M-Soccer Roundup: Regular season wraps up; York, Ryerson, McMaster finish 1, 2, 3
October 20
Nipissing 0 at Queen’s 7
KINGSTON (October 20, 2013) – The Queen’s Gaels topped the Nipissing Lakers' on the final day of men's soccer regular season action 7-0 on Sunday on the West Campus Field with William Twardek (Ottawa) and Chris Wellsman (Victoria, B.C.) netting a pair of goals each.
Twardek opened the floodgate for the Gaels in the 18th minute, sliding the ball inside the right post. Besides Twardek and Wellsman, Andrew Martin (Kingston, Ont.), Henry Bloeman (Toronto), and Lucas Azeredo Lobo (Kingston, Ont.) found the back of the net for the Gaels.
Dylan Maxwell (Vancouver, B.C.) posted the clean-sheet for Queen's, but was untested, not facing any shots in the win. Maxwell's counterpart Grainger Munro made 19 saves in the loss.
The Gaels play on Wednesday in the OUA East quarterfinal on the West Campus Turf Field.
Source: Queen’s Sports Info
Guelph 1 at Western 5
London, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphon men's soccer team dropped a 5-1 final Sunday afternoon to the Western Mustangs in London. The Gryphons finish the regular season third in the OUA West with a record of 8-3-5. Today's contest marked the last game of the 2013 regular season for the Gryphons.
Guelph now advances to the first round of the playoffs and will host the sixth seeded team in the OUA West. The playoff game will take place on Wednesday (Oct. 23) at 8:15 p.m. at the Gryphon Soccer Complex.
Today, the first half of the contest saw the Gryphons hit the scoreboard first, as Guelph's Robert Murphy netted the first goal of the game to put the Gryphons up 1-0. The Mustangs battled strong offensively though, controlling the ball in Gryphon territory for a large part of the half. The Mustangs went on to score three goals in the first half and added another two goals in the second half.
Chad Paparoni was in net for the Gryphons making one save in the losing effort.
Up next the Gryphons host a first round playoff game on Wednesday (Oct. 23) at 8:15 p.m. at the Gryphon Soccer Complex. Stay tuned to gryphons.ca for up-to-date playoff information.
Source: Guelph Sports Info
Waterloo 1 at York 4
Mark-Anthony Kaye's stellar two-goal performance helped the York University Lions men's soccer team end its regular season on a high note Sunday (Oct. 20), defeating the Waterloo Warriors at York Stadium by a score of 4-1.
The victory clinched first place in the OUA West Division for the seventh straight year with 40 points and a 13-2-1 record. The Lions had already secured a first-round bye in the playoffs and will host the lowest remaining seed in the quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon.
Kaye's (Toronto) two goals give him a total of 11 on the season, tying him with teammate Jonathan Lao (Unionville, Ont.) for the team lead and second overall in the OUA. The two players chased each other all year for the scoring title, providing a large majority of the Lions' offence.
The Lions took early control of the game in this one, as in just the second minute of action Tyrone Downes (Markham, Ont.) sprinted up the sideline behind Waterloo's defence and sent a beautiful crossing pass to teammate Giancarlo Rella (Woodbridge, Ont.), who was waiting in front of the net. Rella would convert, giving York an early 1-0 lead.
Stunned by the quick start, Waterloo would take some time to find their legs. But in the 23rd minute, Jesse Bean (Waterloo, Ont.) accelerated with the ball past York's defenders for a breakaway. Bean would deke out goaltender Sotiri Varlokostas (Toronto) and find the back of the net to even the game at one goal apiece.
But the Lions were ready to respond, and Lao found Kaye with a beautiful lead pass to spring him on the rush. Kaye would eventually convert on a rebound off of the ensuing scramble, netting his 10th goal of the season.
York took the 2-1 advantage into break.
Returning to the field for the second half, York set out to increase their advantage. The chemistry between Lao and Kaye continued for the Lions, with Lao overwhelming the Warriors up front.
Lao found separation and took a beautiful shot of his own that just hit the crossbar. Kaye was circling, however, and sent a gorgeous flying head ball off the rebound into the net for his second goal of the game.
