Metro Vancouver…..The KPU Eagles men’s soccer team kicked off the 2014/15 PACWEST CCAA season with a 1-0-0 record as they defeated the Capilano University Blues 3-0 at home Wednesday, September 3, at Newton Athletic Park in Surrey, BC. The Eagles go into a double-header weekend to take on the Douglas College Royals and the Langara College Falcons on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, respectively.
A scoreless first-half had it’s share of scoring opportunities for the young KPU team, but the second-half proved to be the most productive. First-year forward Justin Turner-Pearce, Richmond, BC, netted his first university-career goal at 47:20. Fellow first-year Alexander Escobar, forward, San Salvador, El Salvador, made his debut memorable as he scored twice to put KPU ahead by three. Escobar’s goals came at 76:53 and 86:25. First-year goalkeeper David Hicks, Surrey, BC, earned a shut-out in his first 90 minutes as an Eagle.
Assistant Coach Paul Pedersen was in charge of the bench and was pleased with the results. “In the first game of the season a little bit of nervousness is expected, but the guys showed some gumption with an early first goal in the second half,” Coach Pedersen commented, “They battled hard, came out, and did well. Great goals by Justin and Alex. Key saves by the goalkeeper late kept the shut-out and we move on to an important couple of games this weekend.”
KPU Eagles forward Alexander Escobar had a great PACWEST CCAA debut at home against the Capilano University Blues. (Photo Credit: KPU Sports Information)
The next home match for the KPU Eagles men’s soccer team is Saturday, September 13 when they take on the Quest University Kermodes at 2:00pm at Newton Athletic Park in Surrey.
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.