CALGARY – The University of Calgary men's soccer team officially kicks off the 2022-23 Canada West season for the Dinos Athletic Department with a Saturday-Sunday doubleheader this weekend in Edmonton. 

Calgary gets things going Saturday with a 2:15 showdown against rival Alberta, before staying in the capitol city to take on MacEwan Sunday at 1 p.m.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

LOOKING BACK AT LAST SEASON – The Dinos posted a 4-2-4 record last season and boasted one of the stingiest defences in the nation, conceding just eight goals over 10 regular season contests last year. That 0.80 goals-against average finished ranking tied for eighth in the entire nation.

COACH O'CONNELL – Head coach Brendan O'Connell enters his eighth season at the helm of the Dinos. O'Connell has led Calgary to the post-season in five of his six previous seasons, including a memorable run to the U SPORTS Championship tournament in 2019.

FOR STARTERS – Calgary enters its 43rd season Saturday and will look to even up its all-time record in season openers, entering this year's contest with an 18-19-5 mark in lid lifters. The team is 2-3-1 in openers under coach O'Connell, including last year's exciting 2-2 draw with Mount Royal in front of a record crowd at Dinosaur Field.

A MIX OF OLD AND NEW – This year's roster features a healthy mixture of experience and incoming talent. Nine newcomers will look to gain their first collegiate minutes this season, while former All-Canadian Jake Ruschkowski leads a talented group of returners that also includes former Canada West all-star Eryk Kobza and CW all-rookie selections Derek Brust and Kundai Dziwa.

GOING PRO – Gareth Smith-Doyle signed a multi-year professional contract with the Calgary Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League earlier this summer. The former Dino and Canada West all-rookie honouree is the latest to move onto the next level after his time in the Scarlet and Gold, joining former standout Dominick Zator, currently also playing in the CPL with York United FC.

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