Team News

Stewart named CCAA Men's Soccer Player of the Year

Reynold Stewart
Photo Jerald Walliser

Reynold Stewart has been awarded the title of the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association 2010 Men’s Soccer Player of the Year. Steward plays forward for the Douglas College Royals in New Westminster, B.C.

Stewart is the British Columbia Colleges Athletic Association’s league leading scorer for the second year in a row, scoring 15 goals in 12 games. In the past two years he’s twice been named BCCAA Player of the Year, as well as BCCAA provincial championship MVP and BCCAA First Team All-Star. He has played for the Royals’ soccer team throughout his three years at Douglas College.

Ray Sarkis, vice-president of programs for the CCAA, cited Stewart’s statistics in the Award’s selection process. “Stewart has had an incredible record this season,” said Sarkis, further highlighting the Douglas College’s team accomplishments. The Royals were undefeated, finishing the regular season ranked first in both the BCCAA and the CCAA.

The Douglas College Athletic Department describes Stewart as a leader both on and off the field. He puts team success above individual success and takes every opportunity to help himself and those around him become better athletes and individuals. During the off-season, Stewart plays with the Richmond Hibernia in the Vancouver Metro Soccer League and gives back to his sport by helping out with soccer camps.

The other nominees were striker Patrice Dion of Francois-Xavier Garneau, striker Kailen Murphy of Seneca College, striker Brian Peters of University of New Brunswick-Saint John, and midfielder Thiago Silva of NAIT.

Men Unable to Repeat as Provincial Champions

Reynold Stewart
Photo Centre for Campus Life

This past weekend saw Kwantlen Polytechnic University host the 2010 Men’s and Women’s Provincial Soccer Championships at Newton Athletic Park. Due to their outstanding regular season, in which they amassed a record of 10 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws, the men were given a bye into the semi-final round.

On Saturday, in the semi-finals, the Royals faced the UNBC Timberwolves. The Timberwolves had just defeated the Capilano Blues 1-0 the previous night in order to qualify for the semi-final round. In two previous meetings this season, the Royals defeated UNBC 3-1 in week 1 and 6-1 in week 2.

Nevertheless, a different UNBC team showed up to the pitch on Saturday. Within 15 minutes of kickoff UNBC had a 1-0 lead. The Royals, however, controlled the pace of play and peppered the UNBC goalkeeper with shot after shot. Going into half UNBC’s lead was still intact. When the play resumed, it was evident that Douglas was going to have to play its best soccer of the year in order to make it to the finals. At the 55 minute mark, forward Reynold Stewart was able to put one past the keeper to even up the score. With this change in momentum the Royals looked poised to book their ticket to the Provincial finals.

Unfortunately this was not the case. At the 78 minute mark there was miscommunication in the back end, which allowed UNBC to take the lead. With the score 2-1 and less than 12 minutes remaining the Royals needed to score. The only problem was that Reynold Stewart, the regular season scoring leader, went off with a foot injury. Facing adversity, the Royals continued to create opportunity, but were unable to put one in the net. After fulltime, UNBC walked away with a 2-1 upset over the Royals. The impact of this result was not only felt by the players, but also the crowd. The defending Provincial Champions were relegated to the Bronze Medal game.

On Sunday, the Royals were in unfamiliar territory, playing for Bronze. In order to place 3rd, the Royals needed to defeat the TRU Wolfpack. In week 3 of the regular season, the Royals overwhelmed TRU with a 6-1 win, but in week 7 Douglas and TRU drew 1-1. In order to overcome a surging Wolfpack, the Royals needed individuals to step up. With the injury to Reynold Stewart, Douglas was without their leading scorer and had to play with some of their reserves. This did not faze the Royals as they quickly took control of the game. Around the 30th minute the Royals took the lead with a shot by Marinko Maras. But this lead would not last long. Less than 10 minutes later, TRU was able to capitalize on a failed clearance to draw even at 1. At half the score was Douglas 1 and TRU 1.

When the second half started, it was unclear who would break the draw. Douglas and TRU traded chances. At the 64 minute mark TRU was applying pressure. This allowed Douglas to counterattack when they regained possession of the ball. After gaining the ball, forward Adam Bingham was sprung on a partial break. After separating himself with the defender, Adam was able to place the ball past the TRU keeper to take the lead. This lead would last, as Douglas defeated TRU 2-1 to claim Bronze.

