With the start of the school year following U SPORTS and Canada West to promote various athletes is imperative for the growth and success of the program.
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Thanks to U SPORTS and Canada West for the press release!!
Aug. 22, 2025 – After claiming both the Canada West and U SPORTS banners in a storybook 2024 season, the UBC Thunderbirds enter the new campaign back on top — but far from comfortable.
The conference has revealed the results of its 2025 men’s soccer coaches poll ahead of Friday night’s season opening action. UBC emerged as the unanimous preseason favorites, securing all 12 possible first-place votes.
Victoria finished second, followed closely by Prairie Division powers in Alberta, Calgary and Mount Royal.
The Thunderbirds will look to build on last season’s double-title campaign, which saw them win a CW Final rematch against Mount Royal — securing their sixth conference title in seven seasons.
UBC went on to capture its first national title since 2013, defeating the Montreal Carabins 1-0 in the U SPORTS final.
Sporting a number of key returnees including forward Henri Godbout, midfielders Brennen Fuerst and Luke Norman and defender Eric Lajeunesse, the T-Birds’ superior depth make them a favourite to repeat.
“I expect our group to be strong again this coming season, but getting out of Canada West is always a challenge and it seems like the division gets stronger every season,” says UBC head coach Mike Mosher.
After two straight CW Finals appearances, the Mount Royal Cougars will look to remain in title contention as they rebuild on the fly.
Despite roster turnover, the Cougars’ extensive championship experience should keep them in the hunt.
“Our leadership core will be important as always, and hopefully the bounces go our way when we need them,” says MRU head coach Ryan Gyaki.
Fans can circle their calendars for a CW Final rematch on Sept. 20 between the T-Birds and Cougars in Calgary.
The Prairie Division race promises to be exceptionally tight. The Alberta Golden Bears topped the division last year with a 10-1-3 record and should be a formidable force once again, while the high-powered Calgary Dinos will also be a threat, sporting a full returning roster.
Out west, keep an eye on the Fraser Valley Cascades, who will be led by 2024 Canada West Player of the Year Mateo Brazinha.
The Cascades pushed UBC to overtime in last year’s semifinal round and will be hungry to take the next step this season.
Opening weekend across the conference begins Friday night with a trio of Pacific Division contests, including:
- Trinity Western at Victoria
- Fraser Valley at UBC
- Thompson Rivers at UNBC
Prairie Division action gets underway on Saturday, with Alberta visiting Mount Royal and Calgary hosting MacEwan. All teams will be in action the following weekend.
The regular season runs through Oct. 19, with playoffs slated to begin Oct. 24. The Canada West Gold Medal Game will be contested the weekend of Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, hosted by the highest remaining seed in the Prairie Division.
Fans can catch all the action on CanadaWest.TV – Presented by BioSteel, with All-Access and Regular Season Sport Passes now available for purchase.
The conference’s official streaming service now has mobile apps for Apple and Android, in addition to a full suite of Connected TV apps including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku.
For the complete 2025 Canada West men’s soccer schedule, click here.
To view CW men’s soccer history and records, click here.
2025 CW Men’s Soccer Coaches Poll
Team – Points (First-place votes)
- UBC Thunderbirds – 144 (12)
- Victoria Vikes – 122 (1)
- Alberta Golden Bears – 117
- Calgary Dinos – 111
- Mount Royal Cougars – 111
- Trinity Western Spartans – 87
- Fraser Valley Cascades – 81
- Thompson Rivers WolfPack – 56
- Lethbridge Pronghorns – 40
- Saskatchewan Huskies – 40
- UBCO Heat – 39
- UNBC Timberwolves – 36
- MacEwan Griffins – 30
TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEW
UBC Thunderbirds
2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #1
Team Overview: Entering the 2025 campaign as both the Canada West and U SPORTS defending champions, the Thunderbirds return a number of key pieces to their roster in Henri Godbout, midfielders
Brennen Fuerst and Luke Norman and defender Eric Lajeunesse. Combined with another strong recruit class, UBC will battle for their seventh CW title in the last eight seasons.
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