Brighter days could be ahead for the UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer team.
After enduring a pair of transition years, the group looks to make it back into the Canada West playoff picture in 2025 after last qualifying in 2022.
UNBC is coming off a 2-12-2 record last season as they lift the curtain against the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack tonight (8pm) and Sunday (2:30) from Masich Place Stadium.
Third-year midfielder Isaac Tate, who booted in two goals and tallied four assists is likely to lead the offensive charge thanks to his blistering speed.
Joining him is rookie striker, the younger brother of fellow third-year midfielder James Jordan.
Wyatt Lyon also returns to UNBC after missing 2024, providing some size and grit down the middle along with Mark Talisuna who brings three years of college soccer experience from Simon Fraser University.
The backend is built around stalwarts like Hagon Kim and Koss Nystedt who are also in year-three of conference eligibility. Fellow veterans Adam Kordunner and Dutch import Pipeijn van der Ende should round out the backline barring injury.
Defender Charlie Beauvais, who finished his high school career with Barca (Barcelona) Residency Academy in Arizona is also one to watch as is Jamie Wildash-Chan who is from New Zealand.
Logan Pierce looks to pick up where he left off in the Timberwolves crease. In his rookie campaign, he made 94 saves.
On the women’s side, youth will once again be served for the T-Wolves with 22 of its 26 players in their first or second year of eligibility.
One of the biggest changes will be in goal as German import
Johanna Rathke, who brings pro resume to the northern capital suiting up for TSV Jahn Calden.
She’ll have a tough act to follow as Brityn Hinsche set a Canada West record for most saves in a season in 2023 and came close to that mark again last year when UNBC opponents forced her to make 124 saves in 12 games.
Second-year player Alysa LeClerc who is a product of the Prince George Youth Soccer Association is expected to play a larger role on the defense alongside star backliners Kambria Mellum and Maleah Fernie.
Kate Rattee, a third-year midfielder from Kamloops looks to fill the void on offense left behind by Claire Turner who rippled the onion bag three times in 2024. The play making ability of Kjera Hayman will also be missed.
Chilliwack product Emily Willmets, who played for Surrey United, this year’s provincial club champions, and Sophie Postlewaite of Victoria are the prized first-year recruits looking to make an impact.
Fia Cameron of Revelstoke is also heading into her third season on the midfield for UNBC.
The Timberwolves finished 1-13 in the Canada West last season.
UNBC kicks off against TRU tonight and Sunday (5:30pm and Noon) from Masich Place Stadium.
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