Darren Gertuesingh (Mississauga, Ont.) would add a fourth goal for the Lions in the 70th minute to seal the win.
The Lions will wait to find out their opponent after the first round of games are played on Wednesday (Oct. 23), and will host their quarter-final game on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Source: York Sports Info
Toronto 2 at Carleton 2
Despite already clinching spots in the playoffs, the Toronto Varsity Blues faced off with the Carleton Ravens on Sunday afternoon to battle for position heading into the off-season.
The Varsity Blues opened the scoring in the 11th minute of the match when Mario Kovacevic capitalized on a penalty kick.
Mekonen Lovemore-White put the Ravens on the board in the 36th minute of the first half. The Varsity Blues took back the lead in the 39th minute of the match, heading into the break leading the Ravens 2-1.
The teams battled throughout the second half with Julian Picciolo coming through for the Ravens, scoring on a free kick from 35 yards away. As time ticked down, neither team added to their score, ending the game in a 2-2 draw.
The Ravens wrapped up their regular season with an (8-3-3) record and 27 points, retaining the second spot in the OUA East.
After earning a bye for the first round of the playoffs, the Ravens wait to hear who they will play on October 27th.
Source: Carleton Sports Info
McMaster 0 at Laurier 0
The Marauder men's soccer team rode out a scoreless draw in its final fixture of the regular season against the Laurier Golden Hawks on Sunday. McMaster's second-placed position in the OUA West standings could not change with result, and so the Marauders will host a division semifinal on Sunday, October 27.
Kieran Doyle-Davis was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the scoreless draw, making seven saves to preserve McMaster's sixth-consecutive clean sheet, and the team's ninth of the season.
Finishing second rewards the Marauders with an opening-round bye in the playoffs. McMaster will sit idle in midweek, awaiting the top remaining seed in the OUA West. The division semifinal against that yet-to-be-named opponent will take place at Ron Joyce Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 27.
That match is scheduled to get underway at 3:00 p.m.
Source: McMaster Sports Info
Windsor 4 at UOIT 0
OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT Ridgebacks men’s soccer team went down in defeat 4-0 to the Windsor Lancers on Sunday afternoon in their OUA regular season finale.
Following the game, UOIT honoured graduating senior Justin Gordon who is the final member of the original men’s soccer team in 2010.
The Ridgebacks failed to generate any offence against the Lancers as they were shut out for the tenth time this season.
With both teams starting off the game evenly matched, the Ridgebacks ran into a little bit a bad luck as Menelek Luke scored an own goal in the 25th minute to put the Lancers up 1-0. Five minutes later, Cristian Mayorga scored his tenth of the season to give Windsor a 2-0 halftime lead.
The Lancers continued to roll in the second half as they scored back-to-back goals, which was highlighted by Jack Sargent’s strike from just outside the box in the 85th minute.
Windsor outshot UOIT 12-8 in the win, with Windsor goalkeeper Dejo Olagbegi recording the cleansheet.
Windsor advances to the OUA playoffs after finishing in fourth place with a 7-3-6 conference record. The Ridgebacks finish the year with a 2-13-1 record, tied with the Brock Badgers for seventh place in the OUA western conference standings.
Although the Ridgebacks brought in a load of talented recruits, the team was not able to take the next step and qualify for the OUA postseason.
Source: UOIT Sports Info
Laurentian 0 at RMC 0
Coming off a draw against the Queen’s Gaels on Saturday, the Laurentian Voyageurs men’s soccer team was looking for three points to close off their regular season against the RMC Paladins on Sunday. Unfortunately, the Voyageurs would have to settle for a single point, as they tied the Paladins in what was a scoreless contest.
The Voyageurs were coming into this game hoping to earn a victory, however lacked the intensity that would give them the upper edge on the Paladins. Throughout the first half Laurentian was able to maintain a more settled play than the RMC squad, however their play was missing composure in the final part of execution. Ultimately, neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes of play, with the score deadlocked at 0-0 heading into the second half.
In the second half the Voyageurs were somewhat more composed on the ball, and were able to better control the play in the middle of the field. The first 30 minutes of the second half were similar to the first half, as the Voyageurs allowed the Paladins to have time on the ball and create scoring opportunities of their own. In the last 15 minutes of play Laurentian picked up the pace, and put RMC’s back line under pressure from runs down the line and long throws into the box. The increase in intensity for the Voyageurs gave them momentum, however they were unable to find the back of the net, the game ending in a 0-0 draw.
