WELLAND, Ont. - The Algonquin Thunder are once again champions of Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) men's soccer, defeating the four-time defending provincial champion Humber Hawks by a score of 1-0 at the 2014 belairdirect OCAA Men's Soccer Championship hosted by Niagara College.

The game served as a rematch of the 2013 gold medal game that saw the outcomes reversed, as Humber edged the Thunder 1-0. It also served as a match-up between the 2014 OCAA goalkeepers of the year Alex Pothemont (Mississauga, Ont.) of Humber and Simon Brown (Ottawa) of Algonquin.

The two standouts gave up just combined six goals during 16 total regular season matches. Both keepers proved up to the task in the contest, as neither side was able to break the 0-0 tie during the first 90 minutes.

Finally, during the 105th minute, Kishoyian Kipusi (Kenya) found an opening and recorded the only goal of the game.

During the final 15 minutes of the game, Humber's sense of urgency took over. The Hawks directed numerous quality scoring chances on goal, but were unable to beat Brown. He turned aside all seven shots he faced in the contest, and for his efforts was named to the tournament all-star team and overall championship MVP.

Algonquin wins its first OCAA championship since 2009. Two-time reigning national champion Humber will not get an opportunity to defend its title, settling for silver.

For the third time in as many seasons, the Sheridan Bruins are the OCAA men's soccer bronze medalists. The Bruins defeated the Durham Lords 1-0 in the bronze medal match.

High winds played havoc with both team's offensive strategies, and the lone goal in the contest came off the foot of 2014 OCAA all-star Molham Babouli (Mississauga, Ont.) in the 12th minute.

Despite the loss, Durham enjoyed an outstanding 2014 season. The team finished with a record on 5-2, and advanced to the OCAA championship for the first time since 1999. Meanwhile the win gives the Sheridan its fifth consecutive OCAA medal.

OCAA men's soccer championship all-stars were Sheridan's David Velastegui (Ecuador), Humber's Jevon Gayle (Brampton, Ont.) and Algonquin's Maher Husseint (Ottawa).

In Friday's OCAA semi-finals, Algonquin doubled Sheridan 4-2 while Humber blanked Durham 2-0. Algonquin came back from a 2-0 deficit with four unanswered goals, including three in the second half.

Algonquin will now represent Ontario at the 2014 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national championship being hosted by Sheridan College from Nov. 5-8. The team last won a CCAA men's soccer medal in 2008. As the championship host, the Bruins will also compete in the event.

Championship Website: www.goknights.ca/2014_OCAA_Mens_Soccer

Championship Results
Friday, October 24
OCAA Semi-Finals
Algonquin 4, Sheridan 2

Humber 2, Durham 0

Saturday, October 25
Bronze Medal Match
Sheridan 1, Durham 0

Gold Medal Match
Algonquin 1, Humber 0 (OT)

Source: Niagara College with files from OCAA Communications

- OCAA -

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