The Brandon University men's soccer team is eager to continue their climb up the ranks in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference.

The Bobcats start their 2016 season at home this weekend by battling the Red River College Rebels and CMU Blazers to begin their 10-game schedule.

QUICK FACTS:
Bobcats finished with a record of 4-4-and-2 in regular season last year
Bobcats fell 4-3 to the CMU Blazers in semifinals at MCAC Final Four in 2015
Roster features nine returning players and 11 newcomers
Admission is free to all BU home games

MCAC championship slated for October 29-30 at Red River College. Last fall, the Bobcats made their first-ever playoff appearance in the MCAC and lost a hard-fought semifinal to CMU at the conference championship.

First-year coach Jesse Roziere believes the Bobcats have the ability to ascend to the top of the conference in just their third season in the circuit.

"We have some big expectations for our team," said Roziere. "Building off last year would be a big step for the returning players. They want to come back and make the final. I think that is a realistic goal for this group."

Taylor Blue and Osian Edwards are two key returnees with both coming off conference all-star seasons. Edwards was team MVP and tied for fourth in league scoring while Blue served as captain.

Also back on the pitch for BU in 2016 is Shaun Hewins and Pierre Erickson-Smith. The duo shared the team's rookie of the year award after helping the Bobcats to their best-ever finish in the MCAC last season.

Meanwhile, the Bobcats' roster also features a talented crop of newcomers including hometown high school stars Nolan Melanson and Adam Hay. Melanson served as co-captain of the Crocus Plainsmen, who captured last season's city championship, while Hay was a member of the Vincent Massey Vikings. Melanson and Hay also suited up with the Bobcats' U18 soccer club during the summer.

"We have a lot of young guys, but a lot of them are ready to step in and fill roles immediately. We are excited as group to get things going," added Roziere.

The 2016 season starts this weekend at the Healthy Living Centre field for the Bobcats. Saturday's home opener sees Brandon host Red River, while Sunday's contest is a rematch of last year's semifinal against CMU. Both games start at 3:15 p.m.