The men will be hosting the Toronto Varsity Blues to play on Wednesday evening in their first round playoff game. Continue to follow your Voyagers at www.luvoyageurs.com for up-to-date news and results.
Source: Laurentian Sports Info
October 19
Laurentian 0 at Queen’s 0
KINGSTON, Ont. (October 19, 2013) - The men's soccer team took to West Campus Field Saturday afternoon, tying the Laurentian Voyageurs (5-4-3) on home turf with a final score of 0-0.
The Gael's out shot Laurentian 7-2 on net. Queen's had some good opportunities but could not make any of them count, as the game remained scoreless for the whole 90 minutes.
The Gael's record now stands at 5-5-3 heading into the final regular season stretch. The men are back to the field on Sunday Oct. 19 against Nipissing (4-7-1) on West Campus Field.
Source: Queen’s Sports Info
Laurier 1 at Guelph 1
Guelph, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphon's men's soccer team tied the Laurier Golden Hawks 1-1 at the Gryphon Soccer Complex on Saturday. The tie pushes the Gryphon's to 8-2-5 on the season while the Golden Hawks move to 6-4-5.
The Gryphons have secured a home playoff game on Wednesday (Oct. 23). Stay tuned to gryphons.ca for the most up-to-date playoff scheduling information.
The Gryphon's played Saturday in heavy rain throughout the entire contest, which definitely factored into the match. That did not stop Guelph from scoring early. Midfielder Ethan Danelli danced around the Laurier goalie and fired the ball into the net to give the Gryphon's an early 1-0 lead.
In the 39th minute the Golden Hawks were able to even the score. Adrian Bucksam scored on his own rebound as the Gryphon's were unable to prevent Laurier from equalizing. The half ended at 1-1.
In the second half the weather conditions worsened, making it incredibly difficult for either team to mount an attack. The best opportunity for Guelph came late in the half when striker Jamie Wilcock had a glorious opportunity in the Laurier box. Wilcock was turned away by the keeper.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Robert Murphy and Justin Springer had particularly strong games for the Gryphon's.
The Gryphon's look to win their next contest tomorrow as they travel to London to play the Western Mustangs.
Source: Guelph Sports Info
Windsor 2 at York 3
The York University Lions men's soccer team nearly let a three-goal lead slip away but held on to defeat the Windsor Lancers by a score of 3-2 under a steady downpour at York Stadium on Saturday (Oct. 19).
With the win, the Lions improve to 12-2-1 on the season and hold on to first place in the OUA West standings with 37 points, two ahead of the McMaster Marauders. The Lions can clinch their seventh straight division title with a win in their final contest on Sunday.
The game was defined by aggressive play and penalties as the two teams clashed from the first touch.
The Lions would jump off to a quick start despite the wet conditions. Tyrone Downes (Markham, Ont.) broke through the defence for a solo rush just seconds in but a hard sliding tackle from goaltender Kyle Vizirakis (Windsor, Ont.) thwarted his attack.
Downes would wipe himself off and rebound quickly, and just two minutes into the opening half he found his second chance of the day. He wouldn't be denied again as he launched the ball into the back of the net to give the Lions an early 1-0 lead.
As the gameplay became increasing more physical, Benjamin Futoriansky (Richmond Hill, Ont.) entered the game for an injured teammate and made his presence felt in the 30th minute, receiving a nice pass in behind the defence and launching a chip shot over Vizirakis for the score and a 2-0 lead.
Keeping on pace, Joseph Cicchillo (North York, Ont.) would sneak past the Windsor defenders just six minutes later and rifle a shot of his own on net. Vizirakis would make the save, but the rebound found its way to York's leading scorer Jonathan Lao (Unionville, Ont.), who would not be denied on his shot. The goal was Lao's 11th of the year and it gave York a 3-0 lead.
Just before halftime, the Lancers would find themselves in good position in front of the Lions goal and Cristian Mayorga (Windsor, Ont.) managed to sneak a goal past Sotiri Varlokostas (Toronto) just before time elapsed, his team-leading ninth of the season, to cut Windsor's deficit to 3-1 at the break.
