TORONTO — Momentum is never completely owned. It's instead something that is often lost, and in turn, often rediscovered. 

There also may not be a better time to seize it than the halfway mark of the season, a checkpoint that reveals which teams have lost their way, and which are destined for more.

After going winless in their last two matches, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's soccer team got back on track by defeating the Trent University Excalibur 3-1 on Sunday afternoon. 

Fourth-year Bold defender Luca Porfiris opened the scoring just three minutes into the action after getting just enough of a touch on a crosser from teammate Justin Santos. It was Porfiris' second goal of the season after netting one in the Bold's last victory against the Laurentian Voyageurs on Sept. 13.

Standout Bold forward Cyrus Rollocks also continued to add to his impressive resume in his first year with the program, chipping one over the barreling Excalibur goalkeeper in the eighth minute to extend TMU's early lead to 2-0. 

"He's just a goal waiting to happen," said Bold head coach Filip Prostran.

In only seven games, Rollocks leads the team with five goals. The Bold are also undefeated this season when Rollocks finds the back of the net. 

"Other teams have to commit players to him," said Prostran. "So it opens up opportunities for other players." 

Trent midfielder Leo Frans scored on a penalty kick, which cut TMU's lead to 2-1 headed into halftime. 

Fuelled by a coaching staff that barked instructions and encouragement from the sideline, the Trent attack desperately probed for the equalizer. But the Bold defence held firm and dictated the tempo of the match.

While Bold defender Luc Ihama didn't end up on the scoresheet, the first-year player was an undeniable presence along the right side of the pitch in the final 45 minutes. Ihama's effort and slide tackles were often the reason the Bold subdued any potential threats to securing three points. On offence and during counterattacks, the Bold attempted to get Ihama the ball in space, utilizing his startling quickness down the sidelines.   

It wasn't until the 79th minute that TMU struck again. Bold forward Alexander Santillan produced the insurance goal with his first score of the season. On two bounces, Santillan rifled a half-volley into the top left of the net to put the match out of reach.  

The victory improved TMU's home record to 15-0-2, dating back to the 2023 season. With their next five games at home, the Bold (4-1-2) are in a favourable position to keep pace with the Toronto Varsity Blues and the Carleton Ravens at the top of the OUA East table.  

"There's definitely a comfort level for us," said Prostran. "We've won so much here that when you step out on this pitch, you feel really good about it."

The Bold next take the pitch at Downsview Park against the Royal Military College Paladins on Sept. 27. Watch the action unfold on OUA.tv beginning at 2:15 p.m.