CBU men’s soccer program adds quality midfielder

CBU men's soccer program adds quality midfielder

Max Piepgrass to don Caper orange next fall

By Corey LeBlanc

The first visit to Cape Breton for Max Piepgrass was an unforgettable one.

The Calgary native – more specifically – came to Cape Breton University (CBU) in early September on a student-athlete recruiting visit to the Sydney campus.

"It was great," the 17-year-old says of his weekend stop, which included watching the CBU men's soccer team take the pitch to open the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) regular season.

He describes the game-day atmosphere on the Capers home turf at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex, especially the level of fan support, as "amazing."

Next fall, Piepgrass will be on the field – rather than in the stands – as a freshman with the national powerhouse program.

"I can't wait," the product of the Calgary Foothills Soccer Club says, while reflecting on his decision to don Caper orange for the 2022 conference campaign.

As for why the highly-sought-after midfielder selected CBU, Piepgrass says, "The environment drew me."

He compared it to the one he experienced this summer as a member of Calvary FC of the Canadian Professional League (CPL).

"It [CBU] reminds me of that," Piepgrass adds, describing it as "very professional."

He also noted the appeal of having an opportunity to attend a smaller university, one that provides a "great sense of community."

"It is going to be a great situation for me," he says.

His soon-to-be head coach at the U SPORTS level – Deano Morley – says that his Caper program pinpointed Piepgrass as the "No. 1 prospect for his age group in Canada."

"We are incredibly excited and proud to have a player of Max's status and quality," the CBU mentor adds.

Morley is effusive in his praise of Piepgrass and his abilities, including his intelligence and technical prowess, along with "great vision and creativity."

He notes that his newest recruit has thrived in the "very good environment" he has been part of with Calgary Foothills and Calvary FC; where culture, discipline and training habits are key ingredients to success – much like they are with the CBU men's soccer program.

When it comes to his CPL experience – at such a young age – Morley offers that it "only amplifies his readiness" to play at the U SPORTS level.

"Max is going to make an immediate impact" the Caper head coach says, predicting that Piepgrass will "become one of the top players in Canada."

When it comes to the strengths of his game, Piepgrass offers that he has an ability to "control games" from the midfield.

"I think that I am a smart player," he says.

The newest Caper also talked about his technical ability and "range of passing."

"I can create chances," Piepgrass adds, noting his ability to score and set up goals.

He also takes pride in "defending and attacking" – while contributing both offensively and defensively.

As for making the transition to the AUS, Piepgrass points to the compressed schedule which often includes back-to-back weekend matches over a regular season that spans just more than two months.

"They are all meaningful ones," he says of games in the highly-competitive conference.

Along with athletics, the student-athlete plans to study psychology, with an eye towards a career in the sports field.

Before following that career path, Morley predicts Piepgrass will enjoy great success on the pitch, including representing Canada on the international stage.

"His future is very bright – and we are so happy that our program is going to play a role in that [success]."

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