Men's Soccer and Futsal's Excellent 2023-24 Season
Calgary, AB | Men's Soccer and Futsal Season Recap
Men's soccer had their strongest season this year ending with a 2-7-1 record and 7 points. They finished the season with the most goals scored and least amount conceded in an outdoor campaign.
The regular season kicked off with a bang as they took on the Medicine Hat College Rattlers for their home opener. The home opener is one of the biggest yearly events at Ambrose as it overlaps with the University orientation kickoff event. The Lions beat the Rattlers 2-0 to start the season! "Our home opener win was the best way to start the season. To have all the fans there showing their support and to be able to give them a couple of goals and keep a clean sheet in a dominant performance was really special." Says Head Coach, Adam Monkman.
The team had a full roster with the strongest recruiting class to date. It set the standard and it has raised the bar to what is expected in future seasons. "Our new players made an 
immediate impact on our level of play this past season. We were competitive in almost every position. This is the most talented group of players we've had in our program to date." Says Monkman.
The Lions finished off the regular season with an away win against the Olds College Broncos. The match started off with an impressive goal from #17 Brady De Castro who scored a goal from his side of half, on the first touch of the game off the opening kick-off (the second time he scored off a kickoff this past season). "This was such a great way to end the season. The boys fully deserved and earned this result. It gives us momentum to build on for next season."
A program highlight was #23 Jake Clubb receiving an ACAC All-Conference award for his performance this past season. Jake is the first Ambrose player to receive this honour for men's soccer.
The Lions are looking to build on the success of this past year this upcoming season. Consistency and a relentless drive will be key as they strive for more goals, wins and points next year.
Season Summary
|
Record |
Points |
Goals For |
Goals Against |
|
2-7-1 |
7 |
12 |
24 |
ACAC awards
Jake Clubb – All Conference Player
Ambrose Team Stat Leaders
Brady De Castro – Goals (4)
Brady De Castro – Assists (4) tied 3rd in ACAC
Brady De Castro – Shots (22)
Nathan Yeung – Saves (61) 3rd in ACAC
Men's Futsal
The Men's futsal team had a strong season and attended ACAC Championships- a first in program history. The team finished in 4th place overall.
The Lions opened their season off with a great showing at the first regional tournament of the season. Beating the hosts, Prairie College with a convincing 10-0 victory, then tying Medicine Hat 4-4, and beating the Lethbridge Kodiaks 4-2. They came out of the first regional tournament with 7 points and in third place in the ACAC. "It was a great way to start off our campaign. It's the strongest we've ever started an ACAC Futsal season." notes Monkman.
A season highlight for the Lions this year was taking on the SAIT Trojans at home in February. The Lions finished the game with a 4-2 victory over the Trojans in an electric gym. Lion's fans were the loudest they have ever been, and the atmosphere gave the Lions an extra boost to get the win. "This game was a marker of how far the program has come. Not
only from the result but by the dominate performance we had." says Monkman.
The Lions ended their second regional tournament in a disappointing 4th place missing a championship berth. However, due to an unexpected turn of events and an administration error from another team which lead to point deductions from forfeitures, the Lions found themselves in the Championships in Lac la Biche. "We weren't expecting this, but our hard work and all the hours we put in during the season put us in the right position to get this opportunity. We didn't deserve it, but we earned it. This is a rare second chance that doesn't come along often in sport, if ever, and we needed to make the most of it."
The team did well and ended the tournament in 4th place in ACAC. #17 Brady De Castro was awarded an All-Conference award and Adam Monkman was named Coach of the Year; two outstanding accomplishments for the program. GK Abayomi Afolabi and #3 Josh Clarke were both named Tournament All Stars. (Read the full championships recap HERE)
Season Summary
|
Record |
Points |
Goals For |
Goals Against |
|
4-4-2 |
14 |
48 |
38 |
ACAC awards
Brady De Castro – All Conference Player
Adam Monkman – South Coach of the Year
Tournament All stars:
GK Abayomi Afolabi
#3 Josh Clarke
