Francis Mavula
Sport: Soccer
Class: Junior
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Major: Finance

Mavula is coming off a two-goal performance against conference foe St. Francis (PA) early last week.

The native of Canada notched a goal 24 minutes into the contest and then answered a Luke Bellows goal at 53:36, guiding the Bobcats to a 2-1 victory.

“Everyone played hard from the defense, midfielders, all the way up to the forwards. Everybody was ready to play, focused, and everybody was just hungry that day,” said Mavula of the victory, which got the ‘Cats off to a solid start in the Northeast Conference and put them in second place behind Monmouth.

Mavula has developed into a quintessential element of the offense and adds a blend of leadership and athleticism to a strong nucleus of Bobcat forwards.

In 13 games, his numbers are already better than what they were in 19 games last season. And it’s all because of a new work ethic and a bigger role that he’s stepped into this season.

“When I came in this season, my goal was to really help out the team, be one of the guys that could make a difference,” Mavula said. “We have a lot of talented players on this team, and (this season) it’s all about playing together.

“When we do play together, we can play with just about anybody. We defend less, which is better for us. We’re able to play the ball around to each other, and create opportunities.”

The Bobcats will look to capitalize on these opportunities in the string of pivotal conference games they have remaining.