The Algonquin Thunder men’s soccer team made history on home turf this weekend as they became the first Ontario college to win their fourth consecutive Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Championship title, defeating the George Brown Huskies 1-0 in the gold medal game.

This marks title number eight for the Thunder, tying them with the Seneca Sting for most championships won in OCAA men’s soccer history.

Algonquin has been a model of consistency in 2007, using ball control to wear down opponents and capitalizing on scoring opportunities when presented. During the two-day championship, Algonquin continued their dominance over OCAA opponents. In their semi-final game against Fanshawe, Algonquin netted five goals in a lopsided victory and in Saturday’s title match, the Thunder shutdown the high scoring Huskies attack, enroute to a 1-0 golden victory.

In the opening minutes of the game, George Brown and Algonquin played a conservative style of play due to the soggy turf conditions. The two teams remained scoreless late into the first half when in the 36th minute, Algonquin capitalized on a George Brown miscue. Will Beague jumped on a loose ball and found the back of the net on a lovely shot giving the Thunder a one goal advantage heading into the locker rooms at half.

As it turned out, Beague’s first half goal is all that the Thunder needed as the teams played a scoreless second half, allowing the Thunder to win their fourth OCAA provincial title in as many years. With the Algonquin players running on the pitch in celebration, the hometown Ottawa crowd went into a frenzy cheering on the boys in blue and white.

Algonquin will now advance to the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship from November 7-10 in Halifax, Nova Scotia as Mount Saint Vincent University hosts the event. Algonquin won the event last season, defeating Champlain Regional College of Quebec 4-0 in the finals. Algonquin will enter the nationals with a 10-1-0 record, while scoring 47 goals for and only 10 goals against. In the post season, the Thunder went on a scoring tare netting 11 goals while shutting out their opponents.

Earlier in the day, the Seneca Sting defeated the Fanshawe Falcons 2-1, earning the squad from North York the OCAA bronze medal. With the teams knotted at one goal apiece after 90 minutes, extra time was needed to break the deadlock. Marc Marzilli of Seneca scored his second goal of the game in the early stages of the first extra frame, giving the Sting a 2-1 advantage and eventually the bronze medal. Seneca has won four medals in the past six years at the men’s soccer championship.

Final Results:
Gold – Algonquin Thunder
Silver – George Brown Huskies
Bronze – Seneca Sting

Individual awards for the Championship were also handed out at the conclusion of the gold medal game. The following players took home top honours for their performance over the two-day event:

CHAMPIONSHIP MVP
Will Beague, Algonquin

CHAMPIONSHIP TOP GOALKEEPER
Adam Orologio, Seneca

CHAMPIONSHIP ALL-STAR TEAM
Rudi Stipancic, Fanshawe
Loui Legakis, Algonquin
Scott Nesbitt, George Brown

Championship Results:

Friday October 26
Semi Final #1: George Brown defeated Seneca 2-1
Semi Final #2: Algonquin defeated Fanshawe 5-0

Saturday October 27
Bronze Medal Game: Seneca defeated Fanshawe 2-1 (extra time)
Gold Medal Game: Algonquin defeated George Brown 1-0

The OCAA governs intercollegiate sports and promotes physical activity in its member institutions through quality athletic and campus recreation programs. It offers 15 varsity sports to 30 member institutions throughout Ontario. For more information on the OCAA visit www.ocaa.com.