2024 Men's Soccer Season Preview
The Tigers men's soccer team looks to bounce back after an AUS quarterfinal defeat last year.
Written by Thomas Scott
Suffering defeat two years in a row in the AUS quarter final, the Dalhousie Tigers are driven to prove their talent after a magical run to end last season.
“Our expectation is to compete and battle for an AUS championship, that’s the goal,” says head coach Alan Jazic.
“Saying that is easy, and we know how difficult the AUS is. Every game is a tough game, and all the teams compete. If we focus on our objectives and goals and execute our plan, I’m sure this group can achieve great things.”
Finishing last season 4-5-3, Dal suffered injuries early in the season, which would see the Tigers finish the regular season going undefeated through the final five games, which included four wins.
Unfortunately for Dal, their magical undefeated run ended in the AUS quarter final, losing 3-2 to the UNB Reds. It's the second straight season Dal has lost to the Reds in the AUS quarter final.
“We had a great team last year. I think being healthy overall going into week one will be a big bonus for us,” says Jazic. “We relied heavily on many young players last year who now have that year of experience in our conference under their belts, which is huge for growth and development. We’re really excited to get this season underway.”
Having a healthy Kyle Routledge and Luke Berryman at the start of the season will be massive for the Tigers. Routledge was spectacular last season and took home second-team AUS all-star honours. The fourth-year kinesiology student scored four goals and one assist in the 2023 campaign. Berryman, the team captain, will also be available for the first kick-off of the season. Jazic says Berryman can make everyone around him better.
“I’m also excited for our young players, who we relied on so heavily last year, to step up and take this team to a new level," says Jazic. "Ben Thompson, Ben Hashimoto, Sinclair Astridge, and a healthy Mohammed Wahdan will be a big part of that.”
Jazic adds that first-year players Mohammed Tolba and Kysac MacDonald are currently impressing him and can significantly impact this season.
"I don’t base playing time on years of experience or eligibility. Whether you’re a first-year player or a fourth-year player, if you’re performing at a high-level day in and day out, you’ll get what you deserve. I’m really happy with our recruiting class this year," says Jazic.
The Tigers open the season this Saturday, hosting the Moncton Aigles Bleus at 5:15 pm at Wickwire Field.