Craig Taylor has one of the most demanding positions on the field for the University of Victoria Vikes men's soccer team.
The third-year product from Stelly's is a midfielder and his job is to be a strong two-way player. He is asked to step up and help the offence and then be one of the first players back on defence.
After two sa国际传媒 West games, Taylor has been a standout, scoring three goals against the University of Northern sa国际传媒 of Prince George. The Vikes, defending Canadian Interuniversity Sport champions, won those games 3-1 and 8-0 at Centennial Stadium.
Taylor and the Vikes will be on the road this weekend with important games against the Trinity Western Spartans (tonight) and the UBC Thunderbirds (Saturday).
"Craig [Taylor] has been outstanding for us,'' said Vikes' coach Bruce Wilson. "He plays a very demanding position and he, like all of his teammates, came to camp in great shape. Craig is expected to support our attack and then he is the key player to get back when there is a loose ball.''
Taylor is happy with his team's start but he knows this weekend will be difficult.
"So far, we've had a great start,'' said Taylor. "Everyone is making a contribution and we don't have to rely on or two people. This will be one of our toughest weekends of the year and it will be difficult to get full points in both games.''
In recent years, Taylor has been more of a defensive player but this year with such a talented team, he has been able to find openings and score goals.
"When I'm attacking, I get into open spaces and look for the ball,'' said Taylor. "My teammates have been exceptional so far in finding me and getting me the ball.''
One of the most difficult decisions for Wilson will be who he leaves at home.
"This is a good problem to have but still some players will not be making the trip,'' said Wilson. "We are only looking at the Trinity Western game and we'll be starting the players that give us the best chance to win.''
The women Vikes, under the direction of head coach Tracy David, opened the season at home last weekend with a 1-1 tie against the Alberta Pandas and a 5-0 triumph against the Mount Royal Cougars from Calgary.
UVic travels to UNBC for one game on Saturday.
"I'm expecting to see a young, fit team from UNBC,'' said David. "They are new in the league this year and they will likely look to play solid defence first and try to outwork other teams.''
David was a little disappointed that her team couldn't come away with six points at home.
"It is very important to generate wins at home,'' said David. "We fell behind 1-0 to Alberta but found a way to come back for the tie. Overall, we had the better scoring chances against the Pandas.''
The top eight teams will advance to the sa国际传媒 West playoffs and the winners from the first round (onegame playoff at the home of the higher seed) will then make their way to the Final Four. The sa国际传媒 West winner and the host Vikes will then go to the CIS Championships, Nov. 8-11 at Centennial Stadium. If the Vikes win the sa国际传媒 West title, then the second-place finisher will go to the nationals.