The physical play would carry over into the second as emotions were running high. The intense pace made every mistake more costly, and Michael Pio (Windsor, Ont.) would capitalize on a York misstep in the 61st minute to sneak another goal past Varlokostas and shrink the lead to one.
As the rain continued to fall, Windsor would come close to evening the score when a head shot attempt trickled into York's net in the 76th minute. But the Lancers player was called offside, erasing the goal.
The Lancers switched to an all-out attack late, hoping to find the game tying goal they desperately needed. But York would be able to defend the onslaught and preserve the victory.
The Lions will wrap up their regular season when they return to York Stadium on Sunday (Oct. 20) to host the Waterloo Warriors at 3:15 p.m.
Source: York Sports Info
Ryerson 1 Carleton 0
It was a battle of the two top soccer teams in the OUA East Division on Saturday night
The undefeated and first place Ryerson Rams stepped on the Ravens’ Field for a matchup against the Carleton Ravens who occupy the second spot in the division.
In the end, the Rams remain unblemished as they edged Carleton 1-0 to push their record to (12-0-2) and 38 points.
“We (Carleton) had our chances particularly in the first half but failed to capitalize,” said Ravens head coach, Sandy Mackie. “Some of our more offensive players had a hard time to get going.”
Carleton is now (8-3-2) with 26 points and sit in second place in the division behind the front running Rams.
The only goal of the match was scored in the first half.
Carleton will play their last regular game of the season on Sunday, October 20 against Toronto. Game time at Ravens’ Field is scheduled for 3:15PM.
Source: Carleton Sports Info
Brock 0 at McMaster 4
With sights still on first place in the OUA West Division, the McMaster men's soccer team beat the Brock Badgers 4-0 on a cold, wet Saturday afternoon at Ron Joyce Stadium. With the win, the Marauders clinch no worse than the second seed in the OUA West playoffs.
Currently ranked 5th in the national top-ten, McMaster got off the mark early against the Badgers as Paterson Farrell drove a volley into the left corner of the Brock net in the 11th minute, for his fourth goal of the season.
The Marauders continued to apply pressure and it paid off in the 37th minute when Maroon midfielder Gersi Xhuti made a pretty run and finished with a left-footed strike that the Brock keeper got a piece of but could not stop. The goal was his seventh of the year, and McMaster had a 2-0 lead at the intermission.
A dubious start to the second half saw McMaster reduced to 10 men, when Xhuti was sent off with a red card less than five minutes in. The Marauders' leading scorer, Xhuti will now have to sit out the final conference game at Laurier on Sunday.
Despite playing a man short, McMaster kept attacking and had an apparent goal in the 59th minute wiped out by the linesman's flag as offside. But in the 66th minute, Ryan Garnett lined up a corner from the left side and curled it directly into the Badger net for his second goal of the year.
Source: McMaster Sports Info
Western 2 at Waterloo 2
The Waterloo men's soccer team picked up a single point after a 2-2 draw with the Western Mustangs on Saturday afternoon at Warrior Field.
Jesse Bean (Waterloo) (9') and Adam Craig (Toronto/Westside S.S) (29') put the Warriors up 2-0 within the first 30 minutes of the game but the Warriors could not hold on for the win. Western's Alex Lewis brought the Mustangs to within one with his goal at the 35th minute before Taso Bujouves found the equalizer in the 65th minute.
Thomas Modjesch (Romania) made seven stops on nine shots in the game.
The Waterloo soccer program would like to thank their graduating seniors for their dedication and commitment to the Warriors.
The following players wore the black and gold for the final time on Warrior Field:
Adam Craig (Toronto/Westside S.S) (66 games played)
Arman Grewal (Mississauga) (49 games played)
Neil Martin (Kingston) (42 games played)
Matt Cyr (36 games played)
Robbie Frank (Kitchener) (38 games played)
Mohamed Aborig (Tripoli) (35 games played)
Jesse Bean (Waterloo) (46 games played)
Wooram Kang (Winnipeg) (39 games played)
Source: Waterloo Sports Info
Nipissing 2 at RMC 1