SEASON PREVIEW: UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers eyeing rebound season in 2023
With a fresh start and outlook, the UPEI Panthers are looking ahead to bigger and better things in 2023.
It’s typically an annual tradition seeing the Panthers celebrate a postseason berth, but 2022 was an outlier, as the team finished the year with a 1-9-2 record and missed the playoffs for only the third time in a decade.
For players like Jonathan MacKenzie, who already experienced the thrill of playoff soccer, the drive to get back there and compete for a championship is a huge motivator.
“It’s unfortunate we were unable to secure a playoff spot, but it didn't discourage us leading up to this season,” MacKenzie said. “With a positive mindset and attitude, it only motivated us to work harder this offseason and continue to learn.”
The biggest takeaway from the 2022 season was the realization that the league is challenging and requires a lot of discipline to get the desired results.
“I think we realized that every point matters, and we need to take it one game, one half at a time. We’re a strong team with a ton of talent, but now we need to show it on the field.”
Panthers head coach Lewis Page is confident his team will rise in the standings and push for a playoff spot because this core group has done it before, and the talent is undeniable.
The defence is expected to be UPEI’s strength once again, as Page’s methodical tactical approach should keep games close. The trio of MacKenzie, Riad Jaha, and Max VanWiechen will get the bulk of the minutes along the back line, while Page still explores his options for the fourth defender now that former captain Colin Curran has moved on after graduation. Expect rookies Noah Killorn and Landon Perry, and sophomore Lachlan MacEachern to factor into the equation throughout the season. Meanwhile, fourth-year goalkeeper Evan Couturier looks to have the inside track as the opening day starter, while Isaac Wolters will serve as the backup.
“We’re confident in our defence and their ability to hold teams down,” Page said. “We’re returning a veteran back line that was stellar last year and gave our team a chance to win each time.”
The biggest question heading into 2023: where will the goals come from?
“We’re a quick and aggressive team that can adapt on the fly,” Page said. “The goals will have to come from several players, which will make us difficult to play against.”
Kasper Lasia may be the key to unlocking the Panthers’ scoring potential, as the skilled third-year central midfielder will be orchestrating the offensive attack from the pivotal position. Since joining the Panthers in 2020, Lasia has been one of the best midfielders in Atlantic University Sport (AUS), and this year should be no different, as he’ll once again be in the conversation for his first all-star selection.
“This year, we have a completely different mindset going forward with the ball. We are not relying on set pieces to score goals. Instead, we are more focused on maintaining possession and creating chances through open play,” Lasia said.
Joining Lasia in the midfield will be rookie Emile Abele and versatile veteran Cohen Reddick-Stevens. Abele joins the Panthers eager to play after not getting much playing time with his previous team at the University of Northern British Columbia, while Stevens returns after two years away from the program. Francisco Sanchez, Jeremiah Osorio, and Jonah Bartlett will add plenty of depth to the position.
Up front, the Panthers will feature a speedy group consisting of all-star striker Nathan Chow, last year’s leading scorer Jacob Tweel, and Will Campbell. Salem Farag should also help in the scoring department, while William Wilton and Caleb Gagne give Page more options.
“Last season lit a fire underneath us and it showed in the offseason as there’s has been a huge improvement,” MacKenzie said. “We’re a more confident group and I believe we have the team to get us back in the playoffs.”
