TORONTO – On a cold, windy afternoon at Downsview Park, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's soccer team closed out one of the best regular seasons in program history, securing a 2-0 win over the Nipissing Lakers. With an 8-1-3 record, the Bold will enter the OUA playoffs with a top-five national ranking and on a 10-match unbeaten streak.

It was a slow start for both offences in the inclement weather. The Bold had a goal off a corner disallowed, and a dangerous free kick stopped in the 24th and 27th minute, respectively. On the other end of the pitch Dante Ferraro was not busy, but spectacular when called upon. An acrobatic stop in the 32nd minute kept the score level. 

"The whole momentum of the game could've changed," said Ferraro of his save. "Making that save, I felt brought a lot of momentum to the team."

Aided by the save, the Bold received a boost in the 41st minute, as a Nipissing red card (second yellow card) put the Lakers down to 10 men. Jevontae Layne took advantage quickly, sliding home a centering feed from Colin Gander in the 44th minute to put the Bold up as they entered the break.

"First half, (Nipissing) was excellent. They were better than us for 30 or 40 minutes. The red card changed everything," said head coach Fil Prostan.

Layne doubled-up for his tenth of the season, in the 54th minute, this time coming off a Justin Santos feed. Today's effort was Layne's third multi-goal game this year, finishing off an impressive debut season in the Blue and Gold for the transfer.

The Bold were content to secure their eighth victory of the season, playing a largely defensive second half. With the victory, the Bold have secured a first round-bye in the OUA playoffs. Their first playoff game will be Wednesday October 23, at Downsview Park.

"It's one game, it's one red, it's one unlucky goal, it's one mistake and that's your season," added Prostan on the upcoming postseason. "At the end of the day, you want to hoist a banner."