OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham College men's soccer team opened their 2019 preseason campaign with a 2-0 loss versus the visiting Walsh Cavaliers on Friday night at Vaso's Field.
The Cavaliers made the trip to Oshawa from North Canton, Ohio, looking to improve on a 7-10-1 regular season result in 2018. Meanwhile, this marked the first competitive match for this iteration of the Lords ahead of the 2019 CCAA National Championship set to be hosted at Durham College this November, with the host Lords holding a direct entry into the national championship tournament.
In the Friday night showdown the Cavaliers were impressive in producing quality shots on goal, holding a 10-2 advantage in the category at the half, and 19-5 total after 90 minutes.
Despite the difference in shot attempts, strong play from Durham keepers
Kevon Grant and
Kristien Bissonette kept the Lords within striking distance throughout the match. Grant finished the first half of play with eight saves made, while Bissonette came in for the second half totaling six saves.
Walsh broke the stalemate in the 33rd minute of the first half when Hyunseong Chu sent a curling shot over the outstretched arms of Grant to put the visitors ahead 1-0.
For the Lords, DC newcomer Nick Spittle impressed in the opening 45, making several runs down the right side of the pitch, while also producing the Lords best scoring opportunity with a shot sent inches wide of the far post in the closing minutes of the first half.
In the second stanza, Steven Taylor picked up the Cavaliers second goal of the evening in the 57th minute, converting a pass with a quick shot on net from just inside the 18-yard box.
The Lords will continue their preseason with a controlled scrimmage versus the Cavaliers tomorrow afternoon at Vaso's Field before heading to Peterborough on Tuesday, Aug. 27 for a late night exhibition contest versus the Trent Excalibur. Kick off for the road tilt is scheduled for 9 p.m.
Overall Record: 0-1-0 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 0-0-0
Next match: Tuesday, Aug 27 @ Trent Excalibur • (9 p.m. – Peterborough, Ont.)
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