TORONTO — On a night when the team's veterans were honoured for past contributions, it was the group's collective push towards what lies ahead that dazzled onlookers. 

The Toronto Metropolitan (TMU) Bold men's soccer team maintained their hold of a first-round bye in the playoffs after defeating the reigning OUA champion Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 1-0 on Monday. 

Under a full moon and the bright lights at Downsview Park, the Bold improved their record at home to 19-0-2 since 2023. TMU also extended its season-high win streak to five games. 

The match served as the stage for TMU's Senior Night. Before the game, graduating players Dante Ferraro, Luca Porfiris, Justin Santos and Gray Yates were celebrated by their teammates, friends and family.

"It's my favourite thing about coaching university soccer, the relationships you build and the way you see them grow from boys to men," said Bold head coach Filip Prostran. "It's really great to see them take the next step in their lives."

The visiting Ridgebacks didn't waste any time trying to spoil the party. Seven minutes into the game, the Ridgebacks narrowly scored and hit the crossbar. In the chaos created by the rebound, Ontario Tech hurled a dangerous crosser into the box but failed to convert on the ensuing header attempt. 

"They're last year's champions for a reason," said Prostran. "It's just a team of fighters and workers with so much belief." 

TMU didn't buckle under the Ontario Tech pressure and remained calm on both sides of the ball. When the Bold did maintain possession, they patiently looked for switches against a disciplined Ridgebacks defence that refused to break its shape. 

The Bold's patience later paid off when they were rewarded with two free kicks and one corner in a matter of seven minutes. One of the free kicks was due to a Ridgebacks handball that occurred just outside of the 18-yard box. 

The following free kick was turned away, but it was only a matter of time before TMU would create its next opportunity. 

After the Bold defence steered away a potential threat in the 32nd minute, the ball bounced its way to Santos. With one touch, Santos chipped a perfect pass over the lone defender and into space for Bold's leading scorer Cyrus Rollocks. 

Demonstrating his breathtaking pace, Rollocks was a blur as he accelerated by the remaining backline defender. Rollocks then sidestepped the challenging keeper before tucking the ball into the net for the only goal of the game 

It was Rollocks' seventh goal of the season. Meanwhile, Santos notched his fourth assist, to go with five goals on the year. Their efforts were needed against a scrappy Ridgebacks side that was undefeated in their last four matches. 

"To help the team win any game is always the goal, but on my senior day, it feels even nicer," said Santos. "We needed the three points and we fought 90 minutes to get it."

Rollocks nearly put himself in a position to score again in the 39th when he beat another defender in a footrace during a similar play. Rollocks was granted yet another golden opportunity in the 85th minute, but the forward was denied on the initial attempt and the rebound.

The Bold play in their season finale in a potential playoff preview against the Carleton Ravens on Oct. 10. Kickoff begins at 8:15 p.m. live on OUA.tv.