THUNDER ROLL BY CAMBRIAN; WILL NOW FACE HUMBER IN FINALS
|
|
1ST |
2ND |
FINAL |
SCORERS |
PLAYER OF THE GAME |
|
Cambrian |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
#2 – I. Bartholomew |
|
Algonquin |
2 |
1 |
0 |
#21 – Osama Alsharif – 18' #6 – Stephane Emard – 63' |
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ETOBICOKE, ON: After defeating the defending national champions in the quarter-finals, the Cambrian Golden Shield were once again tasked with a herculean matchup in the semi-finals. Standing in the way of their Cinderella run is perennial powerhouse and defending provincial champions, the Algonquin Thunder.
Both members of the OCAA East division, these two teams are familiar with each and were looking to capitalize by knowing each other's tendencies. During the regular season, Algonquin won the season series with a 1-0-1 record over Cambrian.
Under the lights at Centennial Park Stadium, Algonquin started the match determined to defend their title. In the 18th minute, Saudi Arabia native Osama Alsharif had a beautiful strike from 30-yards away that curled passed a diving Evan Phillips to give Algonquin a 1-0 lead.
With shades of their equalizer from their match against Sheridan, Cambrian took a long free kick that beat the defenders and found the back of the net. Cambrian's celebration was cut short however, once they saw the linesman's flag raised signaling off-side.
After being held off the score sheet yesterday, OCAA rookie of the year and Algonquin's leading scorer Marco Natoli finally found the back of the net. In the 35th minute, Natoli received a pass that crossed the box and buried the ball to make the score 2-0.
Algonquin stormed out the gate in the second half, narrowly missing an opportunity to extend the lead to three. Evan Phillips demonstrated why he was player of the game in the quarter-finals, as he made back-to-back incredible saves to thwart the Algonquin attack.
Then, in the 63rd minute, Algonquin's pressure finally paid off. Reminiscent of the game's first goal, Stephane Emard had a strike from 30-yards out that curled perfectly away from Phillips. With a three goal lead, the Thunder cruised to a victory and a chance to defend their title.
Algonquin will now play the Humber Hawks tomorrow in the OCAA championship finals. These two teams have combined to win the last 11 provincial gold medals.
The Golden Shield will look to win their first OCAA medal tomorrow when they face the Fanshawe Falcons in the bronze medal game. For Fanshawe, they will looking for their first OCAA medal since the 2009-10 season.
Jaineil Hoilett (Humber) and Cedric N'Guessen (Fanshawe) were each named players of the game.
Watch "LIVE":
https://www.youtube.com/user/hawksrock121/live
Official Tournament Website:
http://humberhawks.ca/information/2015_OCAA_Mens_Soccer
OCAA Website:
http://ocaa.com/landing/index