Eagles grab massive win on the road and remain top of standings
Men’s remain undefeated after three games, both teams look for important wins next week.
Under the floodlights of Varsity Stadium, in the heart of Downtown Toronto, our Eagles took the field for their first away game of the season against UTSG Reds. Coming off two decisive victories over UTSC in the last matchday, both teams were ready to put up a fight for the points.
Men’s keep winning streak alive
The men’s team began the game on the front foot, drawing first blood early through the right-foot of in-form Aidan Gideon. However, a well-taken penalty kick would see Reds level the score only minutes later. Driven by their momentum, Reds pushed for a goal before the end of the half, but Eagles goalkeeper Sami Moheisen made a number of important saves and carried the game into the halftime all-square.
Reds grabbed the lead early in the second half and looked in control of the game, but the Tri-Campus Athlete of the Week, Cedric Ngounou, brought the score level with an outside of the foot finish after a neat combination with Krish Chavan at the edge of the box.
Aidan Gideon would then add his second of the night to give UTM the lead. Minutes later, Chavan combined with Pietro Arrigoni to break free of the defense, adding a brace, and making the score 4-2. As Reds committed players forward in search of a goal, more space opened up for quick counter attacks. The Eagles dug deep and held their ground against the Reds’ attacking force, exploiting Red’s high press with a late goal from Arrigoni, assisted beautifully by rookie Nart Machfj.
UTM captain Erik Selvaggi called the match “a game of two halves” following his team’s comeback win. “We started a little slow,” admitted Selvaggi, “but we regrouped, we were able to find our composure and play our game, and we have the result to show for it.”
Selvaggi also commented on his team’s first away match of the year. “It was great to play away to test our character, especially at the newly renovated Varsity Stadium. The bus ride also allows for team bonding, which is always a great time!”
An important win for the men’s side by a score of 5-2 concludes the first half of the season. With three wins from three games, the Eagles stand undefeated at the top of the table.
Momentum dries out for UTM women’s
Following a huge win last week, UTM women’s were unlucky to come up short against a fierce Red team in an intense fixture. Despite training hard all week, a string of injuries to key defensive players meant the women’s would have to change their gameplan heading into the match.
The girls gave it their all nonetheless, trying for a goal until the very last kick of the game. Jordan Pawlowski, after scoring a record-breaking six goals last week, was unable to find the net this week. She and Amelia Caron both had good efforts from dead balls, but saw their freekicks narrowly fly over the crossbar.
The Eagles had a few more opportunities from corner kicks, but couldn’t pick the lock of Red’s defensive machine. At the other end of the field, Reds were clinical, putting six goals past the Eagles, and taking all three points.
The Eagles now sit on three points. They’ll be looking to bounce back next week, as they host UTSG Blue for their first encounter of the season.
UTM women’s kick off at the South Field at 12:00 p.m. and the men’s side follows at 2:00 p.m. Tune in next week for the results and match coverage. As always, go Eagles!
