The Carleton men’s soccer team created an upset in Kingston, Ont. Oct. 31, when they defeated the second-ranked Queen’s University Golden Gaels in penalty kicks to win the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) East semifinal match.
Head coach Sandy Mackie attributed the victory to strong defence, great goaltending, hard work and few mistakes. “Overall we played a sound game,” he said. “We didn’t allow any stupid goals.” The match was scoreless through regulation and overtime, and the Raven’s post season came down to penalty kicks.
Raven players Caki Simrooglu, Sam McHugh, Milan Arsenault-Verrelli and captain Peter Manginas each came through for Carleton in penalty kicks, leading the team to a 4-2 victory.
Mackie highlighted the play of fourthyear goalkeeper Karl Wasslen as outstanding throughout the game and in the penalty shootout. This was the second consecutive dramatic playoff win for the Ravens, as the team notched a 2-1 overtime victory in the OUA East quarter-finals against Nipissing University earlier in the week. “All playoff [soccer] is a challenge,” said Mackie. “Anybody can win at any time.”
The victory takes Carleton to the OUA Final Four with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs, University of Toronto Varsity Blues and the McMaster University Marauders.
Mackie said making it to the Final Four was always the team’s goal and it will be a great experience for a young team like Carleton. The Ravens’ next game will be played Nov. 7 in Toronto against McMaster for the OUA East division finals.
“If we keep playing the way we have been playing I think we can come up with a victory,” Mackie said.