M-SOCCER ROUNDUP: Nipissing downs Toronto, Queen's hand Carleton first loss
September 14 – Brock @ UOIT
OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT Ridgebacks men’s soccer team came up with a big effort in an early must-win game on Friday afternoon as they defeated the Brock Badgers 1-0 at Vaso’s Field.
UOIT goalkeeper Matt Caldaroni of Pickering, Ont. earned his first shutout of the season as he made five saves, including four in the second half.
Striker Sebastian Dignoti of Whitby scored the game’s lone goal at the 36 minute mark, as he streaked through the Badgers defence and left-footed one by goalkeeper Jake Sweetzer.
The Ridgebacks had nine shots on target in the game, six of which were in the first half.
Brockthought they had tied things up with about 15 minutes left on the clock, but the linesman’s flag was up as the Badgers strikers were in an offside position.
UOIT (1-4-0) leaps out of the basement in the OUA western conference and into seventh place ahead of Brock (0-3-0) and Waterloo (0-4-0).
Source: UOIT Sports Info
September 15 – Ryerson @ Nipissing
It has been said many times by many coaches – offence wins games, defence wins championships.
The Nipissing Lakers men’s soccer squad has made a commitment to team defence and preach patience on offence and so far in this young OUA season this philosophy seems to working. The Lakers are off to a solid 1-1-2 start and managed a 0-0 draw against the Ryerson Rams who sit in second place in the OUA East division with a record of 2-1-2.
The Lakers sit in fifth place however only three points separate the Lakers from the second place Rams.
The game itself was a defensive battle with neither team really having any great chances until the end of the first half. The Lakers best chance came when forward Ryan Mantle collected a loose ball off of corner kick, turned and fired a hard shot that rang off the post and was quickly cleared by the Rams defence. The Rams would find their best chance moments later but Lakers keeper Andrew Richard made a nice save to end the first half with the score remaining 0-0.
The second half saw Ryerson maintain possession however the defence kept the shooters mainly to the outside.
Richard needed to make some solid saves in the second half as the Rams pressed for the go ahead goal but at last no team could find the mesh and the game ended 0-0.
Source: Nipissing Sports Info
Toronto @ Laurentian
First-year goalkeeper Anthony Spanopulos recorded a career-high seven saves to lead the Varsity Blues men’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over the Laurentian Voyageurs on Saturday, September 15 in Sudbury, Ont.
With the win, the Blues are currently in fourth place with an 2-2-0 record, while the Voyageurs drop to 1-3-0 but still hold on to sixth place in the OUA East division.
Along with superb goaltending, the Blues also turned in an amazing effort on the offensive end. Although only having recorded four shots on goal, two of them found the back of the net. Kelletis native, Jermaine Burrell and team captain Darragh McGee of Donegal, Ireland both scored in the winning effort.
The Blues opened the scoring early in the first half when McGee scored on a penalty kick only three minutes into the game.
Toronto held the Voyageurs 1-0 in the first half, only to pull away in the second half as Jermaine Burrell (Kelletis, Ont.) scored in the 85th minute, putting the finishing touches on a great team victory.
Source: Toronto Sports Info
Queen’s @ Trent
Adrian Rochford's (Ottawa, Ont.) goal in the 14th minute sparked the Queen's Gaels to a 2-0 win over the Trent Excalibur in OUA men's soccer action in Peterborough, Ont. The forward took advantage of a chip over the Trent back line by midfielder Henry Bloeman (Toronto, Ont.)
Saturday's contest featured stellar defense from the Gaels, who limited Trent to only one shot in the second half. This defensive performance sparked an offensive surge with three balls being cleared from the Trent goal line and two breakaways being stopped by Trent's goalkeeper.
The Gaels' second goal came at the 55th minute and was created by a lovely through pass from Rochford to fifth-year forward Pat Zanetti (Carp, Ont.).
The Gaels offensive efforts created a comfortable lead for third-year goalkeeper Dylan Maxwell (Vancouver, B.C.), who earned the shutout.
