Metro Vancouver…..The KPU Eagles are proud to announce their Sheraton Vancouver Guildford 'Athletes of the Week' as Gurneet Josan, Surrey, BC, of women’s soccer, and Nawaf Binsaleh, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, of men's soccer, for the week ending on Sunday, September 21.
Josan, a third-year midfielder, was instrumental in this weekend’s win and tie over Douglas College and Langara College, respectfully. This is the second match-up of the season with both of these teams, which previously produced losses for the Eagles, again 2-0 and 3-1 respectively. Josan was able to nullify the biggest offensive threat from the Royals for the KPU victory. Defensively she can close down attacks down is versatile as both a midfielder and forward. An influential force on the pitch, Josan’s abilities to lead by example make her well-respected by her team and coaching staff.
KPU Eagles head coach Julie King regularly notes Josan's experience and strength on the pitch. "Every week I mention Gurneet as being an outstanding player for our program. She is someone who knows what her job is and consistently executes well," King said, "She has this energy about her that is infectious, everyone is drawn to her, and she pushes everyone to do their best."
Binsaleh, a first-year defender, demonstrated strong leadership during tough matches against the Douglas College Royals and the Langara College Falcons this past weekend. A versatile player in both the back and midfield, Binsaleh was instrumental in Saturday’s shut-out, as his contributions on the pitch worked to limit the opportunities of a usually high-scoring Royals offense. During Sunday’s tie with the Falcons, his consistency and eye for the ball helped the Eagles to again limit their opponent’s shots on net, and then come from an early 1-0 deficit to a tie.
KPU Eagles head coach Srdjan Djekanovic is pleased with Binsaleh’s development in his first year as a university defender. “Nawaf was strong for us this weekend in helping keep our backline composed and organized,” Djekanovic stated, “ He is quiet about his work and gets the job done.”
(Photo Credit for both images: Tree Frog Imaging)
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.