This year's host of the Canadian Colleges' men's soccer championships didn't need to use its wildcard into the nationals.
The Douglas College Royals earned their way into the national final as the No. 1 PacWest seed following a 3-0 victory over Vancouver Island University in the final of the provincial college final at Quest University in Squamish on Sunday.
Sahil Sandhu, who finished first in the nation with 15 goals this season, opened the scoring on a header in the gold-medal final for the No. 4 nationally ranked Royals. Sandhu was named top forward following the tournament.
Best midfielder Gagan Josan was given credit on an own goal off a corner to start the second half.
Provincial tournament MVP Jag Gill also tallied to lead the Royals.
Douglas keeper Dillon Fogliato, a Burnaby North grad, was named the top goalie at the provincials.
Douglas advanced to the final with a 4-1 victory over Kwantlen Polytechnic University in a semifinal played on Saturday.
Javid Khan and Sandhu, with the eventual game-winner, gave Douglas a 2-0 lead at the half.
With less than 10 minutes left to play, Mark McQuade and Jordan Marini both tallied to ensure Douglas the win.
"I think we had a very dominant weekend," said Douglas head coach Joe Ormerod. "We were solid in the back, solid in goal and my front six excelled this weekend.
"We played good football and moved the ball with authority. We earned the bragging rights going into the nationals as the best team in the province."
The Royals will host the Canadian college soccer championships at Town Centre from Nov. 7 to 10.
