UPEI Men’s Soccer lands homegrown talent in three PEI recruits
The UPEI men’s soccer team is well known for fielding a strong contingent of homegrown talent, and this upcoming season will be no exception.
One look at last season’s depth chart, and you’ll notice the entire starting back line, which features team captain Colin Curran, Max VanWiechen, Jonathan MacKenzie, and Riad Jaha, are all Islanders. Together, the group allowed the third fewest goals (12) in the AUS.
In the last 10 years, UPEI has earned 15 all-star selections, 12 of which are Island produced. Sam Smiley, Cole MacMillan, and Jared Murphy accounted for three all-star nods each; Jimmie Mayaleh had two selections; Adam Lowther had one.
For over two decades, Panthers head coach Lewis Page has continued to keep close tabs on Island youth as they rise through the PEI Soccer ranks, securing promising young talent for his UPEI squad along the way. He’s hoping that he has struck gold again with his newest recruits, Jacob Tweel, Will Campbell, and Lachlan MacEachern, all of whom will represent PEI at the 2022 Canada Summer Games in August.
Tweel is a 17-year-old midfielder who prides himself on controlling the tempo of the game and using his technical skills and soccer IQ to break lines and set up teammates for success.
In November 2020, Tweel was named the Player of the Month by the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy Centre. He was also the captain and co-MVP of Colonel Gray High School’s soccer team and helped lead them to a gold medal in his senior year.
Campbell joins the Panthers as a versatile box-to-box midfielder with a knack for creating scoring opportunities for the strikers and wingers with his passing ability.
The 17-year-old from Stratford was the captain for Charlottetown Rural High School and the team’s most valuable player in his final year with the club. He is a competitor who meets every new challenge head on, continuing to improve each day. As a member of PEI’s under-15 team, he rarely saw the field, but now he’s an integral part of the provincial team.
Rounding out the trio is MacEachern, a 17-year-old fullback who brings a high level of IQ to the back line. His ability to read passes and eliminate scoring threats should make him a valuable defender in Page’s defensive schemes.
MacEachern was a teammate of Campbell’s throughout high school, and the pair guided the Rural to a provincial gold medal in 2020.
Let’s take a closer look at the newest Panthers.
Jacob Tweel
Age: 17
Hometown: Charlottetown, PEI
Recent Teams: Team PEI Canada Games, Colonel Gray
Position: Midfield
Program: Biology
Coach Page's Quote: “Jacob is a great technical player who is comfortable in possession of the ball and has the vision and skill to break down the opposition.”
Why UPEI? “I am a proud Islander who wants to give my all for my home team and study at an exceptional university right here on PEI.”
Will Campbell
Age: 17
Hometown: Stratford, PE
Recent Teams: Team PEI Canada Games, Charlottetown Rural
Position: Midfield
Program: Kinesiology
Coach Page's Quote: “Will is a complete box-to-box midfielder who will factor into our defensive and attacking schemes.”
Why UPEI? “I joined UPEI because I wanted to represent my hometown, and I also know most of the players on the team—they’re a really good group of guys.”
Lachlan MacEachern
Age: 17
Hometown: Stratford, PE
Recent Teams: Team PEI Canada Games, Charlottetown Rural
Position: Fullback
Program: Kinesiology
Coach Page's Quote: “With his big engine, Lachlan gets up and down the line contributing to both the attack and the defence.”
Why UPEI? “Growing up, I’ve always been a Panthers fan. I’m excited to have the opportunity to join UPEI and represent my hometown university.”
