The UNBC Timberwolves men's soccer team is now in a position to receive a first-round bye at next weekend's provincial championship in Kelowna after two of the T-wolves' opponents were penalized for using an ineligible player.
Douglas College was hit the hardest, having forfeited all but one of its games this season, dropping from first place in the PACWEST Group A to the basement. The only game not affected was the Royals's opening contest, a 2-1 loss to UBC Okanagan.
Sonny Pawar, T-wolves coach, said he found out about the Royals use of an ineligible player and the forfeiture of games before the T-wolves' practice Thursday.
"Our initial reaction, obviously was the same as most teams within the league - one of surprise and shock," said Pawar.
"You ultimately feel bad for [Douglas College], it's unfortunate that the other athletes in that program are put into that kind of a situation."
The T-wolves' two losses to the Royals this season are now recorded as 1-0 wins.
Langara College was found to have used an ineligible player in its game against UBC Okanagan last weekend, which changed its victory to a 1-0 loss.
UNBC (6-2-4) has a bye this weekend - the final regular season games - but instead of clinging to second place, the T-wolves are now six points ahead of Langara (4-2-4) and eight points up on Kwantlen Polytechnic University (3-3-4). Langara and Kwantlen play each other today, before ending their seasons Sunday against Quest University and Douglas, respectively.
"We're still waiting for the weekend to see where we finish up," said Pawar. "To be honest, it's not the way we would've drawn it up.
"Ultimately, we would've liked to be able to place first with the results being on the field," he added. "Obviously, it's a bit of a windfall for us. The guys have worked hard all year and something like this comes your way that's out of your control - it's a bit
fortunate and, ultimately bad luck for Douglas."
The PACWEST provincial championship is Oct. 28 to 30 at UBCO. The first-place teams in the two groups receive a bye, while the second- and third-place teams play a crossover game.
The Royals (0-0-10) are now out of playoff contention, while Quest University - seemingly eliminated last weekend - has another opportunity to qualify.
In Group B, last season's national champion Vancouver Island University (7-2-0) has clinched first place, while UBC Okanagan (4-3-2), Capilano University (4-2-3) and Thompson Rivers University (4-2-3) battle for the final two playoff spots.
"The guys are obviously excited," said Pawar.
"They're two wins away from being able to participate in the national championship, but by no means does that make the games that we're going to be involved in any easier."
