Noel, went down with a season ending injury in the second game of the season.

A leader, a strong competitor and someone who keeps the team together - Deeks is one player who is responsible for the positive culture amongst the women's soccer team and is well deserving of the award.

It is sometimes challenging for players to leave a position they prefer to play and are moved into a position they are asked to play.  Kristin made the transition easy and did it for the better of the team, and for that I knew she was the right choice for captain and deserving of the Most Valuable Player!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Cougars to participate in the Mother's Day Run

The Cougars will be participating as a team in the Mother's Day Run.  If anyone would like to sponsor a Cougar for this run, please contact tfusco@mtroyal.ca for more information.


World Football Academy coming to MRU

Mount Royal University and the Cougars Women's Soccer Program will play host to the one day World Football Academy (WFA) Seminar held in Calgary, Alberta.  

This event provides the opportunity to aspiring coaches, managers and sport enthusiasts to learn about the football periodization practices of the top coaches in Europe.  A great opportunity to partner with the University and Women's soccer program.

The players will be involved in a portion of the day's activities and used as participants for a 1 hour session.  What an opportunity.... to read more about the program  www.worldfootballacademy.com


Cougars in Training

The Cougars came together this past weekend for some futsal.  On Saturday the team participated in a scrimmage with the UofC while on Sunday the team invited a local squad into the den to play.

Currently the team is in the offseason phase of their annual program with plans to increase volume in for the spring.







Friday, February 22, 2013

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.


Sunday, February 17, 2013

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?


Monday, February 4, 2013

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.


Tuesday, January 8, 2013

ID Camp

This past weekend the program held it's first of three ID Camps for up and coming players that are interested in post-secondary play and those eager to be a "MRU Cougar" one day.

The camp was very demanding with double sessions both days but was well received by the players who attended.

The camp focus was on ball possession which incorporated passing/receiving/support/movement off the ball concepts and of course some good laughs by all.

Thanks to all who attend.

The next camp will be held April 6 and 7th @ MRU.
This camp will also include a fitness evaluation component to see how you measure up to a current CIS athlete and identify some strengths and/or weaknesses in your physical preparation as you prepare for University soccer.