FIT TO BE TIED

The east region in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is a wonderful mess entering the final week plus a day of the regular season.

None of the six teams are on winning or losing streaks. All are on tie streaks, ranging from one tie (Algonquin, Durham and St. Lawrence-Kingston) to three straight draws (Cambrian).

Five teams (Algonquin, Cambrian, Centennial, Durham and Fleming) have battled to three ties during the regular season. Only St. Lawrence has one (in its last match). By comparison, only one team from the other two regions has more than one draw (George Brown with a pair).

Four teams in the middle of the standings have recorded two wins, with Centennial just one win behind.

None of the teams have either clinched a playoff berth, nor been eliminated. The top four teams advance to the post-season.

Algonquin (4-0-3) is the odds on favourite to finish in first place, and can lock the regional crown with a pair of wins (or some help). But with each mounting tie, it looks like it will be a snail's race to the finish in the east region.

QUOTE THE FALCON

In what was billed as a showdown for first place in the west region, Fanshawe and St. Clair did not disappoint.

In a match that featured three lead changes, Fanshawe prevailed 3-2. The Falcons took an early 1-0 lead before St. Clair responded with two before the end of the opening half. But Fanshawe took the lead for good with goals in the 51st and 53rd minutes, including Cedric N'Guessen's (New York) second of the match.

With the win, Fanshawe clinched a playoff berth and has the inside track towards the regional title. The Falcons have a two game lead over St. Clair with three matches remaining.

FEELING HAWKISH

In the central region, the two top teams meet one more time to decide the division title.

Undefeated Humber has the upper hand, leading Sheridan by four points with three games remaining for both teams. Even if Sheridan is victorious in Saturday's meeting between the clubs, it will need some help if the Bruins are to overtake the Hawks.

In the big picture, Sheridan will be content with second place with Humber as regional champs. The Hawks play host to provincials, meaning an automatic bye into the tournament. If Humber wins the division, the region's bye will go to the next best team.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

Unlike their female counterparts, only three teams can safely say they will be playing in the OCAA men's soccer post-season.

Humber (6-0-1) knew it was going to the championship a long time ago by virtue of being tournament host. Central rival Sheridan (5-2-0) and west leading Fanshawe (6-0-1) have also clinched.

Nine more playoff berths are up for grabs over the next eight days. Stay tuned.

RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications