Team News

Offence Unable to Click

Michelle Dispirito
photo Jerald Walliser

On Saturday, October 16th, the Douglas Royals hosted the Capilano Blues at Town Centre Park. From the get go, the Royals were applying pressure. However, the increase in offensive pressure allowed the Blues to counter attack, and the Blues were able to score early at the 5th minute mark. After the goal, the Royals were able to regain their composure and formation. The Blues continued to apply pressure and at the 24th minute mark goalkeeper Aja Aguirre made a diving save to her right to keep the ball out and the deficit at only one. The save seemed to spark the Royals, as they quickly turned the pressure around. The Blues were unprepared for this switch in pace and committed a foul just outside their 18 yard box. The Royals were awarded a free kick and Michelle Dispirito stepped up to the ball. With a thunderous boot, Dispirito beat the goalkeeper, but not the crossbar. Just moments later, roles were reversed, but the outcome was different. The Blues were awarded a free kick outside of the Royals 18 yard box, but as the Royals defense were setting up their wall, the Blues quickly took the free kick and scored to take a two goal lead. The two goal lead did not last for long, as Justine Robb was able to score on a partial break in the 32nd minute. Yet, with all the hard work the Royals were putting in, the Blues were able to regain a two goal lead in the 45th minute off of a corner kick. In the second half, the Blues and Royals played back and forth, and both were able to score a goal. Stephanie Russo was able to score for the Royals and the final score was the Blues 4 and the Royals 2.

The Royals had no time to dwell on their loss, as they were hosting the Langara Falcons on Sunday. In similar scenario to Saturday’s game, Douglas came out offensive, but became susceptible to counter attacks. Langara was able to tally first and take an early one goal lead. After the goal the Royals were able to control possession, but unable to find the back of the net. After 90 minutes, Langara had 2 and Douglas 0.

This coming weekend Douglas plays their last two games. In order to clinch a berth in the Provincial Championships the Royals must tie Thompson Rivers on Saturday. Douglas currently holds a three point lead over Thompson Rivers in Pool A standings.

Royals Split Home and Home

Stephanie Russo
photo Jerald Walliser

On Saturday October 2nd, the Royals faced the Kwantlen Eagles at Newton Athletic Park. Going into the match the Royals were undefeated with a record of two wins and two ties. Unfortunately, the Royals were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities and fell to the Eagles 3 – 0. However, the Royals were given the chance for redemption when they hosted Kwantlen on Sunday.

At kickoff, the Royals wasted no time in setting the tone; the loss was behind them and the Royals chose to move forward. The Royals pressed forward with offence and when Kwantlen gained possession the Royals defenders smothered the Kwantlen attackers. At the 25th minute mark, Kwantlen was able to get off a shot, but goalkeeper Aja Aquirre made a diving save to the right to keep the ball out. Finally, just before half, the Royals were able to take the lead. Striker Stephanie Russo received a thru ball and placed the ball over the Kwantlen keeper to make it 1 – 0. In the second half, the play remained the same. The Royals defenders interrupted any offensive change Kwantlen had, and after 90 minutes the Royals maintained the 1 – 0 lead. Currently the Royals are ranked 3rd in Pool A in the BCCAA.

Royals Remain Undefeated

Amie Lawlor
photo Jerald Walliser

On Saturday, September 25th, the Royals hosted the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat. The Royals entered this game with a two game winning streak and were staring down a Nationally ranked opponent. Instead of sitting back, the Royals dictated the pace of play. The Royals kept possession and were pressing the action. When UBCO were able to get possession of the ball the Royals defenders smothered any opportunity. After a hard fought 90 minutes, the game ended in a 0 – 0 draw.

On Sunday, the Royals welcomed Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack to Cunnings Field. Once again the Royals were able to dictate the pace of play. The Royals were able to move the ball up through their midfield to their forwards, but were unable to capitalize on their chances. When the final whistle blew, the score was 0 – 0. The Royals are now 2 – 0 – 2 for the season and face defending BCCAA Provincial Champions Kwantlen Eagles next week in a key two game series.

Women's Soccer Take Home Opener

Women's Soccer Team
photo Jerald Walliser

Expecting to be a rebuilding year, the Women’s Soccer team had an impressive start to the season. After missing the playoffs last year there was a need for change. A brand new coaching staff, lead by Ciaran McMahon, was hired and eight first-year students debuted in Royals colours . In their first regular season game the Royals defeated the UNBC Timberwolves 4 – 1. After keeping possession and controlling the pace of the game, the Royals had a breakdown which allowed the Timberwolves to capitalize and gain the lead part way through the first half. Not letting the goal set them back, the Royals quickly drew even to regain momentum. After that, the Royals never looked back. The Royals continued to dominate possession and dictate the pace of play. First year forward Chantel Rasmussen had an impressive debut by netting two goals. Michelle Dispirito and Stephanie Russo chipped in for the other two. Currently the Royals are ranked 2 in Group A, ahead of the defending BCCAA Champions Kwantlen Eagles.

