Eagles take flight in season opener
UTM’s men’s and women’s tri-campus soccer teams kicked off their outdoor seasons this past Sunday.
The 2024 tri-campus outdoor soccer season began this weekend, and our UTM men’s and women’s teams hosted St. George Reds in an exciting pair of matches.
UTM women’s fall short
The women’s team first had the chance to entertain fans with a midday kick-off time. The reigning champions were looking to defend their title, but they were unlucky and came up short against the Reds.
The Reds captured an early lead, but an equalizer from Eagles striker, Princess Saladino, came shortly after through a beautiful long-range chip from outside the box, leaving the goalie with no chance. Reds would then go on to take another lead, adding a triplet of goals to finish the half up 4-1.
In the second half, UTM veteran Amelia Caron tried to pull back the deficit with a half-volley off of a corner kick cross. Nevertheless, the Reds restored their three-goal lead minutes later, toppling the Eagles in a 5-2 scoreline.
The women’s team saw significant change in players compared to last year, with many new faces being added to the squad. As they regroup and build upon their chemistry at training this week, we look forward to their next challenge: UTSC at home.
Men’s come up big against former champions
Following the women’s loss, UTM men’s were hoping for a different result against last year’s champions. The Eagles began the game with a high press, leading to a series of early opportunities. Reds countered the press with long balls in behind but were unable to capitalize, being denied by the crossbar twice in the first half.
A very balanced game brought both teams into half-time goalless. However, a blistering start from UTM changed the scoreline in quick succession, scoring two goals in ten minutes to start the second half, courtesy of Krish Chavan and Aidan Gideon. Chavan would contribute again minutes later, assisting Pietro Arrigoni to put the Eagles up 3-0 with before the waterbreak.
The Reds made a late push for a tie, scoring twice in the last ten minutes and cutting the deficit to just one goal. Despite being a man down after sending off Arrigoni, the Eagles dug deep in the final minutes. Reds threw everything they had at UTM’s defense, but it wasn’t enough to level the game. By the time the final whistle blew, the Eagles took home the three points to kick off their season.
“I thought the team played really well,” said newly appointed assistant coach, Kevin Iyamabo, pleased with his team’s performance. “We looked dangerous throughout.”
However, Iyamabo was critical of his team’s game management. “We’ve just got to make sure we play our best for the full 90 minutes and not let games slip away like it almost did on Sunday. But 3 goals, and importantly 3 points, is a great way to start the season!”
Coach Iyamabo also had some high praise for a few of his players. “Krish Chavan was involved in every goal and put in a real shift at striker.” He also commented on Ethan Swan’s debut, saying that the freshman was “immense on the right flank”.
The Eagles take on Scarborough this Sunday at 12:00 (women’s) and 2:00 (men’s) at UTM’s South Field. Tune back in next week for more game recaps, and as always, go Eagles!
