Brent Mutis
CapU Blues sports info

The Capilano Blues got a tough assignment right at the start of term facing the defending conference-champion Douglas College Royals and will have to apply what they learned from a pair of setbacks to the remainder of the schedule.

At home Saturday to open the PACWEST schedule, Royals sniper Anna Klaver-Valdez - the 2023 PACWEST co-Rookie of the Year - scored midway through the first half and completed the brace late in the second for a 2-0 Douglas win. Maya Smith and Kai Belbin each directed multiple shots on goals for Capilano but no one could beat Vanessa Chung on the day.

In the rematch on Sunday at Douglas, the Royals opened the scoring on an Olympico from Ashlynn Grim as her corner kick curled into the net without being touched. CapU responded late in the first half when Belbin's long cross was finished from just outside the six-yard box by Alex Roed for her first career goal. It was another goal off a corner that won it for the Royals as a loose ball was chipped home from in front.

"The team performed with lots of heart and grit; we had our chances yet came up a little short in front of goal," said Blues head coach Dennis Kindel. "We had many players starting in their first-ever PACWEST game so that was exciting to see. 

"That said, we still have much to work on with this young and talented group and we hope to put in solid performances next weekend."

Next up for the Blues is a Noon start on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Langara College followed by a Sunday Noon kickoff at home with Vancouver Island University paying a visit to the North Vancouver campus.