Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – The season is on the line.
Stakes don't get bigger for the MacEwan Griffins men's soccer team as they head to Calgary for a pair of road games this weekend that will factor big into their playoff fortunes.
That they are in this position in mid-October is a testament to the fortitude of a young, talented group that is trying to capture the program's first Canada West post-season berth.
Both of 3-6-2 MacEwan's opponents this weekend – Calgary (4-5-1) on Saturday (2:15 p.m.) and Mount Royal University (3-6-1) on Sunday (1:30 p.m.) – are fighting with them and Saskatchewan (3-6-1) for the final three playoff positions in the Prairie Division.
All of their opponents have a game in hand, so six points this weekend would go a long way for the Griffins.
"We just approach it one game at a time as cliché as it is but that's the reality," said MacEwan head coach Adam Loga. "Ourselves, both U of C and MRU are in very similar situations. It's kind of clogged up in the Prairie Division. Every result matters, every point matters. We just need to have the desire and the will to get results."
History is in MacEwan's favour as they beat both Calgary-based opponents earlier this season at home. Now, they must go out and win on the road over teams they know they can beat. What needs to happen for them doesn't even need to be said in the room.
"We've all said it as a group, we've all taught it and learned from each other as a group," said Loga. "Now it's just time to go execute. There's nothing really left to be said.
"I think it's the subjective, non-measurable attributes that will have to come to the forefront this weekend in terms of the desire and the will, the effort and the heart to come away with results."
At least the Griffins are well-rested. They had a bye weekend over Thanksgiving, allowing everyone a chance at a breather.
"I think where we were sitting, it was beneficial for us," said Loga. "We have some guys from out of town who were able to go home. A lot of us were able to reset ourselves in our own ways and come back ready to attack the last three games of the season."
Following this weekend, MacEwan will close out the regular season with an Oct. 20 visit to cross-town rival Alberta, who remain undefeated on the season at 9-0-2.
