There was no shortage of expectations this season for the St. Thomas University Tommies. After an undefeated 10-0-2 2021-22 season which saw them win their second Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association championship - their first since the 2000-01 season, head coach John-Ryan Morrison knew it was going to be a harder challenge to repeat as ACAA champions.

The Tommies were plagued with injuries to start their year, having as many as nine players hurt at one time, giving Morrison the most difficult time he's had assessing his team in training camp. But he remained confident in his squad - and he was right to do so.

The Tommies matched their previous record, this time only conceding two goals, three less than last year. Morrison credits his entire backline for their defensive work.

"Singling out one over another would be an injustice to how well they played as a unit," Morrison said. "Multiple interchangeable players contributed to the best back line in the league."

But it wasn't just their defence helping the Tommies. Third-year player Brett Springer (Bamberg, ON) showed out again, scoring 12 of the Tommies' league leading 31 goals.

"On his day he is nearly impossible to play against," Morrison said of Springer.

Heading into the playoffs as the top team, Morrison expects a challenge like always. The Tommies will play the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics in their semi-final game, who were on of two teams to score on the Tommies and took them to a draw in the regular season finale.

"Every game is a challenge in this league," he said. "We will be extra motivated."

For co-captain and the longest serving Tommie, Ryan MacKinnon (Fredericton, NB), the biggest challenge is within themselves.

"We only played to our potential in two or three games," MacKinnon said. "I'm hoping the pressure this weekend really brings out the intensity and best in everyone ... if we stay focused for 180 minutes, then no team should keep up with our pace."

MacKinnon, a hometown boy, scored five goals this season, a career high. He said competing for an ACAA championship in his hometown is his final ACAA season will add excitement and pressure. But he's no stranger to the pressure.

"I love the pressure - that itself gets me excited," Mackinnon said. 

MacKinnon said it'll be a great chance to showcase to Fredericton how good the Tommies are.

"It's a great opportunity for all of our young players to experience championship soccer," he said.

"There's nothing like it."

The Tommies will play the Mystics (4) on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 2:45 PM at the Grant-Harvey Turf Field. The Holland College Hurricanes (2) play the University of King's College Blue Devils (3) right after, at 5:00.

On the Women's side, the Tommies (4) take on the top seeded Mystics (1) at 10:00 AM. The University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves (2) will play the Hurricanes (3) at 12:15 PM.