OSHAWA, Ont. – The Durham College men's soccer team had their season come to a close in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday at home.
Hamilton's Mohawk Mountaineers defeated the Lords 3-2 in overtime to advance to the OCAA men's soccer championship presented by belairdirect next week at Redeemer University College.
After a goal-less first half, the Mountaineers were the first to score after Ephraim Cirillo was taken down the box – leading to a penalty kick.
Unfortunately
Mark Kamstra (Newcastle, Ont.) guessed wrong as Cirillo put the ball along the ground and into the left side of the goal.
Durham bounced back right away as
Luca Coceancigh (Udine, Italy) crossed the perfectly to
Bruce Cullen (Pickering, Ont.) who deflected the ball over an outstretched Philip Lacek.
On the next goal Cullen returned the favour, putting the ball into the box for Coceancigh to give the Lords a 2-1 lead in the 61
st minute.
Durham continued to pressure the Mountaineers in their own end after taking the lead – not sitting back defensively, but in extra time with Mohawk pressuring offensively they turned over the ball on the wing near midfield.
This gave the Mountaineers one final chance, which they capitalized on, as Andre Lewin tied the game 2-2.
In the first half of overtime Mohawk struck in the 96
th minute. Shuhab Sultani scored the eventual game-winning goal.
The Lords just couldn't buy a goal as
Antonio Maragozidis (Whitby, Ont.) hit the post and Lacek, who was the difference in the second half of overtime, stopped numerous players point-blank.
He made 10 saves for the Mountaineers in the victory, while Kamstra made 14 saves in the loss for Durham.
This is the second year in a row the Lords have missed the championship. In 2014 Durham lost the bronze medal game at the tournament.
QUICK LOOK AT THE LORDS
Overall Record: 10-6-0
Conference Record: 6-4-0