TORONTO – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) men's soccer team earned a 4-0 win to open their 2024 campaign, besting the Queen's Gaels at Downsview Park on Saturday afternoon. 

The Bold came out strong, applying pressure in the attacking third and forcing the Gaels to commit a foul inside the 18-yard box. Three-time OUA All-Star Chris Campoli stepped up and placed the ball into the bottom corner to give the Bold a 1-0 lead just 11 minutes into the match. 

Campoli, who is back at TMU this fall to complete his masters, has high aspirations for the team this season. 

"It was a no-brainer to come back, and we have some unfinished business this year," said Campoli. "If we just focus and keep our heads down and work hard for each other, the results will come."

The Bold played solid defence throughout the first half, blocking any opportunities for the Gaels. 

Going into halftime, the Bold were up by one and hoped to keep the lead during the second half but the Gaels brought the energy out of the halftime break and the Bold could feel the pressure. Justin Santos, who is back in the starting lineup this year after suffering an injury in 2023, helped relieve the pressure as he combined with Campoli to push the ball up the field. Campoli ended up firing the back into the top left corner to give the Bold a 2-0 lead. 

Santos produced the third goal for the Bold 76 minutes into the match.

"Santos is an important part of our team. He's really deadly, when teams are tired he really thrives." Prostran said.

The Bold held off the Gaels for the last fifteen minutes of the game while Campoli scored his second penalty kick of the match in the 95th minute, recording his first-ever hat trick as a Bold.

Goalkeeper Dante Ferraro made five saves to earn the shutout.

The Bold will be back in action next Friday to face their rivals, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:15 pm at Varsity Stadium. Watch the contest on oua.tv.