Source: Queen’s Sports Info
York @ Brock
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University men's soccer team (0-4 OUA West) suffered a 6-0 loss to the No. 7 ranked York Lions Saturday afternoon at home.
The Badgers were looking to lock in their first win of the season as they faced a strong York side, which finished with the best record last year as well as currently being ranked 7th in the CIS.
The Badgers started the game looking as sharp as their York counterparts, sharing possession and getting into great positions in search of their first goal of the season. Nonetheless, it was the Lions who would finish two great chances at the end of the first half through All-Canadian star striker Adrian Pena and winger Arthur Casupanan.
Following a few defensive mistakes, the second half turned into a bumpy road for the Badgers as they were punished once again by Adrian Pena, who buried his 45th CIS goal of his career.
York would close out the contest with three more goals in the final 17 minutes. Nicolas Mejia would add back-to-back markers (73rd and 81st minute) followed by a goal from Mark Anthony Kaye (83rd minute).
In goal, Brock starter Jake Sweetzer recorded six saves in the loss. York's Sotiri Varlokostas improved his 2012 record to 5-0 turning aside all four Brock shots he faced.
Source: Brock Sports Info
Guelph @ McMaster
Hamilton, Ont. - The McMaster men's soccer team captured another win on Saturday afternoon against the Guelph Gryphons at Ron Joyce Stadium.
The first goal of the game came in the 26th minute from the home team. Ryan Garnett (Kitchener, Ont.) weaved through the Guelph defence to find Gersi Xhuti (Etobicoke, Ont.) open at the top of the box. There was no doubt that the second-year could bury it, and he did, giving McMaster the lead. This was Xhuti's third goal of the season.
Eight minutes later at the 34 minute mark, Guelph would equalize the score with a goal of their own. With a scarmble in the box, Brenden Springer (Burlington, Ont.) would find the back of the net to tie up.
The 1-1 score wouldn't last long though as two minutes later, Garnett would once again set up the goal. On a free kick, the ball would find it's way to Paterson Farrell (Oakville, Ont.) for his fourth of the season and the 2-1 lead.
The Marauders would finish the half up 3-1 with the fourth goal of the game coming from Andrew Pastoric (Oakville, Ont.). A cross from defenceman Robert Schlosser (Stoney Creek, Ont.) saw Pastoric capitalize to earn the two goal lead heading into the second half.
The second half went scoreless as both teams had opportunities to score, but neither were able to make good on those chances. The Maraudesr would win it 3-1.
Source: McMaster Sports Info
Laurier @ Western
The Men’s Mustangs Soccer team fought back late, tying the Laurier Golden Hawks 2-2 in the last minute of play.
The first half began with Western exercising their defensive prowess as Laurier applied offensive pressure. Captain Andrew Walton had an undeniable presence this game, demonstrating that he is a capable leader in his second season. Not to mention, his effective leadership style that includes charismatic quips with his teammates between plays.
The excitement picked up in the second half. Rookie Oliver Richardson almost scored on a header for Western. The Laurier goalie, Brett Harrington, wasn’t too impressed and responded by yelling “that is way too free in my eighteen boys, way too free! That doesn’t happen again”. The Laurier goalie was a crowd favorite during the second half.
Western had another opportunity when Luke Todd crossed the ball to the far right post where Pat Mroczek crossed the ball to the center, but they were unable to finish the play.
Sixteen minutes into the second half there was a foul in front of Laurier’s box on the right side. Western was awarded possession and at sixteen minutes Eric Amato took full advantage. Amato crossed the ball to the center, empowering Dominic Bell to dive in to score Western’s first goal.
Enraged by Western’s goal, Laurier player Robert Kardaras was inspired to score, evening the score at 1-1. Two thirds of a way to a hat trick, Robert Kardaras pulls Laurier into the lead with another goal. The game was coming to a close, Laurier led Western 2-1, but everything changed when Western was awarded a free kick just outside the eighteen-yard box. Rudy James took the kick and Bell scored to tie the game 2-2.
