WELLAND, Ont. - The Durham College men's soccer team will make their return to the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) championship on Friday, their first appearance since 1999.

Their quarter-final victory on Saturday, 1-0 over the nationally ranked St. Clair Saints, not only helped them make the OCAA final four, but pushed them into the 12th spot in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) rankings.

"I'm proud of what the team accomplished this year," said Durham head coach Dave Ashfield. "It was our first year together so there were a lot of changes to systems and other things, but their hard work has resulted in us returning to the OCAA championship."

They will face the No. 4 ranked Humber Hawks at 2 p.m. on Friday at Niagara College. No. 1 ranked Algonquin Thunder battles No. 10 ranked Sheridan Bruins at 11 a.m. in the other semifinal.

On Saturday, Oct. 25 the bronze medal game will be held at 11 a.m., with the gold medal game slated for 2 p.m.

"The team is excited because they know the school hasn't been there for awhile, so they're proud of their accomplishment," said Ashfield. "They're also tempered because they know we're playing strong teams this weekend. They're hoping to do the best they can."

Source: Durham College

Photo Credit: Al Fournier