MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Reviewing video from a pair of prospects, the same opponent kept coming to the fore for MacEwan Griffins men's soccer head coach Adam Loga.

That's how the process began to sign Jeevan Dhillon. Loga announced Thursday that the Abbotsford, B.C. product and fellow Vancouver-area recruit Cohnan Kotarski will join the Griffins for Canada West play in 2018.

"I was looking at a centre back we were recruiting," Loga explained. "Cohnan sent video as well because I wanted to see them in the run of play. It turned out both videos I got they were playing Jeevan's team.

"So, I said 'who's that No. 7 for Fraser Valley?' The guy I was recruiting ended up choosing another school, but he gave me his information and I called Jeevan up and here he is. I liked what I saw. It just fluked out that both players sent a video of a game against his team."

Dhillon, an attacking wing, has played in the B.C.-based HPL since he was 14 and was the MVP of his high school team (Abbotsford Senior Secondary) in Grade 12.

"Jeevan is very pacey and thrives on 1v1 opportunities," said Loga. "He has the bravery and courage to drive at defenders in the attacking third."

Kotarski, who mans the midfield, grew up in the Netherlands, moving to Maple Ridge, B.C. when he was 14.

"Growing up in a culture that loves football, he's going to have that passion and care and drive to play," said Loga.

Kotarski helped the Coquitlam Metro Ford Soccer Club post an undefeated season in 2018 after finishing fourth at nationals in 2017.

"Simple player, keeps the ball moving – one-two touch," said Loga. "It's refreshing.

"Young kids sometimes try to overplay a little bit and at times don't let the game come to them. They try to force things and do too much, but he plays simple, he links up well and keeps the ball moving. It's refreshing to have his poise at such a young age."

The Griffins are nearly a month away from training camp, which begins on Aug. 1.