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The VIU Mariners men's and women's soccer teams have different goals for the 2026 PACWEST season. The men are looking to make significant improvements from last year while the women are gunning for a third straight provincial title. (Image Credit: Mary Kessenich)
Kicking It

VIU soccer teams hit the pitch for 2026 PACWEST season

Sep 12, 2026 | 5:42 AM

NANAIMO — The VIU Mariners are beginning a new PACWEST soccer season with differing expectations.

The women will attempt to win the provincial championship for a third straight time, while the men are hoping to rise up the table after finishing 2-7-3 in 2025.

Women’s coach Bobbie Taylor said her group will have a strong veteran presence.

“The team is super excited to get the season underway. We’ve had some quality exhibition games that have provided opportunities for identifying strengths and areas to grow. We have some excellent experienced players, and the team has really worked hard during preseason on and off the field and have come together nicely.”

Women’s co-captain and fifth-year centre back Mya Creed isn’t shy about the goals for this year, she said the team is a veteran group shooting for a CCAA gold medal at the nationals.

“We have a lot of seniors this year, so we have a pretty tight-knit group. We’ve all played with each other for a while, and we all trust each other.”

Creed is also pleased with how the women have progressed through their exhibition matches.

“Our preseason games have been great. We’ve only tied in one and won the rest. The team is pretty excited and ready to go.”

On the men’s side, coach Kevin Lindo has added some new pieces to the squad.

“We have brought some more experience into the team as well as some promising local rookies. This has made for more competition for places and all-round higher focus levels. It has been an enjoyable preseason, and the lads have put the work in, we want to be back challenging for honours this year and cannot wait to get started.”

Men’s fourth-year midfielder Connor Nelson feels the side has a lot of talent this year,

He said there’s been a progression throughout preseason games and training that he and his teammates hope will continue.

“All across the board our team has really, really improved and we have loads of depth. It’s a grueling season with back-to-back games, so the amount of quality we have, from the starters to those who don’t make the squad on some days, will really show this year. We need everyone to step up and do their job this year if we’re going to win it all.”

The journey for both teams starts on the road at Capilano on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The Mariners men’s and women’s home openers are on Saturday, Sept. 19, versus the Douglas Royals.

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