The Ravens men’s soccer team proved to be tough competitors during their double header against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and the Ryerson Rams this past weekend.
The team entered their third week of games on the road and maintained a perfect record prior to their games in Toronto, leading the Ontario University Athletics East division standings with 16 points after a win and a tie.
On Sept. 8, the team played against the defensively strong Varsity Blues but managed to claim all three points by winning 0-3.
During the game, the Ravens started off with a strong attack, forcing the Varsity Blues keeper to make a crucial save to keep the score level only 40 seconds into the match.
Eventually, the attacking mindset of the team proved to be too much for the home-side after Ravens forward Gabriel Bitar, drew a penalty which he converted in the eighth minute.
After the early breakthrough, the team maintained their momentum and were back in control after a goal from forward Jimi Aribido made it 0-2 only 75 seconds later.
Being in control 10 minutes into the game gave the team a boost of confidence and “released any pressure,” according to Aribido.
“University of Toronto was one of the big games, so it allowed us to play more easily,” he said.
Alongside the team’s strong offensive plays, they also played as a unit using the midfield, led by team captain Tristan St. Pierre, to control majority of the possession, and the defence routinely broke up the attacks from the Varsity Blues.
The second half saw the Ravens out-shooting the home team by five shots, with one of them being the clincher from forward Stefan Karajovanovic to make it 0-3.
The second game of the weekend was against the Ryerson Rams on Sept. 9, and
the team managed to continue with their strong attack but couldn’t find the back of the net, settling for a 0-0 draw.
In the first half, the the Ravens out-shot the Rams 11-3 with most of the force coming from forward Emad Houache.
The home team’s goalkeeper proved to be a difficult player to get past, saving six of the 11 shots to deny the Ravens from making a breakthrough.
St. Pierre said the game was different than the one before.
“Against Ryerson it was more intense. We out-shot them 15 to five (total) so we were definitely imposing our style on them, but it took more concentration from us because they were more physical.” he said.
The last 45 minutes were slower for the team, who only managed to have four shots and had zero corner kicks as both teams finished the match with a draw.
This was the first game where the team dropped points. However, despite not maintaining their perfect record, the players have been successfully following their game plan for the season and are looking forward to the games ahead.
“Over both the games, our strength was that we were executing our game plan. We were clicking defensively and created lots of chances. Having the plan and sticking to it really helped. All 11 guys executed it and the ones on the bench were really giving it their all too,” Aribido said.
The team is scheduled to have their season home opener on Sept. 15 against the Nipissing University Lakers, who will be tough opponents, according to St. Pierre.
“In the past they have given us problems but it will be an interesting game. If we play the way we did this weekend, we shouldn’t have any problems,” said St. Pierre.
File photo
