MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Men’s soccer takes centre stage in Mississauga this weekend as Sheridan College plays host to the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) final four Men’s Soccer Championships from October 27-28, 2006.

The class field includes the hometown Sheridan Bruins meeting up with the top ranked Algonquin Thunder, winners in three of the last four title matches in the opening game on Friday at 2:00 pm. The West Region champion Humber Hawks up against the George Brown huskies will follow on Friday at 5:00 pm.

The top ranked Algonquin Thunder enters the Championship as the early favorite with an 8-0-1 record and will be trying to secure the three peat as they’re the two-time defending champions. The Thunder have displayed efficiency on both ends of the field as they led the OCAA in both goals for (53) and goals against (2). This is the second consecutive year that Algonquin has allowed the fewest goals against in the OCAA. Third year midfielder Joe Maneiro was the main offensive mechanism for the Thunder this season tallying 16 goals in eight games, good for the East Region scoring title this season.

The Sheridan Bruins hope home field advantage will provide some additional inspiration as they try and knock-off the top ranked Thunder Team in the semi-finals. Sheridan has not seen the medal podium since 1992 when they won the title for the last time. The Bruins will depend on their front line that averaged 2.75 GPG during the regular season led by freshman striker Dalibor Duspara. The rookie recorded a breakout campaign notching 10 goals this season.

West Region champion Humber Hawks boast an unbeaten 8-0-1 record entering semi-final action. After a season opening tie against the Fanshawe Falcons the Hawks went undefeated winning their next seven games, consisting of a four-game shutout streak. Rookie forward Mike Aigbokie has the scoring touch for the Hawks as he found the back of the net a league high 16 times this season.

Challenging the Hawks in the second semi final will be the George Brown Huskies who enter the championship with a 7-1-1 record. The Huskies finished the season second in the East with 18 goals scored and five goals against. The team exhibits a youthful swagger as 12 of their 18 players are freshman led by first year goalkeeper Kevin Ferreira and first year forward Camilo Moreno. This is the first time in ten years that the Huskies have qualified for the Championships and are in search of their first title since going back-to-back in 1972 and 1973.

The Men's championship schedule is as follows:
Friday October 27, 2006
Semi Final #1 - Sheridan Bruins VS. Algonquin Thunder - 2:00 pm
Semi Final #2 - George Brown Huskies VS. Humber Hawks - 5:00 pm
Saturday October 28, 2006
Bronze Medal - Loser of Semi-final # 1 VS. Loser of Semi-final # 2 - 11: 00 am
Gold Medal - Winner of Semi-final # 1 VS.Winner of Semi-final # 2 - 2:00 pm

The championship is a single elimination tournament including the top four teams advancing from the quarterfinals.

A complete championship schedule including game times and results will be available on the internet on the OCAA website at www.ocaa.com and on the host tournament website.

For more information on the OCAA Soccer Championships please contact Tournament Host Convenor, Wayne Fish at (905) 845-9430 X: 5261

The OCAA governs intercollegiate sports and promotes physical activity in its member institutions through quality athletic and campus recreation programs. It offers 15 varsity sports to 30 member institutions throughout Ontario.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michelle Waddick
OCAA Marketing & Communications
P: 416-426-7041
E: waddick@ocaa.com
W: www.ocaa.com