COQUITLAM, B.C. – The UBC Okanagan Heat men's soccer team had a successful return to the pitch on Saturday as they won their preseason opener 3-1 over the Douglas Royals.

After the game was moved from Friday to Saturday due to smoke conditions, the Heat made the most of their trip as they received goals from Felix Jones of Kelowna, B.C., Pierson Stanley of North Vancouver, B.C., and Ryan Gatheru to come away with the victory.

Nicholas Rietmas of Kelowna, B.C., and Jaxon Scholfield of Surrey, B.C., split the goalkeeping duties to share the win.

"It was great to get a game in against another school after all that has gone on over the past 18 months," said head coach Dante Zanetta after the game. "We are early in the process and there were some encouraging aspects within the game. We are looking forward to our two games this week against Langara College."

The Heat will square off against the Falcons on Thursday, August 19 and Friday, August 20 in Vancouver.