It’s North young men ! for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team this weekend. Head coach John Antulov will take his troops to Prince George, BC for a pair of Canada West exhibition matches against the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. The teams will square off Saturday (Aug 30) and Sunday (Aug 31). The WolfPack are coming off a loss and two ties in their first three preseason tilts. They were in Edmonton where they tied Edmonton Scottish senior team (3-3) and Grant MacEwan Griffins (2-2) along with falling (4-0) to the University of Calgary Dinos. UNBC has seen more game action thus far. After beating their alumni 4-0, the Timberwolves hit the road where they downed MacEwan (2-1),  fell to the F.C. Edmonton Reserves (1-0) and to the Calgary Dinos (3-2).  They also met the Mount Royal University Cougars and beat them 2-1. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] WolfPack head coach John Antulov (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] “We are hoping to play well and get some results,” Antulov states. His club will have an alumni game themselves on September 6 th. When he looks at the ‘Pack’s first three matches, he says: “ We have a ways to go still as everything is fairly new to a lot of the players. We need to gel on the field and become more consistent. We are making slow progress but should be ready for our season opener. Having three weeks before we play is beneficial.” Unlike other teams in the Canada West Pacific Division, Thompson Rivers doesn’t see the field ‘for real’ until September 12 th when they entertain the Trinity Western University Spartans at Hillside Stadium. Antulov says thus far: all of his veterans have been solid leaders both on and off the field.  Two rookies garnering praise for their play of late are Finlay McPhie (Vernon, BC) and Logan Zimmerman (Kamloops, BC). “Our midfield will be our strength for sure this season,” Antulov explains as he looks at his roster. “ Its where most of our returning players play.  Our centre back position is also where we have some depth and experience.” UNBC will come to Kamloops to play the WolfPack in two Canada West league games on October 1o th and 11 th. CORNER KICKS: The WolfPack will play their first three CIS/Canada West matches under the lights at Hillside Stadium. It is the first time in school history that soccer has been played in the evening and it’s hoped that they can attract big crowds. September 13 th will see the University of Fraser Valley Cascades come to town. It is also “Alumni Night”. Again this season, the WolfPack will give youth soccer teams a chance to be a part of their home matches. The “Gyldi’s Pizza/TRU WolfPack/KYSA Soccer experience” will have teams coming onto the field escorting the starters for the national anthem and player introductions.  Those youth teams will also play at half time, have a pizza and pop party and have the chance to meet TRU players after the match.” The first two teams on September 12 th will be the U-6 “Rockets” and “Black Lightning”.