By Jonathan Reynoso

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men’s soccer team came away with a 3-1 win over the Trent University Excalibur at Downsview Park on Sunday afternoon. 

The Bold return to their home turf after a disappointing 1-0 loss against city rivals the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Sept. 19. 

TMU wasted no time trying to gain the upper hand. Three minutes into the match, fourth-year Bold defender Luca Porfiris managed to score a goal after receiving a through pass up near the net, beating a group of Excalibur defenders to the ball. 

Four minutes later, first-year forward Cyrus Rollocks finished with a beautiful left footed lob shot, finishing over Trent’s second-year goalkeeper Jack Belanger, bringing the game to 2-0. 

An unhappy Trent would attempt to get back at TMU to no avail, with back-to-back shot attempts being kept out by fourth-year Bold goalkeeper Dante Ferraro, who drew his guard and made constant saves throughout.

Shortly after, a breakdown in the Bold defence led to a penalty kick for Excalibur, where second-year midfielder Leo Frans stepped into the penalty box and calmly placed the ball in the bottom right corner of the net, getting past Ferraro.

Their first goal of the game ignited a spark for Trent, with them dominating the possession for the remainder of the frame.

Coming into the second half of play, second-year Bold midfielder Nico Barros would take to the field in place of Porfiris. Both TMU and Trent traded possession of the ball, with the Bold calmly holding on to their one goal lead. 

In the latter half of the game, in the 79th minute, a stunning half-volley from second-year midfielder Alexander Santillan—the first of his Ontario University Athletics (OUA) career—put the game out of reach for the Excalibur, pushing the Bold lead to two.

TMU was able to withstand a desperate push by Trent to end the match, where they were able to come away with the 3-1 victory.   

UP NEXT: The Bold will prepare for their match-up against the Royal Military College Paladins at Downsview Park on Sept. 27. Kick-off is at 2:15 p.m.