By Simran Sidhu

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men’s soccer team continued their impressive streak, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the reigning Ontario University Athletics (OUA) champions Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Monday night at Downsview Park. 

It was Senior Night, with the team honouring the following graduating players in a pre-game celebration—goalkeeper Dante Ferraro, defender Luca Porfiris, and fifth-year midfielders Justin Santos and Gray Yates. 

Early on, there was immense pressure from the Ridgebacks, a near goal in the 7th minute, with a shot that hit the crossbar. However, the Bold’s defence remained composed and pushed through the attack.  

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute. Senior midfielder Justin Santos chipped the ball over the Ridgebacks’ defence, with the ball landing right at the feet of first-year forward Cyrus Rollocks. Rollocks used his speed to make a break past the Ontario Tech defence, sidestepping the Ridgebacks’ goalkeeper, with a calm shot right into the net. 

The match was marked by a high level of physicality, with the Bold receiving three yellow cards. The first was shown to second-year defender Kaostubh Bolla in the 31st minute. Two more yellow cards followed in the final minutes, first to first-year midfielder Jamie Benayon-Abraham in the 86th minute and then to fifth-year midfielder Justin Santos at the 90th minute. 

Despite pressure and pushback from the Ridgebacks—who entered this match undefeated— the Bold remained persistent and determined for a clean sheet, securing the three points from this win, improving their overall record to 8-1-2.  

UP NEXT: The Bold are away to play their final regular season game against the Carleton Ravens on October 10th at 8:15 p.m. at TAAG Park.