The Algonquin Thunder successfully began their run at a second consecutive national title as they defeated the University of New Brunswick (Saint John) Seawolves 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon. The 2007 Big Kahuna/adidas CCAA Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Championship kicked off today in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is running through November 7-10.

Algonquin’s Will Beauge (OCAA Championship MVP) counted three quick goals in the first 16 minutes (3, 12, 16) of the game and the Ontario champions cruised to the 3-0 victory over UNBSJ. The Seawolves settled down defensively after the early onslaught but they couldn't penetrate the Algonquin defensive. Player of the game for UNBSJ was #12 Sulaiman Algatai, while not surprisingly, Beauge was player of the game for Algonquin. Tristan Roscoe recorded his fourth straight shutout.

With the win, Algonquin (1-0) moves into top spot of the Pool A standings. They will take a day off as they will not take to the pitch until Friday, November 9 when they square off against the fourth ranked Thompson Rivers University Wolf Pack (0-0) of Kamloops, BC. Thompson Rivers will open their championship tomorrow against with the University of New Brunswick (0-1).

In Pool B action, Champlain College (St. Lambert, PQ) defeated the University of Kings College (Halifax, NS) 5-0.

The Durham Lords women’s team will begin their run at a national title tomorrow at 10:30 am, as they are set to face the host Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). Collège F-X-Garneau defeated MSVU 4-0 to open up the Championship. Durham College’s Katie Szeghalmi was named the winner of the 2007 CCAA National Women’s Soccer Player of the Year at the CCAA All-Canadian Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening. Click here for all of the details. http://www.ocaa.com/sports/wsoccer/news/?id=6095

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Pool A
Algonquin (1-0)
TRU (0-0)
UNBSJ (0-1)

Pool B
Champlain (1-0)
Mount Royal (0-0)
UKC (0-1)


CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE & RESULTS

Wednesday, November 7th
10:30 am - Champ. St. Lambert defeated UKC 5-0
1:00 pm - Algonquin defeated UNBSJ 3-0

Thursday, November 8th
10:30 am - Mount Royal vs. UKC
1:00 pm TRU vs. UNBSJ

Friday, November 9th
10:30 am - Champ. St. Lambert vs. Mount Royal
1:00 pm – Algonquin vs. TRU

Saturday, November 10th
9:00 am - 5th place vs. 6th place
11:00 am - Bronze Medal Game
4:00 pm - Gold Medal Game


PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Algonquin College – Ottawa, ON
Champlain Regional College St. Lambert – St. Lambert, PQ
Mount Royal College – Calgary, AB
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) – Kamloops, BC
University of King’s College (UKC) – Halifax, NS
University of New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ) – Saint John, NB