Western made many opportunities for themselves in the second half. Mroczek stood out as a leader, moving well, and frequently coming to show for the ball.
Source: Western Sports Info
Waterloo @ Windsor
The Warriors continue to search for their first win of the season falling to the Windsor Lancers 2-0 on Saturday afternoon on the road.
Michael Pio scored at the 34th minute before Chris Lanni added the insurance marker at the 64th minute to secure the Lancer victory.
Waterloo was heavily outplayed in the match being outshot 24-4 in the loss.
Source: Waterloo Athletics
September 16 – Ryerson @ Laurentian
The Ryerson Rams men's soccer team extended their undefeated streak to five games following a 2-1 victory over the Laurentian Voyageurs on Sunday afternoon. The Rams (3-1-2) have not lost since opening day of the season and sit third in the OUA east division standings with 11 points.
Ryerson's Viktor Anastasov (Toronto) scored just prior to half time to give the Rams a 1-0 lead. After leading the east division in scoring last season, the goal was Anastasov's first of the year.
The Rams used the momentum from the late first half goal to generate opportunities early in the second half. In the 50th minute Ryerson was awarded a penalty shot which Adrian Mancini (Richmond Hill, Ont.) converted to take a 2-0 lead.
Laurentian found the back of the net in the 75th minute on a goal from Dieri Drame (Sudbury, Ont.) but would not get any closer and the Rams secured the 2-1 win.
Christian Maraldo (Mississauga, Ont.) stopped three of four Laurentian shots to earn his third win of the season for the Rams.
Ryerson returns to the field next Sunday, September 23 against city rival University of Toronto. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. at Birchmount Stadium.
Source: Ryerson Sports Info
Toronto @ Nipissing
The Nipissing Lakers showed their fans and opponents this weekend that this team is for real.
This weekend’s match-ups were formidable tests for the Lakers and they passed with flying colours as the team tied Ryerson Saturday and today took down the mighty Toronto Blues 2-1 to jump up the OUA East standings. With the win the Lakers improve to 2-1-2 and sit third in the East division while Toronto drops to 2-3-0 good for fifth place.
The Lakers Ryan Mantle a second year forward form Orangeville opened the scoring in the 19th minute as he was able to penetrate the Toronto defence on a well struck through ball and fired a shot that was partially stopped by the keeper however the ball found its way past the line.
Toronto would get a solid chance when a bouncing ball found Chris Manella who then bicycle kicked it off the cross bar and was subsequently cleared by the Lakers defence. The Blues would find the back of the net shortly after this as they were awarded a corner kick which resulted in a bouncing ball that was neatly collected by a Toronto forward and passed to Dylan Bams who was left unmarked.
Both teams would get some quality chances before half however no one could find the mark.
The second half proved to be very entertaining as both teams would see some quality scoring chances that were negated by the defence, goal keepers and even goal posts.
It was not until the 63rd minute that the deadlock was broken when Mantle crossed a ball to North Bay native Jean-Michel Paulin who beat his man and placed a one touch ball in the back of the mesh while in mid-air to score the highlight reel goal.
The final five minutes had fans on the edge of their seats as Toronto applied some serious pressure for the equalizer. Toronto's best chance would come with only two minutes remaining as they worked the ball down field and struck a nice cross that was collected and fired and rang off the cross bar. The Lakers defence would stay strong the rest of way as the final whistle blew.
The Lakers will savour the victory however the team will get back to work as they prepare for their road trip to Queen’s and RMC next weekend.
Source: Nipissing Sports Info
Carleton @ Queen’s
Dylan Maxwell (Vancouver, B.C.) had 7 saves and kept a clean sheet in a 4-0 Queen's Gaels win over the No. 8-ranked Carleton Ravens in OUA men's soccer action at the West Campus Field in Kingston. The win was the Gaels' second over a ranked opponent in as many weeks.