Royals secure playoff berth

Marinko Maras
Photo Jerald Walliser

This past weekend saw the Royals face their rivals the Capilano Blues. On Saturday, it was apparent from the warm-up that the Royals and Blues came to win. However, at kickoff, it was noticeable that something was not right with the Royals. The Blues were applying pressure early and Douglas was unable to string together passes. The Blues had the best chance of the half with a shot off the near post. The Royals were not playing up to their potential. After 45 minutes the score was 0 – 0, but the Blues could have easily been up by a few. During halftime, Coach Joe Ormend took the players to the change rooms to try and figure out the team issues. When the team emerged, Coach Ormend made some changes in the lineup to hopefully assess their issues. These changes paid off very quickly, as the Royals came out as the aggressor. Less than 5 minutes into the half, Sahil Sandhu was able to get one past the Blues keeper to make the score 1 – 0. After that, the Royals never looked back. The Royals finished the game with a 3 – 0 lead, with goals by Lucus Domijan and Reynold Stewart.

In Sunday’s fixture, the Royals were set to face the Langara Falcons. The Royals looked to keep the momentum that they finished with on Saturday and put the Falcons away early. Douglas was able to build up a two goal lead early with tallies by Reynold Stewart and Marinko Maras, but Langara was able to score late in the first half to minimize the deficit to one. When the second half began Douglas seemed more interested in staying back, instead of pressing the action. This allowed Langara to tie the game up at two with 15 minutes remaining in the game. Langara continued to play a physical game, amassing 5 yellows to Douglas’ 1, but the Royals never gave in. Potential Rookie of the Year, Sahil Sandhu was able to score, giving Douglas a 3 – 2 lead and eventually the win. Sahil Sandhu now has 12 goals on the year and is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

With the wins, the Royals were able to clinch First Place in Pool A securing themselves a bye into the Semi-Final game at the Provincials, where as midfielder Vishal Chand says, “expectations are high”.

Royals Soar Over the Eagles

Vito Iacobellis
Photo Jerald Walliser

On Saturday October 2nd, the Royals visited the Kwantlen Eagles for the first of a home and home. However, it seemed as though the Royals were the home team because they were able to score 9 goals and limit Kwantlen to none. The win lifted their season record to a perfect 5 – 0.

On Sunday, the Royals hosted the second game at Coquitlam Town Centre. In order to prevent another blowout Kwantlen attempted to set a tone with physical play. The Royals were not intimidated by this tactic and kept pace with their own physical play. As well as playing physical, the Royals were able to produce offence. In the 30th minute, Vito Iacobellis opened the scoring. After this, the flood gates opened. By half time the score was 4 – 0, with goals by Sahil Sandhu and two by Donald Kambere, including a powerful shot far outside the 18 yard box. At the start of the second half, Kwantlen made a goalkeeper change in an attempt to limit the onslaught. This did not faze the Royals who continued to press the action. In the 68th minute, Pardeep Bains was fouled in the 18 yard box, which resulted in a penalty kick. Donald Kambere stepped up to the mark, and completed the hat-trick with a thundering shot under the bar. The Royals finished the game 5 – 0. The Royals sit atop Pool A, 5 points ahead of second place with two games in hand.

Sahil Sandhu named BCCAA Soccer Athlete of the Week

Sahil Sandhu
Photo Jerald Walliser

Sahil Sandhu is a graduate of Burnaby Central H.S. He is currently in his rookie year in the BCCAA and has become a key part of Douglas College’s attack and success this season. Sandhu comes to the Royals with experience overseas. He returned home this summer from Europe where he played a season with Energie Cottbus’ Residency team from the top flight in Germany. His ability to create a scoring chance every time he touches the ball has played an important role in his team’s success. With Douglas sitting 1st in Pool A and 2 games in hand, the Royals are looking good to repeat as provincial champions.

This past weekend was an outstanding one for Sandhu as he helped lift the Royals to two convincing victories over UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers University to take top spot in Group A. On Saturday, the Royals played host to UBCO. Sandhu had a very good game as scored 2 goals and set up 1 in a 4-1 victory. On Sunday, the Wolfpack came to town holding a 1 point lead over the Royals. Sandhu again was a threat the entire game, scoring 2 goals and setting up 3 in a 6-1 victory over visiting TRU. Sandhu would end the weekend with 4 goals and 4 assists. He sits 2nd in league scoring, 3 goals behind teammate and league leader Reynold Stewart.

Royals Retain Perfect Record

Reynold Stewart
Photo Jerald Walliser

This past weekend saw Douglas College host two games at Cunnings Field. On Saturday the Royals faced the visiting University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat. The Heat, however, came out cold. The Royals wasted no time to display the offence that has been so potent the last two weeks. With constant pressure, the Royals were able to outpace the Heat and take an early lead. Instead of sitting back, the Royals continued to apply pressure and put balls in the back of the net. Sahil Sandhu and Reynold Stewart notched two goals a piece to lead the Royals past the Heat 4 – 1.

