It was fitting that the Canadian College Athletics Association (CCAA) released their national rankings for women's and men's soccer teams on Tuesday September 19. The same day both the women's and men's Viking soccer teams took on the nationally ranked Algonquin College Thunder.

The Vikings women's team played first, knowing that the sixth ranked Thunder would start the game looking to take advantage of their speed. St. Lawrence pressured early forcing the Algonquin goalkeeper to make some big saves early on to keep her team in it. Just before the end of the first half, Algonquin scored in the 42nd minute to go up 1-0. During the second half, The Vikings played very well defensively, limiting the amount of chances. As well, goalkeeper Jessica Dodge made terrific stops, frustrating the Thunder. Unfortunately, Algonquin would go on to add two more goals, to make it 3-0.

Despite the loss, head Coach Richard Gazette was very pleased with his team's performance. "This was a great game for us, we proved that we can compete against one of the best teams in the country. I'm looking forward to seeing them in the playoffs." The Vikings are now 2-1-1 for the season, and take on La Cite Collegiale at Algonquin College next Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

The men's team was looking to rebound from their last game, as they took to the field to play the 11th nationally seeded Algonquin Thunder. After a scoreless half both teams played physically, looking to go ahead on the scoreboard. Off of a corner kick, Algonquin opened the scoring to go by one. From there, the game continued to pick up physically with both teams given warnings. Viking Eric Lee, would head in a goal off a beautiful corner kick to make the score 2-1. But Algonquin would score late to make the final score 3-1.

The men's team will also face La Cite on Wednesday, September 26 at Algonquin College. Game time is 8:00 p.m.

Source: St. Lawrence College