VANCOUVER – Well folks, the moment of truth is here... its Canada West men's soccer playoff time! The UBC Thunderbirds remained undefeated in a historic 11-0-3 season in which they set new Canada West records for most points (36) and most goals (45). They now face their first must-win situation of the year on Saturday morning.

The Thunderbirds capped off an impressive streak with two draws against their arch rivals, the Trinity Western University Spartans, to clinch first place and close out the regular season last weekend. They have said farewell to the fans at Thunderbird Stadium, and now set their sights on a Saturday morning game in Edmonton, Alberta. Thanks to their first place status, UBC received a bye for the first round. They await the winner of a quarter-final match between the Victoria Vikes and the Saskatchewan Huskies.

In the past couple of weeks, we've been watching closely and calculating what needed to happen with various teams in order for the Thunderbirds to stay on top of the conference. There's no more math to be done. This weekend is simple. Win on Saturday, and the Thunderbirds qualify for the CIS National Championships in Laval, Quebec and a shot at winning the Canada West Championship on Sunday afternoon. But at that point, either way they will make it to CIS.
Here's a look at their potential opponents for Saturday:

University of Saskatchewan Huskies (6-5-4, 22 points)
-October 14: UBC won 2-0 in Saskatchewan
 
While Saskatchewan finished the season in second place in the Prairie Division, they struggled against Pacific Division teams. Their only win was a slight 1-0 edge over UNBC, who lost all but one game this season. They suffered 2-0 losses to both UVIC and UBC, on the road and at home respectively. They will need to find the back of the net somehow if they are to succeed in the playoffs against both of these teams. Striker Brett Levis (Saskatoon, Sask.) represents their biggest scoring threat, notching nine goals and six assists this season.
 
University of Victoria Vikes (6-6-2, 20 points)
-September 15: UBC won 1-0 at Thunderbird Stadium
-October 19: UBC won 2-1 at Thunderbird Stadium
 
The defending CIS Champions struggled somewhat this season and are no longer as dominant. However, they are an experienced squad and they get a fresh start again in the playoffs. They were brought down by UBC in two games at Thunderbird Stadium this year, albeit both were very tight games with narrow one-goal margins. The Vikes have an excellent goalkeeper in Elliot Mitrou (Victoria, BC), who has shown the ability to be great under pressure and keep his team in games.  Midfield duo Craig Gorman (Victoria, B.C.) and Craig Taylor (Victoria, B.C.) can be dangerous with the ball. It was Gorman who got past UBC's Luke O'Shea (Richmond, B.C.) for the Vikes' lone goal against the Thunderbirds this season. He was set up by Cam Hundal (Terrace, B.C.).

Canada West Playoff Schedule - Edmonton
 

Friday, November 2
11:00 a.m. - QF 1: Saskatchewan vs. Victoria – Foote Field Turf (LIVE webcast/stats: ab.canadawest.tv)
1:15 p.m.  – QF 2: Calgary vs. Trinity Western – Foote Field Turf (LIVE webcast/stats: ab.canadawest.tv)

Saturday, November 3
11:00 a.m. - Winner of Game 1 vs. UBC – Foote Field Turf (LIVE webcast/stats: ab.canadawest.tv)
1:15 p.m. - Winner of Game 2 vs. Alberta – Foote Field Turf (LIVE webcast/stats: ab.canadawest.tv)

Sunday, November 4
11:00 a.m. - Bronze Medal Game – Foote Field Turf (LIVE webcast/stats: ab.canadawest.tv)
1:15 p.m. - Championship Game – Foote Field Turf (LIVE webcast/stats: ab.canadawest.tv)

All times MST