By Noah Curitti

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men’s soccer team secured a victory over the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins with a final score of 3-0 at Downsview Park on Sept. 27. 

The game started off with the visitors catching momentum, getting a free kick in a good position, which sprang third-year Bold goalkeeper Nicholas Allison into early action. Minutes later, a defensive error by the Bold led to an RMC breakaway, but another great save was made by Allison. 

TMU eventually found some momentum themselves, putting pressure on the Paladins’ defenders, especially fourth-year goalkeeper Tyler Muller, who was required to make some impressive saves. TMU had three consecutive corners but they could not manage to find the back of the net. 

This would all change in the 26th minute when a pass from second-year midfielder Nico Barros was headed into the net by fifth-year midfielder Justin Santos, giving the Bold a 1-0 lead. TMU continued to put on pressure, which included a chance to double their lead—a rushed shot by second-year defender Noah Pickering, however, saw the opportunity vanish. 

The Bold was able to redeem themselves in the 38th minute of the game when a build-up play led to first-year midfielder Brandon Verburg scoring a second goal for his team. TMU remained in control of the match as they headed into the halftime break, up two goals.  

TMU started the second half with a bang in the 50th minute through second-year midfielder Michael Campoli, who scored a volley. The goal was eventually called offside, providing a big sigh of relief for RMC. 

A frustrated RMC started the second half slow. A defensive mistake led to a three-on-one opportunity for TMU but a save by Muller squandered the chance. Muller was a bright spot for the Paladins today, as he was required to make some crucial saves. 

However, Muller could not save every ball, as TMU found their third goal in the 59th minute through substitute fourth-year midfielder Serhii Khoma, who lofted a header high into the air that dropped over Muller and into the back of the net. 

Things would go from bad to worse for RMC, as third-year midfielder Ethan Kim left the game with an apparent shoulder injury, along with second-year defender Mike Pasieka, who had suffered a lower leg injury. RMC could not catch a break. 

The Paladins, who were accepting defeat, made many changes to their lineup, giving many players opportunities to get on the field. TMU was maintaining possession of the ball, trying to see the game out as they knew they were getting closer to a win. The final whistle eventually blew with a final score of 3-0 in favour of the blue and gold.  

The Bold, who have now won two straight matches, controlled the game and looked comfortable at every minute. A full team effort that saw both rookie and veteran players contribute ended in a successful day. This victory moves TMU up to second place in the OUA standings. 

UP NEXT: The Bold will hope to recover quickly in preparation for their match-up against the Nipissing University Lakers on Sept. 28. Kick-off is set for 2:15 p.m. at Downsview Park.