Nathan Klemencic (Trenton, Ont.), who was named the Gaels' player of the game, scored the first goal in the 14th minute of play. The Gaels continued with predominantly offensive play and Patrick Zanetti (Carp, Ont.) put another goal on the board in the 28th minute with a diving effort off a cross by Kleminic. Two minutes laster, Chris Michael (Ottawa, Ont.) added a third goal off an offensive drive following a Carleton offside, leaving the Gaels with a 3-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the attack was more balanced. However, Lucas Lobo (Kingston, Ont.) was able to add a fourth and final Gaels goal in the 71st minute.
The Gaels outshot the Ravens 11-7. Carleton's Mark Krocko (Ashton, Ont.) played all 90 minutes and had 7 saves.
The Queen's Gaels (4-0-1) are now on top of the OUA East and return to action Saturday, September 22, at the West Campus Field against the Nipissing Lakers. Kickoff is set for 2:15 p.m.
Source: Queen’s Sports Info
McMaster @ UOIT
OSHAWA, Ont. – UOIT’s men’s soccer team had a slow start on Sunday afternoon which cost the Ridgebacks points as they dropped a 1-0 decision to the McMaster Marauders.
Veteran striker Andrew Pastoric put the 2011 OUA champions on the board just three minutes into the game as he beat UOIT goalkeeper Matt Caldaroni for his fourth goal of the season.
McMaster goalie Angelo Cavalluzzo stopped both of UOIT’s shots on goal to earn his first shutout of the season.
Travis Martin made his OUA debut for the Ridgebacks in net, as he subbed in for Caldaroni who had a collision with a McMaster striker in the 50th minute. Martin did not allow a goal as he stopped five McMaster shots on target.
UOIT falls to 1-5-0 on the year while McMaster improves to 5-1-0.
UOIT will host the Laurier Golden Hawks on Saturday, September 22 for the Ridgebacks homecoming event. Kick-off at Vaso’s Field is at 3:15 p.m.
Source: UOIT Sports Info
Guelph @ York
Rookie forward Mark Anthony Kaye's dominant performance helped lead the York University Lions men's soccer team to a decisive 3-0 victory over the visiting Guelph University Gryphons on Sunday (Sept. 16) at York Stadium.
The Toronto native scored all three goals in the first half as part of the win, which extends the Lions' unbeaten streak to six games to start the season. The Lions remain the only team in the OUA West without a loss, with a perfect record of 6-0-0, and they have outscored their opponents 20-1 in that stretch.
It was the Gryphons who nearly got on the board first. Top-tier captain Robert Murphy of Ottawa, last year's CIS player of the year, made his first attempt at the net in the seventh minute, narrowly missing his 40-yard shot over the net.
The Lions' best early chance came from midfielder Charlie Trafford of Calgary, who made a sneaky short kick in the eight minute that nearly beat Gryphon goalkeeper Chad Paparoni low, but ultimately the Burlington, Ont., native got just enough of his hand on the ball to make the save.
They continued to press for the first goal of the game, and a great short pass by forward Adrian Pena of Woodbridge, Ont., set up a run for rookie Joseph Cicchillo of North York, Ont. He was able to dribble his way into the box and fire a hard shot in the 27th minute, but the save was made on the ground by Paparoni.
The Lions finally got on the board in the 29th minute. Trafford's strong dribbling and running were a critical factor in Kaye's first goal of the game. Trafford sprung himself free from two Gryphon defenders and launched a hard shot, which Kaye deflected past Paparoni to mark up the first goal of the game.
A defensive error shortly afterward nearly cost the Lions the lead, springing Gryphon Michael Bijman of Brantford, Ont. York goalkeeper Sotiri Varlokostas of Toronto ran out to chase the ball down but Bijman beat him to the ball and chipped it over Varlokostas, but missed the net narrowly on the short side.
