The Centennial College men's varsity soccer program starts the season off running by defeating rivals St. Lawrence College by a score of 4-0 this past Sunday.

It was the first home game ever on the new soccer pitch at Progress Campus. The game started with the Colts pressing St. Lawrence. They had them on their heels early and the game opened up in style at the 7 minute mark by a goal from Colts Striker EJ Powell. EJ jumped up in the middle of the park and made a bicycle kick from outside the 22 yard line to smash the ball past Gereon Bayar, the St. Lawrence Goal Keeper, after receiving a beautifully timed cross from winger Mark Tarazhi who penetrated down the right flank.

The Colts continued to pour on the pressure and after a scramble in the box Tarazhi was able to get on the score sheet finishing the Colts second goal to put them squarely ahead. The next ten minutes saw the play oscillate back and forth, however Centennial continued to penetrate down the wings. Forward TJ Samuels speed was too much for the Vikings defence, however, Bayen came up big making key saves.  After 37 minutes EJ Powell made a run was brought down in the penalty box and was awarded a penalty kick. Eric Hechavarria converted from the spot to put the game 3-0 for the Colts and out of reach. The half ended 3-0.

The second half saw St. Lawrence College muster up a number of offensive runs however nothing ended in changing the outcome. There were a couple of close calls where Colts Goal Keeper Phil Liscio came up strong to maintain the clean sheet.

For the remaining 20 minutes the Colts poured on the pressure. However the Vikings Goal Keeper Bayen, continued to rob the Colts especially on three separate occasions stopping break-aways from Colts Forwards EJ Powell, and Mark Tarazhi. Sergey Stanevich missed one off the back post from a cross. Eventually the Vikings wore down and at the 75th minute Stefan Korica scored the final goal of the game. He slid into it at the back post from a ground cross that was placed across the box by striker Mark Tarazhi.

The Colts are now 1-0 for the first time in years and are again in action this Wednesday against the Seneca Sting at the Newnham Campus. Catch the action at the 8:15 PM kick-off.

Source: Centennial College