Vernon’s Finlay McPhie is a CIS Canada West soccer all-star.
McPhie, a fourth-year fullback with the Thompson Rivers (TRU) WolfPack in Kamloops, was named to the second team along with teammate Ryan Glanville (fifth year, midfield, Williams Lake).
“Ryan has been there the last few years (on all-star squad) and we expected that of him,” said WolfPack head coach John Antulov. “We are really happy for Finley McPhie to be recognized for the work he has done not only this year but the last three seasons. Finlay has been an excellent defender for us and glad he is being recognized by the other coaches too.”
McPhie started all of the WolfPack’s 15 matches and had two goals and an assist offensively. Glanville is the key to the WolfPack offence and spent most of the year covered by two opposition defenders. He still managed three goals and three assists in 14 games.
Mitchell Popadynetz of the WolfPack was named the Canada West player of the year and a first-team all-star.
The Nelson native (fourth year, midfielder) led TRU with seven goals and 10 assists. He was tied for first in the Canada West in total points and led the league in assists.
Two of TRU’s import recruits were selected to the Canada West rookie all-star squad. Joshua Banton (defender, London, England) and Jan Pirretas Glamacher (defender, Barcelona, Spain) were recognized for their strong play.
“They were two fantastic recruits for us,” said Antulov. “They are going to be stellar players for the next five years. We expect to see them on all-star teams and even better. They are two special players and are two fantastic guys for our program.”
TRU plays in the Canada West final four starting tonight in Vancouver against the UBC Thunderbirds. The WolfPack host the nationals starting Nov. 9 at Hillside Stadium.