Playoff Preview: Milestones in adversity, Bold reach for title aspirations

TORONTO - The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's soccer team is heading into the playoffs once again this year. After being finalists in the 2022 season, the team is hungry for the OUA championship title.

Since the summer the Bold has put in the work, whether that's through all their training, meetings, strategizing, and team bonding, in hopes that it pays off and they can bring the title home.

Head coach Filip Prostran is confident that his team is ready to face anyone, and with proper preparation and focus on the health of the guys, he hopes to have a fresh start going into playoffs this week.

The beginning of the season was troubling for the Bold, resulting in two games being forfeited. Being set back six points was difficult, but the team never lost sight of where they wanted to be, which was at the OUA finals and nationals.

"Every year playoffs is a whole new season. Anyone can beat anybody," said Prostran.

"It was an obstacle starting the season off with that, however, on our team it motivated us and we were able to jump out of that spiral quickly; despite everything that happened, we did amazing," said midfielder Juan Pablo Delgadillo.

The Bold went on to win eight games and their record finished at 8-3-1, putting them third in the East division. They will face the Nipissing Lakers in the first round of the playoffs this week.

The Bold took on the the Lakers earlier this year and sent them home after winning 8-0. The Lakers finished in sixth place in the East division, but regardless, the Bold are prepared to put their all into the series to clinch the next goal.

A concern that any team deals with is injuries, and for the Bold, keeping their team healthy is a top priority. Prostran has gone about the recruiting process in a way that every player on the bench is an asset to the team.

"I feel like our bench is so deep and so talented, that a player subbing in for a starter isn't going to change much," said Delgadillo.

Injuries can cause doubt in how the team performs, but Prostran is confident that no matter who he puts on the field, they will meet and exceed expectations.

"We can complain about having all of these injuries or we can do something about it, by having a really deep team," said Prostran

Defender Brandon Barone is coming off an injury and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"Playoffs are going to be a lot fun, but playoffs are a different monster than any other regular season," said Barone.

Barone returning to the lineup will be crucial for the Bold. The third-year is a crucial piece to the back line defence, and chipped in with a goal this season.

Last year's U SPORTS player of the year, Chris Campoli, has been a key player in the Bold's season. He finished the regular season atop the OUA in goals with twelve. The midfielder is proud of what the team has accomplished this season.

Being one of Ontario Tech's top players last year, Campoli is now focused on his journey with the TMU Bold. "There are no friends once we step on that pitch and that's going to be no different, I play for TMU now."

After reaching national championship last year, the mindset has only gotten stronger this season.

"This team being together for as long as they have been, especially in the summer, I know that we can pull through despite potential roadblocks or obstacles," Delgadillo added.

The goaltending status will be one of the biggest factors leading into the playoffs. Coach Prostran is confident that goalkeepers Dante Ferraro and Obrad Bejatovic will be able to lead and support the Bold on the pitch.

After posting a 6-0 record at home this season, the Bold will hope to continue that as they prepare for the upcoming battle. The Bold racked up 34 goals during the regular season and will have no problem doing so in the postseason.

It's all about honing in on the skills they've learned along the way, making sure to never underestimate the opponent and to take it one game at a time.

"The mindset is always to go all the way," said Barone.

Kickoff for the opening round game is set for 7 p.m. on October 25 at Downsview Park.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Dante Ferraro: GK; 6' 1"; 2

#4 Brandon Barone: D; 6' 2"; 3

#8 Juan Pablo Delgadillo: MF; 5' 8"; 3

#10 Chris Campoli: MF; 6' 0"; 4

Obrad Bejatovic: GK; 6' 4"; 1

Players Mentioned

#1 Dante Ferraro
: 6' 1"; 2
: GK

#4 Brandon Barone
: 6' 2"; 3
: D

#8 Juan Pablo Delgadillo
: 5' 8"; 3
: MF

#10 Chris Campoli
: 6' 0"; 4
: MF

Obrad Bejatovic
: 6' 4"; 1
: GK