Kaye added his second goal in the 44th minute, running in to pick up an easy rebound off of Cichillo's strong charge to the net. Kaye then netted another goal off of a total defensive breakdown by the Gryphons, earning his hat trick at the turn of the 45th minute, and bringing the Lions to halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Murphy managed another shot at the net off a free kick from about 40 yards in the 48th minute, but it ultimately proved no trouble for Varlokostas, who easily made the save on the ground.
The Lions refocused their effort to defence in the second half, frustrating the Gryphons' offence and minimizing scoring chances against Varlokostas. The Gryphons were kept quiet until the 74th minute, when Jared Agyemang of Brampton, Ont., was able to dribble his way into the box and scoring position. A timely clear by Lions captain Branko Majstorovic of Mississauga, Ont., kept the Gryphons scoreless.
Varlokostas and the Lions played out the rest of the game to earn their fifth shutout victory of the season.
The Lions will take their undefeated streak on the road next weekend, first to London, Ont., on Friday night (Sept. 21) to face off against the Western Mustangs at 8:45pm, and then to Windsor, Ont., for a game against the Lancers on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 23) at 3:15pm. Their next home game is against the Mustangs on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 3:15pm at York Stadium.
Source: York Sports Info
Waterloo @ Western
Today the Western Mustangs played a fast paced game against the Waterloo Warriors in the sweltering heat of the midday sun and came away with a 3-1 win. If ever there were a setting for battle, today was it.
The first half began with Western outrunning the Waterloo Warriors. At three minutes Christian Douglas sent Pat Mroczek down the field on a breakaway, but Mroczek just missed the net. Shortly after, Pat Mroczek crossed the ball to Rudy James, providing a great opportunity on net, but he came up short of a goal. There was a turn quick around and Mroczek embarked up the field, only to be fouled in the eighteen-yard box by Waterloo. Western was given a direct free kick, but no players were able to get a touch on the ball to finish the play.
After the thirty-minute mark, Eric Amato took a corner kick and Pat Mroczek was finally able to finish the deed for the Mustangs to put them in the lead 1-0. Rudy James followed up minutes later and scored off of an assist from Christian Douglas to double Western’s lead to 2-0.
In the fortieth minute, Waterloo’s Stuart Mackie was given a yellow card.
The second half began with the Warriors attempting to pressure the Mustangs. The Warriors had some good runs, but Andrew Walton commanded the defensive line with sharp intelligent plays.
Amato scored in the third minute of the second half for Western’s third goal of the game. The Warriors still unable to contend with the well oiled communication of the Mustang defensive line. Walton quipped, “How about that Stevie?” as time after time Stevie Ray Reid defended against the Warrior attempts on goal.
It became clear in the second half that Waterloo wasn’t accepting an inevitable loss. Waterloo player Jack Forbes tried to pick a fight with Western’s Chris Brown who calmly put his hands up and tried to walk away.
In light of the competitive atmosphere, Mustang Oliver Richardson suffered a yellow card late in the game.
Waterloo was finally able to recoup some dignity when Kian Gordanifar crossed a ball into the Western eighteen only to be finished by Evans Vordzogorbe.
Catch the next home game for the Men’s Soccer team at 8:45pm September 21st where they compete against York.
Source: Western Sports Info
Laurier @ Windsor
WINDSOR, Ont. - The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks men's soccer team travelled to Windsor (3-2-1) Sunday afternoon looking to pick up a win to add to what has been a promising start to their season. Despite a strong game, the Hawks would settle for the 0-0 draw with the Lancers.
The lack of score was not for want of opportunity as both teams came away with nine shots a piece as well as a handful of corners, keeping the game an exciting match.
Brett Harrington of Tillsonburg, Ont., and Dejo Olagbegi of Windsor, Ont., were the goaltenders of record in this one, each earning a draw after making nine saves.
The tie, along with a draw Saturday against the Western Mustangs (3-1-1), gives the Hawks a 3-1-2 record and a third place spot in the western conference of the OUA.
Source: Laurier Sports Info
