Rob Goodey and Mara McCleary will never win the scoring race as soccer players in the U Sports Canada West Conference.
But there are very players in the conference comparable to the UNBC Timberwoves' dynamic duo in their ability to prevent other teams from lighting up the scoreboard.
Goodey, a goaltender, and McCleary, a defender, were both named Canada West second-team all-stars in Thursday, while T-wolves men's team defender Reid Adams was picked for the all-rookie team.
Goodey, in his second season as UNBC's starting goalie, continually proved himself as one of the team's most valuable players, coming up with timely saves and leadership on and off the field that kept the T-wolves within striking distance of their opponents.
In 11 games, the native of Bishop’s Stortford, England compiled a 1.55 goals-against average (10th in Canada West) and .767 save percentage (ninth best) with two shutouts and a 3-5-3 record. The T-wolves finished with a 4-8-3 record (seventh in Pacific Division) and missed the playoffs.
He's the first goalie in Timberwolves' history to be named a conference all-star.
“Rob is a very deserving recipient and an inspiration to young goalkeepers," said UNBC coach Steve Simonson told UNBC sports information officer Rich Abney. "His time here wasn’t all roses. He had to sit in the shadows of former goalkeepers, all the while he just kept working and giving his best every day. He has been an incredible teammate and is now getting his just rewards for all of the time and effort he has put into this game."
Goodey, a fourth-year English/history major, made 83 saves last season in net for UNBC, a Canada West record which still stands.
McCleary's aggressive work habits and heads-up ability to read plays made her an intimidating force. Her presence on the T-wolves' back line was instrumental in the team's setting a program record for fewest goals allowed in a season (19), 12 fewer than in 2018.
The 20-year-old chemistry/physics major from Victoria has been playing for the T-wolves since 2016 and has started every game of her four-year career. She has a lock on winning the team's top defensive player award for a fourth season. McCleary finished with one assists in 14 games.
“Mara has been a top performer in our program and in Canada West since she arrived here at UNBC,” said Timberwolves coach Neil Sedgwick. “It is wonderful that she has received this recognition for her focus and her effort. Mara deserves this. She has been a major part of the program’s growth and success, and I am thrilled for her.”
The T-wolves clinched their third-straight playoff berth and will play the Manitoba Bisons Friday afternoon in Calgary.
Adams, a Victoria product, joined the T-wolves this past summer and made an immediate impact, utilizing his speed and creativity to break up scoring chances and kickstart the offence while starting 13 of 15 games. The biomedical studies major is the first T-wolves player picked for a Canada West all-rookie team.
“Reid has been such a great part of this team this season,” said Simonson. "We are so happy that he chose to come to UNBC, and I know he will be a massive part of our program for a long time. He has been a quality player on the field, but also an incredible piece of our chemistry. I am very proud of what he has done in such a short time.”
Adams had one assist in 15 games.
The UNBC women's team was also recognized Thursday as winners of the Canada West Fair Play Award for having incurred the fewest yellow cards (three) and no red cards this season.
“We have conceded fewer goals than previous years, yet we have had very little discipline issues - this says a lot for what the players do physically, and mentally,” said Sedgwick. “It is a sign of good defending positions and commitment, but also to their focus on their actions, rather than other external factors in the game. I am hugely proud of the team for this.”
Friday's UNBC-Manitoba playoff games starts at 11 a.m. PT and can viewed live on Canada West TV. The winner advances to a quarterfinal playoff Saturday at 11 a.m. against the host Calgary Dinos.
