NORTH YORK, Ont. - The Durham Lords men's soccer team defeated the Seneca Sting 2-0 in the final game of the regular season to remain unbeaten in conference play.
 
Guaranteed to host the OCAA qualifying match on Saturday at home – just having to determine their opponent – the Lords determined their own fate as their victory locked up a rematch of last year's qualifying match against the St. Clair Saints.
 
"It was a good season for our squad, but St. Clair are going to be a tough opponent on Saturday and I'm sure they'll come to Vaso's Field with a purpose," said head coach Dave Ashfield. "We will have to be ready for that and continue to play to our strengths to be successful. Saturday both teams know they need to win to advance, so I expect St. Clair to bring everything they have and as a coaching staff we will prepare our men to do the same."
 
On Wednesday, chances were few and far between in the first half, but just before halftime Sheldon Brown (Whitby, Ont.) had an effort deflected over the bar. 
 
The sides went into the break in a stalemate. 
 
Keishawn Delevante (Ajax, Ont.) had a good chance just a minute into the second half, but his shot went just wide of the bottom left corner. 
 
Just a minute later Ryan Cullen (Pickering, Ont.) saw his shot go just wide of the target. 
 
The Lords kept coming when Nigel Buckley (Pickering, Ont.) and Jose Flores (Ajax, Ont.) had good chances saved by the Sting goalkeeper. 
 
Durham took the lead in the 79th minute when Cullen's cross found Jeremy Bangala (Pickering, Ont.) unmarked in the box and he tapped home to make it 1-0. 
 
Just two minutes later the Lords were given a penalty after a handball; Colin Reilly (Whitby, Ont.) converted from the spot to give the Lords a comfortable lead. 
 
Durham held on for the 2-0 win and finish the regular season unbeaten with six wins and four draws. The Lords host the St. Clair Saints on Saturday at home on Vaso's Field – with the winner advancing to the OCAA men's soccer championship presented by belairdirect.
 
The championship tournament will be hosted by the George Brown Huskies in Toronto from October 25-27.
 

QUICK LOOK AT THE LORDS

Overall Record: 7-3-4 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 6-0-4
 
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 20 vs. St. Clair Saints • 6 p.m. – Vaso's Field

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