Brent Mutis, CapU Sport Information & Compliance Officer

Like the women's side, Blues men's soccer enters the 2022 season minus the reigning conference player of the year but the absence of Nima Moazeni simply opens up opportunity for proven returning performers and some intriguing rookie talent.

The Blues hit the road with an Island road trip that takes them to Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo for Saturday and Sunday games against the Mariners.

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Head coach David Andreychuk took some time this week to catch Blues Athletics up on his roster, expectations for the season ahead - his first as head man after a year as an assistant - and what VIU may offer up in the season ahead.

With kickoff just a day away, here are some Blues notes and news:

• Injuries limited midfield general Connor Cowan-Thompson in 2021 but a healthy outlook heading into his final collegiate season is good news for the Blues. The Manchester, UK native should keep the team organized while providing some grit and smart distribution to the strikers
• Blues bloodlines run through the team this year with rookie striker Chase Doucette being the younger brother of former Blues women's standout Brooklynn Doucette. The Coquitlam native and Centennial graduate is crafty with the ball and if he can get free of opposition defenders, should show some class and contribute offensively for CapU.
• International flavour will be served again this season with Cowan-Thompson but also through fellow Englishman Luke Harrop, a first-year centre back from Leeds. In addition, veteran forward and Campeche, Mexico native Adrian Sahagun is back for a final PACWEST season and hopes to return to the form that made him a 2019 CCAA All-Canadian. 
• Fifth-year Blues Eric Swanson, Chris Damian, and captain Merlin Fisk were not happy with last season's fourth-place finish and will do all they can to bring the new faces into the battle for a PACWEST playoff spot. If they can help the incoming talent to learn the PACWEST game and demonstrate a high energy level, the postseason should be within reach.

Weekend schedule:

Saturday, Sept. 10 @ VIU, 3pm
Sunday, Sept. 11 @ VIU, 5pm 

Blues first home game - Sunday, Sept. 18 vs. Langara