Exciting new faces and familiar stars headline a busy autumn schedule
Photo via University of Victoria.
Whether you’re a diehard sports fanatic, or just looking for a way to get some fresh air and escape that one roommate who won’t put their dishes away, these games are sure to quicken your pulse and tickle your fancy.
Oct. 10 — Vikes Men’s Soccer — UVic vs. UBC
The Vikes men’s soccer team’s eight game unbeaten streak has finally come to an end, but they’ve nonetheless continued their terrific run of form, winning their last two games with relative ease. However, tonight (yes, tonight), they’ll face their toughest test yet as they go up against longtime rival UBC. The Thunderbirds currently sit atop the Canada West standings, and have yet to record a loss. UVic goal scoring dynamo Matthew Pearse will need to be at his best if the Vikes are to threaten UBC’s juggernaut defense. UVic students get free tickets to all Vikes games, which can be reserved through the Vikes website.
Oct. 12, 18, 20 — Vikes Women’s Soccer — Three Game Homestand
It’s been difficult lately to get a glimpse of the Vikes women’s soccer team, who have played six of their last eight games on the road. But those woes will come to an end in mid-October, when the Vikes will close out their regular season with three home games in quick succession against Mount Royal, UBCO, and Thompson Rivers, respectively. The Mount Royal game looks to be the most exciting. The Vikes and the Cougars have faced off once already this season, where the Vikes eked out a tense 4–3 victory at their season opener in Calgary. My eyes will be on Sophie Fingarson, the Vikes midfielder who has already sixtupled her points output from last season.
Oct. 18/19 — Vikes Women’s Basketball — UVic Invitational Tournament
Basketball is back, baby! The Vikes women’s team will be shaking off the rust with a bit of preseason fun, facing the University of Regina Cougars and the UAlberta Pandas. Last year, the Vikes women went on a Cinderella playoff run, which saw them upset number one seed UBC and eventually finish fourth in the country. With five brand new faces on the team this year, it will be interesting to see how well that success can be maintained. Fans should keep a close eye on sophomore Makena Anderson, whose efforts last season earned her Canada West Rookie of the Year honours.
Oct. 19 — Pacific FC vs. Forge FC
When I last wrote about PFC and encouraged fans to attend their games back in July, they rewarded me by losing five out of their next six games. It seemed that the possibility of securing a CPL playoff spot was well out of the question. Then, due in large part to the phenomenal efforts of new loan signing Moses Dyer — who has popped off for four goals in his eight appearances with the club — PFC is suddenly back in the running. The final game of the season will be played against powerhouse Forge FC, who have already clinched the regular season title. Can PFC maintain their hold on the fifth and final playoff spot? Or will they miss out for the first time in club history? PFC tickets are reasonably priced at around $30 for general admission.
Oct. 25-27 — Vikes Rowing — The Head & Tail of the Gorge
The iconic B.C. regatta, which was originally hosted by UVic Rowing and has run since 1978, is a can’t-miss event. The competition hosts teams from all around the world, many of whom dress up in ridiculous costumes in celebration of Halloween. Vikes rowing continues to be one of the strongest programs in the country, the women’s team having won back to back national titles. On the men’s side, Giancarlo DiPompeo took home gold in the lightweight men’s single at the Canadian University Rowing Championships last year, and has been a pleasure to watch again this season. More information on the regatta can be found here.
Nov. 1 — Victoria Royals vs. Moose Jaw Warriors
We’ve already told you some of the best reasons to attend a Royals game this fall. However, this matchup in particular is alluring, as it pits two top 2025 NHL draft prospects against each other. Cole Reschny, the Royals forward currently projected to be a lottery-pick, will face off against Lynden Lakovic, the 6’4” power forward who looks to be a potential mid to late first-rounder. The game also marks an opportunity to get a look at Warriors young star Brayden Yager, the Winnipeg Jets top prospect who could make the jump to the NHL sometime this year. Royals tickets, which start at only $13, are some of the most affordable on the market.
Nov. 2 — Vikes Basketball — Home Openers
The men’s and women’s teams will play back-to-back games against the UFV Cascades to mark the first games played in the CARSA Performance Gym this season. All eyes will be on fifth-year student Diego Maffia, the Vikes superstar who took home USports MVP last season, becoming only the third UVic player ever to do so. The 6’1” guard out of Oak Bay High School led the nation in scoring for the second year in a row, and spent his summer honing his skills while playing pro ball in the CEBL with the Vancouver Bandits.
From pivotal soccer matchups to the return of basketball and the renowned Head & Tail of the Gorge regatta, there’s something this month for every sports fan to enjoy. So, grab your tickets, support your local teams, and immerse yourself in the thrill of live sports. See you there!
