TORONTO – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's soccer team defeated the Carleton Ravens in an intense match-up which went into extra time on Thursday night. The Bold came out on top with a final score of 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals against the York Lions.
"It was everything you would expect from a playoff game, and a Carleton and TMU game," said Head Coach Fil Prostran.
Early on, the Bold and the Ravens were very aggressive on the ball, trying to create goal chances.
With that, both teams recorded many fouls against each other, but the Bold held back hoping to play a clean game.
Prostran commented on the importance of playing at home and the fight of the team. "I'm so proud of the way they battled today," he remarked.
A free kick for the Bold in the 16th minute was the first good chance in the match but it was not successful.
Goalkeeper
Dante Ferraro was strong and sturdy in the net, shutting down the Ravens' shots and heading into halftime the score was 0-0.
The Bold opened the second half intent on taking the lead, and captain
Luca Di Marco did exactly that as he fired the ball into the back of the net in the 52nd minute.
The Ravens fired back shortly after, tying up the game.
Both teams held strong until the first period of extra time, itching to score the game-winner.
At the end of regulation, it was 1-1, and as overtime began, the Ravens put on the heat but could not beat Bold goalkeeper
Dante Ferraro.
The second half of overtime was all or nothing for the Bold.
Aidan Hugo, a late substitute, stepped up in the 113th minute to take a penalty kick and sniped the ball into the back corner of the net. Hugo recorded the game-winner and celebrated with the Bold crowd behind him.
"It feels great, there is no better feeling," said Hugo.
The Bold kept things tight until the final whistle and celebrated their victory.
"It's amazing, my favourite part about coaching this team is after a win seeing all the alumni, students, and staff hugging and embracing, and sharing that moment," said Prostran.
The fight isn't over yet as the Bold will be back on the pitch this Saturday, Oct. 26, to face the York Lions in the semi-finals. The match will be streamed on OUA.tv.
