Meet Makayla Peluso + Game Day at the 'Caps and Rise!

After two weekends at home, our squads are on the road again. This week’s opponent: the Whitecaps and Rise FC Academies. “The last time we played them, we put on a strong performance despite the 2-0 result,” women’s keeper Kaiden Thorpe reminded us. 

We created chances, stayed dangerous throughout the match, and tested them with some good shots on net. They’re sitting at the top of the table, but that gives us freedom going into this game. We have nothing to lose, and that mindset can work in our favour. As a group, we’ve embraced the adversity this season has brought us so far, and we’re using those experiences to keep growing and pushing forward together. 

Be sure to follow along live on the Premier Soccer Leagues Canada app!

The last time our squads faced off against the Rise and Whitecaps - April 14.

Meet Makayla Peluso

Makayla Peluso, a newcomer to this year’s BCPL team, has spent the last few years down in Victoria, listening to her varsity teammates describe their summer experiences playing BCPL soccer in Nanaimo. “My teammates played for NUFC years prior and have always said how much fun the league, girls and team are!” 

Peluso grew up playing youth soccer in the lower mainland for Coquitlam Metro Ford SC. After 5 years of playing in the BCSPL, “soccer eventually brought me to UVic - I committed to the school the summer before Grade 12.” Peluso moved to the island for school in 2023 and currently studies psychology. 

I’ve used 2 years of my varsity eligibility and have continued to look for opportunities to compete and develop during the off-season, which led me to playing in the BCPL with Nanaimo. Soccer has been a constant through a lot of different stages of my life and has shaped a lot of who I am today.

Give me the quick facts - who are you? Job, major, soccer idols, favourite teams as a kid...

I’m currently a student-athlete at the University of Victoria playing for the women’s soccer team and studying psychology, but hoping to pursue law school down the road. I’ve played soccer since I was 5 and spend a lot of time around the sport, whether that’s playing, coaching or watching. Growing up, my favourite team was Juventus and some of my favourite players were Christine Sinclair and Federico Chiesa. Outside of soccer, I enjoy exploring the hidden gems the island has to offer. Whether it’s something as simple as a walk down Dallas Road or driving out to Sooke Potholes, you can always find something to do outside when the sun's out!

What's your favourite part about/favourite memory from playing soccer in Nanaimo/on the island?

My favourite memory playing soccer on the island has honestly been the past few pre-seasons playing for UVic - all the girls coming back to train in the summer and going for cold plunges in Cadboro Bay. The community in Victoria is a lot smaller and connected, especially in the soccer world, which makes it easier to build relationships and feel supported. 

Why did you choose to play in the BCPL in Nanaimo?

I wanted an environment where I could continue competing at a high level and develop as a player this summer. Many of my teammates have played for Nanaimo and always speak so highly of the girls, coaching staff and overall environment. This opportunity has been a great way to stay fit, enjoy playing in the off-season, and become part of another soccer community on the island.

Good luck to Makayla and our teams today in Vancouver! We’ll catch them back at home on May 31. Stay tuned!