Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
SASKATOON, Sask. – It ultimately took the Griffins men's soccer team too long to find their groove this season and that will cost them a playoff spot.
But the way they've finished the 2025 campaign there are certainly teams around the conference feeling fortunate they won't have to face them in the post-season.
After a 1-1 draw at Saskatchewan in their regular season finale on Sunday, the Griffins finished the stretch drive unbeaten in their final four matches (2-0-2). They only had one loss in their last six.
"In our last four, as well, we had no goals against in the run of play – just the two set pieces," said head coach Adam Loga. "Another one today, unfortunately. A lot of potential in this room. It's exciting. We knew we had it in us the whole time.
"I think when you're derailed with so many injuries and guys in and out of the lineup, you have to also give time to develop those first-year lads that are new to the program. We have to bring them to a level to understand the system, the game model and the standard of play. Unfortunately, with the lack of runway into training camp, we don't have much time. When guys are out that quickly, it's like they're thrown in the deep end a little bit.
"Throughout that process, we were able to give them some IDPs (individual development plans). The guys developed, rose to the occasion and you see the results in the last half of the year."
They finish the 2025 campaign with a 2-7-5 record, seven points short of the final playoff spot in the Prairie Division. If only they had hit this seam of solid play earlier, they'd be preparing for a playoff match next week as evidenced by their 2-1-3 record over the final six matches.
"We know respect is earned, and I think we've earned it," said Loga. "We've tried to change the narrative, and I think we've changed it. We just have to carry it on.
"This is the 10th season in a row where we were ranked last in the coaches poll preseason. And this is the 10th season in a row we were not last place in Canada West. Maybe I have to say it for people to catch notice.
"Hopefully we've earned a little bit more respect and changed a bit of the narrative like we set out to do this season. The best is yet to come."
GOAL��
— MacEwan Griffins Men's Soccer (@GriffinsMSOC) October 19, 2025
Luther Feulefack has his first @CanadaWest goal!
The rookie midfielder's blast deflects off a defender and in to tie the score 1-1 with @HuskieAthletics in the 46th minute. @MacEwanGriffins #GriffNation pic.twitter.com/kPSHr64mvA
In a moment that is the epitome of that improvement Loga is talking about, Luther Feulefack scored his first career Canada West goal on Sunday to secure a draw for the Griffins after they conceded in the 11th minute off a set piece.
The rookie midfielder blasted one from the top of the box in the 46th minute that deflected off a defender and past Huskies keeper Jaron Slopinski.
"He's a perfect example of that – doing 6:30 a.m. sessions before our own sessions together with some other lads," said Loga. "These younger first-year guys, we're giving them an extra session or two a week just to work on their own individual development.
"Luther got his first minutes back in B.C. Now he's getting starts and he's scoring goals. I couldn't be happier for him."
On the other end of the spectrum, MacEwan goalkeeper Oleksandr Popravka was playing in the final game of his lengthy career. The 33-year-old is heading into retirement after having previously played professionally in his native Ukraine. Popravka made three saves, including a 10-bell one off Ryan Ko in the second half.
HUGE SAVE
— MacEwan Griffins Men's Soccer (@GriffinsMSOC) October 19, 2025
Playing in the final match of his @CanadaWest career, Oleksandr Popravka is locked in!
Massive stop in the second half to keep this one 1-1.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/AdVRmhvttO
"It's emotional for everyone, I think," said Loga. "He's a lad that came out of retirement to help us out. He's had a professional journey as well. He has a wife, he has a full-time job. He did all this for the love of the game. I'm thankful he can get a diploma out of this in Business Management.
"This is more than a four- or five-year journey like some of our other seniors. This is a lifetime, and this was his final game, final chapter. He did us a huge favour. In his two years, he had a massive impact, leadership. It's sad to see him go, but I look forward to what's to come in his life."