In Sunday's fixture, it was almost déjà vu. The Royals faced an intimidating Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack team that had just won 5 – 0 the day prior. The Royals however, were not fazed by this result. Less than 10 minutes in to the match the Royals had a 2 – 0 lead. By half time the Royals led 4 – 0. The Royals not only controlled the score board, they also controlled the tone of play. The Royals played physical throughout earning themselves five yellow cards to the Wolfpacks two. After 90 minutes, the final score was 6 – 1 in favour of the Royals. Sahil Sandhu and Reynold Stewart contributed to goals a piece and defenders Dylan Myers and Lucas Domijan scored one each. With the wins, the Royals were able to secure top spot in the BCCAA Group A standings. Next week, the Royals face the Kwantlen Eagles in a home and home series.

Men's Soccer Earn Convincing Win

Donald Kambere
Photo Jerald Walliser

After finishing first at the BCCAA Provincial Championships and third at the CCAA National Championships last year, the Royals wasted no time to remind the competition of their dominance with a 3 – 1 win over the UNBC Timberwolves. With an early breakdown by the Royals defense UNBC broke out to an early lead. Instead of hanging their heads, the Royals showed the character that earned the Royals medals last year. Stewart Reynold was able to put one in the back of the net to ensure a tie at half time. When play resumed, it was obvious that UNBC was out of their comfort zone. UNBC began to foul because they were unable to keep up with the Royals tempo. After a UNBC player was sent off due to his second yellow, first-year defender, Marinko Maras caught the UNBC keeper off guard and scored with a tricky shot 25 yards out. Instead of sitting back, the Royals continued to apply pressure. Late in the game the Royals caught the UNBC goal tender out of position and looked to secure the win with another goal. However, a UNBC defender used his hand to stop a sure goal, securing himself a red card, and awarding the Royals a penalty kick. Without any hesitiation, Steward Reynold stepped up to the spot and gave the Royals a 3 – 1 lead. The Royals are currently ranked third in the CCAA.

Men's Soccer Announce Pre-Season Schedule

Photo Jerald Walliser

With a handful of local and international teams on the plate for the pre-season, the Men's Soccer team is hoping to enter the 2010-11 season in full stride. Last year, the Royals finished 3rd at Nationals and with a strong recruiting class, look to better their results this time around. Up first for the young Royals are the familiar faces of the Royals alumni squad. Come out and enjoy the action!

• Tuesday Aug 10 v. Douglas Alumni 8pm, Cunnings Field, Coquitlam Town Centre
• Tuesday Aug 17 v. Serbia 8pm, Cunnings Field, Coquitlam Town Centre
• Tuesday Aug 24 v. Delta Lion 8pm, Cunnings Field, Coquitlam Town Centre
• Saturday Aug. 29 v. Fiji Selects, 2pm at North Delta Oval (116th and 82nd in North Delta)

Men's Soccer Sign Five

The Douglas College Men's soccer program is pleased to announce the signing of five recuits for the upcoming 2010/11 season. Coach Ormerod is thrilled to add 5 outstanding recruits to an already strong returning group of players that won a provincial title and finished third at CCAA nationals last season.

	Sahil Sandhu (Princess Margret Sec.) is a 5'10 165 lbs forward/ attacking midfielder who spent a year with the Whitecaps Residency program before being loaned out to Junior Bundesliga side of FC Energie Cottbus U19 on a season-long loan. As a former U15 and U16 national team player he has gained invaluable experience. In 2007 Sahil was named Male Youth Player of the Year by BC Soccer. Sahil possesses incredible speed and is deadly in front of the net.
	Marinko Maras is a 5'9 midfielder/ defender from Pitt Meadows who spent a year and a half with German club U-19 FC Kaiserslautern. He is a former U17 national player at 15 and 16 years of age and currently a member of Croatia SC of the VMSL . A complete player who can play both sides of the ball, incredible work rate, blazing speed, dead ball specialist, heavy shot, and mature beyond his years.
	Colin Soo (Burnaby Central Sec.) is a 5'8 160lbs midfielder. A form member of the Junior Whitecaps U14-U16. He is a former BC high school and club provincial champion and was named to the Commissioner 11 at 2008 BC high school championships. Colin possesses incredible speed, excellent vision and shines in big games.
	Nick Baronian (Sands Sec.) is a 6'0 165 lbs Forward. A former member of the Washington Crossfire. Nick lead the Crossfire to a state championship in 2008 and more recently led Sands Senior secondary to a BC high School AA provincial championship scoring 8 goals in 4 games. Nick is a power forward with excellent finishing, a fierce dead ball striker and a work rate rareley matched.
	Adam Staschuk (North Delta Sec.) is a 5'10 150 lbs Defender/ Midfielder. Currently he is a member of the Whitecaps Prospects. He was a member of the 2009 BC team and the 2008 Mountain WFC North American Championship team. He is a very versatile player who can play multiple positions on the back line or midfield. Adam is a very tenacious player who plays much larger than his size and his ability to move the ball in tight areas is a rarity found in a defender.

