Big Weekend Nets UBCO Soccer Player Canada West Recognition

Canada West Universities Athletic Association has released their three Stars of the Week for both men's and women's soccer, and UBC Okanagan Heat player Enzo Paal has been named as the week’s Second Star.

Paal and the rest of his UBCO teammates swept both Fraser Valley and Trinity Western while hosting their first weekend of Canada West soccer games. With the two wins, the club now sits at an impressive 3-1 record to start the season.

The weekend’s sweep was guided by the right foot of Enzo Paal, a native of Coldstream, B.C. On Friday night, with the game tied at 1-1 heading into extra time, Enzo made his mark. Salmon Arm native Dylan Abbott sent a free kick to Jerry Ryan, who made a run down the line and crossed to Paal for the game-winner.

On Saturday, the Heat played the Spartans and were knotted at 1-1 before Enzo once again lifted his team to victory.

Photo Credit: GreyStoke Photography

Paal worked his way between the two defenders to the middle lane before sending a pass to sophomore Logan Abbott on the left side. Abbott then set up fourth-year forward Jorden Leib’s second goal of the year to secure what would eventually become the game-winning goal.

For his impressive efforts during the game, Paal was awarded the Heat's Player of the Game honour.

With Enzo’s offense he delivered two home wins to UBC Okanagan, and has led the team to a 3-1 start in their historic first-ever Canada West season and are now owners of the hottest four-game start among Canada West debut squads since 2009.

Paal and his Heat teammates look to keep their unblemished home record this weekend intact when they host the Victoria Vikes Friday night at 6 p.m., followed by the No. 1 UBC Thunderbirds Saturday at 7 p.m.

UBC midfielder Navid Mashinchi was named Canada West’s First Star of the Week for the men, with fellow UBC player Jasmind Dhanda named as the First Star on the women’s side.

Main Photo Credit: Alex Hill