Canada West Men’s Soccer Preview
Alberta Golden Bears @ UNBC Timberwolves
Friday, September 22, 2023 at 12 PM

UNBC Timberwolves (1-5-1)
5^th in Pacific Division Standings
5 Goals For (10^th in CW)
17 Goals Against (13^th  in CW)
Goals Leader: Michael Henman: 4 Goals
Assists Leader: Lewis, Stewart, I. Tate, T. Tate, Ballinger: 1 Assist
Points Leader: Michael Henman: 4 Points
Saves Leader: Daniel Zadravec: 48 Saves

Player to Watch: Daniel Zadravec, G
Registering his 200^th career save last week vs Calgary, Zadravec became just the 12^th goalkeeper in conference history to reach that mark. The 2022 Canada West All-Star is playing behind an extremely young defending group, so the Timberwolves will need the Victoria product to be steady between the pipes and intelligent with his communication and distribution against a talented Golden Bears side.

Alberta Golden Bears (4-0-1)
1^st in Prairie Division Standings
7 Goals For (5^th in CW)
2 Goals Against (2^nd in CW)
Goals Leader: Rilind Idrizi, Prince Amanda: 2 Goals
Assists Leader: Rilind Idrizi: 2 Assists
Points Leader: Rilind Idirizi: 4 Points
Saves Leader: Chris Ezoua: 22 Saves 

Player to Watch: Habib Assem, F
A member of the 2022 Canada West All-Rookie Team and a Second Team All-Star, Habib Assem is already a household name in the conference. The Edmonton product scored a hat-trick when the TWolves and Bears met last season, so will likely be looking for more in the 2023 matchup. UNBC’s young defenders will need to keep an eye on the six-foot-two forward, who can score from just about any situation.

Lethbridge Pronghorns @ UNBC Timberwolves
Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 12 PM

UNBC Timberwolves (1-5-1)
5^th in Pacific Division Standings
5 Goals For (10^th in CW)
17 Goals Against (13^th  in CW)
Goals Leader: Michael Henman: 4 Goals
Assists Leader: Lewis, Stewart, I. Tate, T. Tate, Ballinger: 1 Assist
Points Leader: Michael Henman: 4 Points
Saves Leader: Daniel Zadravec: 48 Saves

Player to Watch: Wyatt Lyon, M
Playing with a poise and IQ beyond his years, freshman Wyatt Lyon occupies a major role for the Timberwolves. A native of Victoria, Lyon defends with his big frame, and has the ball skills to create offense in the other direction. Against a dynamic Horns program, the young midfielder will need to be sure-footed and intentional as UNBC tries to take a step towards the Canada West playoffs.

Lethbridge Pronghorns (2-2-3)
3^rd in Prairie Division Standings
12 Goals For (3^rd in CW)
10 Goals Against (8^th in CW)
Goals Leader: Will Hughes, Kai Sakaguchi: 3 Goals
Assists Leader: Will Hughes: 3 Assists
Points Leader: Will Hughes: 6 Points
Saves Leader: Armaan Thawer: 28 Saves 

Player to Watch: Alasdair Coyle, M
With 54 career starts under his belt, Alasdair Coyle is no stranger to the grind that is Canada West soccer. One of the few fifth-years on the Lethbridge roster, Coyle has already potted a pair of goals, while still offering tough defending through the midfield. The Pronghorns have been one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the conference, so UNBC will need to keep an eye on the Langley product as he looks to generate opportunities for attackers like Will Hughes and Kai Sakaguchi.

Milestones
 
- Daniel Zadravec needs one victory to break Tyrone Venhola’s program record for most Canada West wins
- Daniel Zadravec made the 200^th save of his Canada West career last week vs Calgary
- Michael Henman needs one goal to reach 30 for his Canada West career
- Michael Henman needs five points to reach 40 for his Canada West career
- Daniel Zadravec needs one game played to reach 40 for his Canada West career
- Gregor Smith needs two games played to reach 40 for his Canada West career
- Julian Daduica needs two games played to reach 30 for his Canada West career