Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – For the first time in program history, the MacEwan Griffins men's soccer team has a Canada West all-star.
Philip Masri was selected to the CW second team all-star team, the conference announced Friday.
Additionally, both Masri and Kayden Dugas have made the Canada West All-Rookie team, doubling the number the program has had since joining the conference in 2014.
"When the quality of player you're getting at MacEwan as a first year keeps increasing, it shows the program is growing," said Griffins head coach Adam Loga, who has previously had Everett Orgnero (2018) and Alvin Mazaheri (2021) make the CW All-Rookie team.
Masri had an incredible season with six goals and eight points in 14 games, matching the program record for most points in a Canada West season.
"Obviously, he's probably unhappy with that, to be honest," said Loga of the 6-foot-4 striker. "He probably felt he should have gotten more. He definitely created lots of chances for himself from our team concepts, but also individually. He created a lot for himself.
"It's a testament to himself, his hard work, his teammates and the staff for just the work we've put in."
Loga noted Masri has improved immensely from the moment he first came into the program and that's saying something since they were already getting one of the most coveted prospects in Alberta.
"Phil was one we were happy to get," he said. "It was really last minute. It was between us and MRU. He was contemplating going on trial professionally. With the work of (assistant coach) Allan Zebie and myself, we were able to lure him to MacEwan. It's paid off. He improved so much.
"Where Phil was when we got him into camp or how we saw him in the League One season to where he finished his Canada West season, he's just head and shoulders from where he was. It's a testament to his work ethic and discipline and also the commitment from the staff."
Dugas' improvement was also incredible during the season, as evidenced by how impactful he was in the last few games of the campaign. The pacey midfielder finished with two goals and an assist, all coming on the Oct. 14-15 weekend.
"We've had an eye on Kayden and I saw him last summer when I was scouting Abhiroop (Sandhu)," explained Loga. "There's so much energy and pace to him, and you just have to sometimes reel it in. Building his technical side of his game throughout the summer, and the tactical side in League One, and seeing how far he's come in a year is unbelievable. Dom Oppong spent a lot of time working with him on the side. I don't think he realizes the amount of potential he has yet.
"The sky's the limit for him. You know it's a testament to the players and staff and the work they've put in to recruit these players. Hopefully we can keep moving."
