TORONTO - The Toronto Metropolitan University Bold men's soccer team handed the podium toppers Ontario Tech Ridgebacks their first loss of the season at Downsview Park.
The Ridgebacks were ranked second in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) East division, whereas the Bold were ranked fourth.
"Last year they finished first in the conference, this year I think they were undefeated until today. They're really quality side, a lot of good players, really well defensively organized. We had to try and watch a lot of tapes and try to find gaps in their team but it was really difficult," said Head Coach Filip Prostran.
The Bold started off strong on the offensive, putting pressure on the Ridgebacks. Bold's Chris Campoli attempted a goal but the ball went off the left post.
This was Campoli's first time facing his old team dressed in blue and gold. Campoli was an important part of the Ridgebacks' squad until he graduated the program last year.
"Bunch of mixed emotions…These guys also helped shape me into the player I am today and these are also my brothers so nothing but love for them but no matter who we're against, winning on the pitch, that's always one of my priorities," said Campoli.
Another shot on goal by Jaylen Drummond was caught the the Ridgebacks goal keeper, but the Bold were just getting warmed up for a goal.
The Bold were quick to defend when a corner kick from the Ridgebacks was caught mid-air from goalkeeper Dante Ferraro.
After a scoreless first half Prostran's locker room speech got the squad fired up.
"There were some tactical things about different people going into different spaces and different ideas and combinations, but the main thing was just not to be so hard on ourselves," said Prostran. "When a team plays and sits back and are really good defensively, you have to be really patient on the ball but also, you have to be cool-headed and just believe the opportunity is going to come," the coach added.
Eager to earn the three-points at home, Bold midfielder Jaylen Drummond opened the second half by scoring a goal into the Ridgebacks' net in the 47th minute. This is Drummond's first goal dressed in blue and gold.
"I just followed up Kai's [Martin] shot. I didn't really think much of it. I saw the other centre back kind of not pay attention to me so I slipped right past him and an easy tap in goal," said the opening goal scorer.
The atmosphere changed quickly for the Bold, when goalkeeper Dante Ferraro lost consciousness after he was kneed in the head in the 59th minute. After a 30 minute pause, substitute goalkeeper Obrad Bejatovic was brought on.
The Bold kept their heads held high and Campoli was able to score in the 67th minute, giving the home team a double advantage.
"We dominated most of the ball in the first half," said Campoli. "Once we kept the ball moving and got everyone involved, we knew that eventually one or two chances would break for us," he added.
The game got heated as Ridgebacks Assistant Coach Kasy Kiarash was given a red card and ushered to leave the field. Kiarash used to be an assistant coach for the Bold.
The Ridgebacks pressured the Bold taking charge of the attack, but the Bold didn't back down from the fight and kept their lead going up until the last whistle.
The Bold dominated the game with a final 2-0 score at Downsview. For Drummond, he's excited for tomorrow's game and has some goals.
"Hopefully another goal and a big win," said Drummond.
The team hasn't faced Laurentian yet and although the OUA rankings are working in the Bold's favour, you never know what to expect.
"Laurentian's always been a challenge. I know historically we've had some success against them but every game is really close. They're a good team, they fight, they battle," said Prostran. "When I prepare for an opponent, usually about 10% of our energy is on the opponent and about 90% of the energy for that week is on us," he added.
The squad will gear up for their final game of the weekend against Laurentian on Oct. 8. Kickoff is set for 2:15 p.m. at Downsview.
