IMPROVING VOYAGEURS CHECK LOTS OF BOXES IN RECORD-SETTING SEASON

IMPROVING VOYAGEURS CHECK LOTS OF BOXES IN RECORD-SETTING SEASON
October 22, 2025

LAC LA BICHE – They may have finished it with a loss and missed the playoffs, but the Portage College Voyageurs have to be pretty satisfied with their 2025 ACAC Soccer season. After all, it was historic.

 

After years of finishing second last or in the basement in the seven-team ACAC North, the Voyageurs took great strides this past year. Most goals for in a season? Check (18). Fewest goals against in a season? Check (25). Most wins ever? Check (4). Most points ever? Check (13). Highest finish in the standings ever? Check (fifth).

 

"You know, you look at the big picture….that's a lot of improvement!" said Head Coach Macky Singh on Saturday afternoon, after his troops battled the undefeated NAIT Ooks to the final whistle at the Bold Centre Soccer Field, losing 2-1 in a well-played, fast-paced match.

 

Bjorn Goolie, in his final soccer game for the Voyageurs, scored Portage's lone marker in the second minute, before Jameson Kiezik and Peter Jones scored first half goals to give the Ooks a lead they would never relinquish. Once again, despite an overall strong game by the home squad, the Voyageurs were undone by a few minutes of sloppy play. The elusive 90-minute effort never quite materialized this season, even though there was so much to like about the year.

 

"Like I said to the lads at the end when were in the huddle, we only played 86 minutes and two goals went in," said Singh. "That's the quality you need to get to."

 

Nonetheless, the head coach was chuffed by his players' resilience and strong play against one of the top teams in the ACAC, especially considering they lost 5-0 to NAIT earlier this fall in a game that wasn't all that close.

 

"Today, we came back and competed," he said. "In the last 15 minutes or so, we had some chances."

 

As he looks ahead to next year's soccer season, Singh, who has plenty of experience building successful programs, aspires to emulate the perennial success that top soccer schools such as NAIT and Keyano College enjoy.

 

"To do that, obviously recruiting will be key, especially since we're losing three players that been our core the last couple of years…They're difficult to replace but hopefully we can find players with the same drive and belief in this program to take us to the next level," he said. "I think we're going in the right direction, but can we continue? That'll be the biggest thing."

 

Players of the Game:

 

After the final whistle sounded on the season, the Voyageurs paid tribute to three stalwarts who have contributed so much on and off the field. Bjorn Goolie, Michael Musanza and Dominic Douglas were each presented with a framed photo of their time on the soccer squad and applauded by the team and the fans.

 

Goolie, the first-ever player in Voyageurs Men's Soccer to graduate after playing all five years of eligibility, was recognized for his community volunteerism, leadership on the team, and advocacy for international students. The Trinidad and Tobago native arrived in 2021 and instantly became a fan and player favourite. "He embraced the commitment to being a student-athlete and helping to grow the soccer and futsal programs at Portage College," said Singh.

 

Musanza, was celebrated for his dedication not only to soccer and futsal, but also to his studies. Singh noted "Mikey" gave it his all on the field and in the classroom, even when he ran into hurdles along the way. "Faced with a few academic challenges throughout his four years, he has managed to overcome them all and will graduate as a Licensed Practical Nurse, including earning the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Academic Scholar Award in 2024 for earning above a 3.5 grade point average," said Singh proudly.

 

Douglas spent the past three years at Portage after transferring from Keyano College. Singh highlighted that the Community Social Work student is a standout on and off the field, and not just because of his ginger hair. "He has led the front line effectively as a team player," said the head coach. "He has created scoring opportunities, assisted on goals and chipped in a few goals himself."