Providence University College

OTTERBURNE, MB — The Providence University College Pilots men's and women's soccer teams wrapped up the MCAC regular season with a dramatic weekend of action, highlighted by comeback victories, a first-place finish for the women's team, and a special Senior Day celebration honouring the graduating players who have helped shape Pilots soccer.
The final weekend of regular-season play featured road action against the Brandon University Bobcats on Saturday before the Pilots returned home Sunday to face the Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges. With playoff positioning and the right to host the MCAC Championship on the line, both teams delivered when it mattered most.
 

Saturday: Pilots Battle the Bobcats in Brandon
The Pilots opened the weekend on the road in Brandon, Manitoba, with plenty at stake for both squads.
On the men's side, Providence entered the match with an opportunity to improve its position in the standings while keeping the Bobcats in the fourth and final playoff spot. Despite challenging conditions, including strong winds and bitterly cold weather, the Pilots rose to the occasion with a convincing 3–0 victory over Brandon University.
The win gave Providence valuable momentum heading into the final match of the regular season, with playoff seeding still to be determined.

The women's matchup carried even greater implications. With first place in the MCAC standings and the right to host the upcoming championship on the line, the Pilots faced a second-place Bobcats squad in a pivotal contest.
Brandon jumped out to a 2–0 lead, but the Pilots refused to back down. Showing resilience and determination, Providence fought its way back into the match, finding two goals to earn a hard-fought 2–2 draw.
The result set up a decisive Sunday showdown. With Providence holding a three-point advantage over Brandon in the standings, the Pilots needed just a win or a draw in their final match to secure first place and home-field advantage for the MCAC Championship.
 

Sunday: Senior Day and a Dramatic Finish
Sunday's matches against the Université de Saint-Boniface carried the added significance of Senior Day, as the Pilots honoured their graduating players and celebrated their contributions to the program.
The men's team recognized Zach Harman, Karan Bhangu, and Santiago Vasquez, while the women's team celebrated Sara-Ashlee Chaves, Catalina Hickey, Jaden Hickey, Serena Negrich, and Sarah Friesen.
These graduating athletes have been an important part of the Pilots soccer program, and the weekend provided an opportunity to recognize their commitment, dedication, and impact on their teams.

Men's Soccer: Late Comeback Secures Second Seed
The men's matchup against Les Rouges proved to be a thriller. After falling behind 2–0, the Pilots battled to stay within reach and continued pushing for a way back into the contest.
Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion during the final five minutes of play, as Providence struck twice to complete the comeback. Rookie Mathiaz Buenfil delivered the decisive blow with a late-game winner, securing an exciting victory for the Pilots.
The result capped off a strong finish to the regular season and confirmed Providence as the No. 2 seed heading into the MCAC playoffs.
The Pilots will now prepare for a rematch against Les Rouges in the MCAC playoff semifinal on Saturday, October 31.
 

Women's Soccer: Pilots Claim First Place and Championship Hosting Rights
With first place and the opportunity to host the MCAC Championship on the line, the women's team entered Sunday's contest determined to finish the regular season at the top of the standings.
The Pilots came out flying, building a commanding 4–1 lead in the first half against Les Rouges. With their graduating players being honoured on home turf, Providence continued to play with purpose and intensity after the break.
The Pilots added to their advantage in the second half, ultimately earning a convincing 6–3 victory to close out the regular season.
The win secured first place in the MCAC standings, officially earning Providence the top seed and the right to host the MCAC Championship on October 31 and November 1.
The women will open their playoff run against the Canadian Mennonite University Blazers in the MCAC semifinal, looking to carry their regular-season momentum into the postseason.
 

Up Next: MCAC Championship Weekend
With the regular season officially complete, both Pilots squads now turn their attention to the MCAC playoffs. The men enter as the No. 2 seed, while the women will look to defend their top spot on home turf as they pursue an MCAC championship.

Women's Semifinals: Pilots Vs Blazers at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 31st at Providence
Women's Finals: 2:30 PM on Sunday, November 1st at Providence

Men's Semifinals: Pilots Vs Les Rouges at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 31st at Ralph Cantafio in Winnipeg
Men's Finals: 12:00 PM on Sunday, November 1st at Ralph Cantafio in Winnipeg 

Go Pilots!