Four players with Surrey ties from the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League have signed to play for the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s soccer program.
Goalkeeper Ryan Venn, defender Amir Basra, and midfielders A.J. Lopez and Stephen McMahon will join the Cascades for the 2015 fall season as they aim to qualify for the Canada West playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Interim head coach Tom Lowndes, who took the reins of the Cascades last month following the retirement of longtime bench boss Alan Errington, is thrilled at the quality and depth of his first recruiting class.
“It’s a really strong class,” said interim head coach Tom Lowndes. “Technically, they’re very strong, and they’ve all got the ability to come in and make an impact right away. I’m excited to see how they adjust to university soccer.”
Venn, a student at Surrey Christian Secondary, has suited up for several clubs in the Premier League and is a former provincial bronze medalist. Basra plays for Surrey United in the Premier League and has also been captain of Coastal FC and the Abbotsford Mariners. A student at North Surrey Secondary, he has also participated in BC Soccer’s provincial program.
Lopez, from Coquitlam, and Langley’s McMahon are also members of Surrey United.
“They’re not just good players, they’ve got good character, which is something I look for,” added Lowndes. “I’m really excited about this class, and I think they can help us achieve our goals next season.”