An early goal did nothing to derail the Carleton Ravens men’s soccer team from overcoming the University of Alberta Golden Bears in the consolation round at the CIS national championships Nov. 9.
Facing a long trip home or the chance to compete for fifth in the country, the Ravens showed up and delivered when it counted, winning 2-1.
“To come back and win a game after a heart-breaker is fantastic. It shows a lot of character,” assistant coach Kwesi Loney said.
Squaring off against the Golden Bears, who finished second in the Canada West division and fourth in the country, it was always going to be a close game.
Carleton’s hopes took a hit in the opening seconds of the game after a long ball over the top fell to striker Marcus Johnstone, who buried it past the helpless Ravens keeper, Mark Krocko.
But they wouldn’t let that be the goal that sent them home.
The Ravens came back with a swagger in their step and an attacking prowess that was sorely missed in the opening game.
Midfielder Joey Kewin bombed down the left wing, burning his marker time and time again as the Golden Bears defence struggled to cope.
For their part, the Golden Bears couldn’t settle the ball down in the middle as Sam McHugh and Theodore Lopez de Castilla bustled around the centre of the park, disrupting play.
“We created more going forward, we got the ball in the centre and were able to play quality balls outside,” McHugh said.
Forced to field a younger team after the plethora of injuries from yesterday, Carleton’s rookies gave a performance far beyond their age.
Midfielder Mintcho Menchev was put in the heart of the defence alongside Michael Calof and battled for every ball.
But it was Kewin and Latty who stole the show for the Ravens.
“We didn’t let them settle, we got it compacted and got it wide to me and Mekonen [Lovemore-White],” Kewin said.
The play down the wings was key for the Ravens as the Golden Bears struggled to cope with the Ravens’ blistering pace.
Andrew Latty looked to get in behind the Golden Bears defence but was limited by the strong play of their centre backs and the instincts of Golden Bears keeper Jay Vetsch.
The game was allowed to flow as the referee constantly waved play on and half time approached too soon for the Ravens, who ended the half down a goal.
Alberta enjoyed the break, coming out strong for the opening minutes of the second half, but their pressure lasted for only minutes.
In the 62nd minute, Kewin drove down the left wing – like he had countless times before in the match – and cut inside to shoot. His shot stung the palms of Vetsch who could only turn the ball in front of the net.
Latty pounced on the rebound and struck it with such power that Vesch couldn’t even get a hand to it.
With the game tied, Carleton refused to ease up.
Kewin turned to goal-scoring only two minutes later. Getting the ball from Julian Piccioli, another rookie Raven making an appearance at the tournament, Kewin drove to the net.
Holding off one man, Kewin took one look up before slotting it past Vetsch for the go-ahead goal.
The Golden Bears tried to fight back, but lacked a cutting edge to do so.
Golden Bears defender Eddy Sidra made long runs down the wing but was easily dealt with by Ryan Beckford on defence.
Despite a late surge from Alberta, the Ravens hung on for the win.
Fielding three first years players for the game today, Kewin and Loney both saw a lot of potential for next year’s team.
“To have that quality coming in and doing so well for us, it’s looking good for next year,” Kewin said.
Loney wholeheartedly agreed.
“You’re getting a lot of experience for those first-year guys, in games that have meaning,” Loney said.
Carleton will play the winner of the second consolation game, between the University of New Brunswick and McMaster University, on Saturday Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. for fifth place.