ID Camps and Spring Try-Outs

The Women's Soccer program will be holding a two day open try-out. Dates are as follows:

• Saturday, March 20th, 8-10pm Cunnings Field, 1299 Pinetree Way
• Saturday, March 27th, 8-10pm Mercer Stadium, New Westminster

Training Requirements (pre-season and in season

• Day: Mondays
• Time: 90 minutes beginning at 8:00pm or 8:30pm
• Location: New West Campus Gymnasium
• Start Date: Sept. 13th
• End Date: Nov. 8th
• Exclusions: Oct. 11th

• Day: Tuesdays
• Time: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
• Location: Coquitlam Town Center
• Start Date: August 3rd
• End Date: November 9th
• Exclusions: None

• Day: Wednesdays
• Time: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
• Location: New West (Mercer)
• Start Date: August 4th
• End Date: August 25th
• Exclusions: None

• Day: Wednesdays
• Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Location: New West (Mercer)
• Start Date: September 1st
• End Date: November 3rd
• Exclusions: None

• Day: Thursdays
• Time: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
• Location: Coquitlam Town Center
• Start Date: August 5th
• End Date: November 4th
• Exclusions: None

Women's Soccer Announce New Head Coach

Ciaran McMahon
Women's Soccer Head Coach

The Douglas College - Centre for Campus Life is pleased to announce that Ciaran McMahon has been named the Head Coach for the Royals Women’s Soccer Program. Ciaran is the General Manager of the Coastal WFC who participate in the USL Super Y League. He also coached the U16 Coastal Girls team to the 2009 North American Y League Championship. Ciaran brings over 15 years of professional coaching experience to the Royals program. He has a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from UBC. He is currently a BC Soccer Coaching Instructor, Coach of the Vancouver FC U18G, has his “CSA National B License” and has completed the 1st portion of his “A License”.

“Douglas College is very fortunate to have Ciaran McMahon join our Royals coaching staff and we are confident that he will ensure an elite-competitive atmosphere that will permit student-athlete success both in the classroom and on the field and will enhance the student experience.” stated Dean Howie the Director of Athletics and Campus Life.

Douglas College has 9000 students at campuses in New Westminster and Coquitlam. The Women’s Soccer program competes in the BCCAA and are members of the CCAA.

Women's Soccer Head Coaching Position Open

The Douglas College Royals Women's Soccer program is currently looking for qualified applicants to assume the head coaching duties. The Royals compete in in the British Columbia Colleges Athletic Association (BCCAA) and the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA).

Download the Application

Aja Aguirre named Athlete of the Week

Aja Aguirre

The Royals entered the weekend with one win in six games facing the expansion Quest University and arguably one of the top BCCAA Teams in Vancouver Island University. With a dismal record this season, The Royals desperately needed victories if they were to have any chance at an expanded 6 team playoff run, that they are hosting. Aja backstopped her team to two shutout victories. In the first game on Saturday she was instrumental in helping the Royals hand VIU their first loss of the season. The Royals team gave up a number of free kicks in their defending zone in the first half. Her confidence in coming off her goal line and controlling these kicks permeated through the team.

In the second game Sunday against Quest she continued her strong play against a well organized team. The Royals took a little time at the start of the game to get their composure after yesterday’s hard fought game. Aja was the settling force, controlling her goal area with confidence.

Aja now has 3 shutouts tying her for the league lead and has lowered her goals against to one of the top spots in the 4 and half games she has played. Her play this past weekend has helped put the Royals back into a strong position to compete for a playoff position.

Soccer teams kick off season

Lia Romanelli
Photo:Jerald Walliser

The Douglas Royals soccer teams boarded the bus on Saturday morning for the long trip to Prince George to take on the UNBC Wolves in season opener of BCCAA league action.

The Men's team were looking to build on the 2008 BCCAA bronze medal and have been hard at work since early in the summer."We have been training very hard and are undefeated in pre-season, the team looks very good and we are doing things now that we couldn't do by mid season last year" stated veteran striker Ivan Estrada.

Meanwhile on the Women's side the Royals are looking to challenge for a playoff spot and can count on returning players Michelle Candusso, Stephanie Walker, Lia Romanelli as well as international student and Goalkeeper Andrea Echiverria to lead the way.

A few hours outside of Prince George the Teams came to their first roadblock, a flat tire. This problem caused them a 3 hours delay arriving late into the night. The next road block was the UNBC Timberworlves who came out with fire at their home opener. In the end the Royals Women team came out on the short end by a score of 1-0. The Men's team scored first and then settled in, eventually losing 3-2. "Despite the result the coaching staff saw many things positive and we are sure that we can make a few changes during practice this week and we will be ready for the return match at Douglas" stated head coach Joe Omerod.

The Royals open up at home on Saturday, September 12th with the Women kicking off at 12noon and the Men at 2pm vs the same UNBC Wolves.  All home games are played at the Coquitlam Town Centre.