Simon Fraser University drew 1-1 with University of Fraser Valley Cascades in a preseason varsity men’s exhibition soccer match on Tuesday.
The Clan practised twice on Monday and again Tuesday morning before taking on the Cascades in an evening exhibition match.
While it was the first opportunity for first-year Clan head coach Clint Schneider to see his team in action, he liked what he saw.
“At times we played well and we were unlucky not to have more goals, and I liked how we managed the game and controlled the tempo at times,” said Schneider in a Clan press release.
“I think it is clear that we have a lot of upside with this squad.”
Simon Fraser fell behind in the 11th minute when UFV senior midfielder Kree Bryne blasted a shot past Clan keeper Brandon Watson on a quick counter attack.
Later, the Clan tied the score at 1-1 in the 72nd minute when freshman midfielder Dzenan Bezdrob came on as a second half substitution and split the defence to notch his first collegiate goal.
“Individually I liked how some of the first-year players stepped up and played much better than I could have imagined,” said Schneider.
“I think we are deep squad and now it is my job to manage the guys and their personalities to make sure I get the most out of them. We are big and athletic and we have some really special players, and now it’s a matter of putting it all together through the preseason.”
Schneider replaced Alan Koch, now head coach of Whitecaps FC 2, the new USL PRO team of Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Schneider coached with Koch for all five seasons the Clan has competed in Division II NCAA.
Schneider is just the fifth head coach in the history of the SFU men’s soccer program.
