Spokane, WA…..The KPU Eagles (PACWEST, CCAA) men’s soccer team took a memorable trip to Gonzaga University (NCAA Div I) over the past weekend and fell 4-0 to the 36th nationally-ranked Bulldogs on Monday, August 18.
The experience at Gonzaga was truly an eye-opener for the Eagles as they were given the opportunity to practice as well as tour the athletic facilities on-campus on Sunday. Head Coach Srdjan Djekanovic spoke of the generosity of their hosts for their hospitality as well as the excitement amongst his players. “The guys really enjoyed themselves as we had a personal guided tour by Gonzaga's Assistant Athletic Director,” he commented, “the experience was just amazing. We faced one of the top NCAA Div I soccer programs. It was an amazing learning opportunity for our program and a great bonding trip.”
The Eagles played a strong game on Monday, only down 2-0 at the half. “We were creating chances, “ Djekanovic said, “the final two goals were conceded in the final five minutes under some tough conditions but overall I’m pleased. It was a great demonstration of the work ethic of the guys and we have a bright future ahead of our growing program.”
Both KPU Eagles soccer programs kick off the 2014/15 PACWEST CCAA regular season with a home-opener at Newton Athletic Park on Wednesday, September 3; the women’s game begins at 5:00pm and the men’s game begins at 7:00pm.
For more information on the Department of Athletics & Recreation, please contact Junelle Mah, sports information and marketing, at 604-786-0804 or at junelle.mah@kpu.ca.
The KPU Eagles Department of Athletics & Recreation enters its 14th season of interuniversity competition. The Eagles are members of the PACWEST conference and play in the Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) with 100 student-athletes participating on eight varsity teams in men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, badminton and golf. KPU athletics plays its home games at the Eagles’ Nest (Surrey Campus), Northview Golf & Country Club, Newton Athletic Park, all located in Surrey, BC and the Ace Badminton Centre in Richmond, BC. The Eagles are active in the conference with staff members on various advisory committees and competing to host both provincial and national championships. The student-athletes are mainly from the lower mainland but KPU’s rosters have included student-athletes from North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
Follow the Eagles on Twitter @KPUEagles, on Facebook www.facebook.com/kpueagles, or visit our website at www.kpu.ca/eagles.