Men capture Bronze at CCAA Nationals

Team with the Bronze and Trophy

All-Canadian Reynold Stewart had the lone marker for the Douglas College Royals serving as the game winner defeating the Mount Royal University Cougars 1-0 to take home the Bronze Medal at the Big Kahuna/adidas CCAA Mens Soccer National Championships.

Douglas goalkeeper Gyrish Kaniah, who was outstanding throughout the tournament, was named Player of the Game for the Royals. Teammates Donald Kambere and Devlin Pereira were named Offensive and Defensive Players of the Game, respectively. The Bronze Medalist Royals finish the tournament with a 2-1 record and a 13:1:3 win-loss-draw league season record.

Douglas College was also awarded the Fair Play Trophy and striker Owen Sinclair was named to the all-tournament team. Kaniah, for his efforts, was awarded the top goalkeeper award.

Reynold Stewart wins BCCAA Player of the Week

Reynold Stewart
photo by Jerald Walliser

Reynold Stewart is a Second year athlete from South Delta Secondary that has become an integral part of the Royals’ soccer team. His ability to play three different positions at an exceptional level has been key in the team’s success thus far. Stewart has had tremendous personal success this season being named BCCAA Player of the Year, 1st team all star, and lead the league in scoring.

This past weekend was an exceptional weekend for Stewart as he propelled the Royals to key victory’s over nationally ranked Capilano University on Saturday in the Provincial Championship Semi-Final and then again on Sunday against Vancouver Island University in the Provincial Championship Final. Saturday’s game saw Stewart set up the eventual game winner, and was continually causing havoc for the Blues defenders on route to a Royals 3-0 win over Capilano. Sunday’s Provincial Championship saw Stewart turn in yet another solid performance setting up the second goal on route to a 2-0 Royals win over VIU to win the Provincial Championships and send the Royals to Nationals in Ontario. Reynold was named Tournament MVP for his efforts. All games at Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario, November 4-7th, 2009.

Royals take home the Gold at Provincial Championships

Locker room celebration

Amidst a downpour of rain and heavy winds, the Douglas College Royals men's soccer team defeated the Vancouver Island University Mariners 2-0 to take home the gold medal in the 2009 BCCAA Provincial Soccer Championships.

The Royals headed into the championship tournament with a 9:1:2 win/loss/draw record and an outstanding 42:10 goals for/goals against average placing several athletes on the Provincial All-Star team. Among them was #11 Reynold Stewart who was also selected as 2009 Male BCCAA Soccer Athlete of the Year.

After a scoreless first half, the Royals came out of the locker room determined to not let their hopes of an appearance in Toronto for the CCAA Soccer National Championships be washed away with the rain. The deadlock was broken at the 9 min. mark in the second half by #20 Vito Iacobellis giving Douglas a 1-0 lead. Vito's day wasn't done as he added another goal shortly after, sealing the victory for the Royals.

Up next for Royals is an appearance at the 2009 CCAA National Championships where they look for a repeat performance of their 2005 National Championship win.

BCCAA Provincial Soccer Awards Announced

Reynold Stewart

The BCCAA announced the award winners for this years first and second team all-stars as well as the player of the year award. Congratulations to our athletes who are honored to be selected.

• Women
• Second Team All-Star
• Stephanie Walker

• Men
• First Team All-Star
• Donald Kambere
• Owen Sinclair
• Reynold Stewart


• Second Team All-Star
• Vishal Chand
• Ivan Estrada

BCCAA Male Soccer Player of the Year Reynold Stewart

View the BCCAA press release

BCCAA Male Soccer Athlete of the Week

Reynold Stewart

Reynold Stewart is a 2nd year athlete from South Delta Secondary. He has become an integral part of the Douglas College men’s soccer team. His ability to play three different positions at an exceptional level has been key in the Royals’ success thus far.

This was an outstanding weekend for Stewart as he propelled the Royals to key victory’s over number 1 Nationally ranked Capilano University on Saturday and Kwantlen University on Monday with the Royals continuing to battle for provincial playoff seeding. Stewart finished the weekend off with 4 goals and 5 assists. On Saturday vs the Blues, Stewart brought is “A Game”, scoring a goal, setting up 2 others, and was unlucky not score a second in a 4-0 victory. On Monday, Stewart capped the weekend off by scoring a hat trick and setting up 3 others in a Royals 9-0 romp over the hapless Eagles.

The Royals enter the last weekend of play in 1st place in Pool A and a secured playoff berth. They head into this weekend vs UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers University.

Lace Up the Boots, Soccer is HERE!

Ivan Estrada
Photo by 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 sort 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. "We are sure that we can make a few changes during practice this week and we will be rady 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 verses the same UNBC Wolves. All home games are played at the Coquitlam Town Centre