OSHAWA, Ont. - Facing an unfamiliar opponent, the Durham College men's soccer team picked up a 1-0 victory over the visiting UTM Eagles on Thursday night at Vaso's Field.
Having faced the Missisauga opponent only once before, in last seasons OCAA consolation final, the unfamiliar proved to be of value to the Lords in the preseason as they were forced to adapt following a back-and-forth first half. DC produced six shots on net in the first 45, while the Eagles mounted five shots on target, but neither side were able to break through.
Following a host of Lords substitutions at the 60 minute mark of the match, the pressure was ramped on by the home team. In the 63rd minute veteran
Colin Reilly (Whitby, Ont.) connected a cross to the head of with
Jeremy Bangala (Pickering, Ont.) that went just over the bar. Then just three minutes later
Isiah Passley (Pickering, Ont.) was offered an open chance on net the was powered just wide. When UTM did mount offensive pressure it was centre back
Tyreik Bryan (Pickering, Ont.) shutting down the Eagles attack, stifling movement from the opposition in the middle while making several strong runs to cut off momentum on the outside.
Pressure would continue to mount by the Lords as the final 30 minutes ticked down. Heading into extra time it was newcomer Nick Spittle (Whitby, Ont.) who played the hero, weaving his way through the Eagles defence before depositing the game-winning shot from distance past the keeper with seconds remaining in the match.
The Lords wrap up preseason play on Tuesday, Sept. 3 in the annual Campus Cup. The friendly rivalry match with Durham campus partners, Ontario Tech, is scheduled to kick off with the women at 7:30 p.m., before the men take to the field at 8:30 p.m. The first 400 fans will receive a FREE Durham Lords t-shirt.
Overall Record: 2-1-0 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 0-0-0
Next match: Tuesday, Sept. 3 vs. Ontario Tech Ridgebacks • (8:30 p.m. – Vaso's Field)
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