TORONTO - In a tightly contested match, the Seneca Sting fell to the Algonquin Thunder 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Newnham Campus Field on a late goal in the 84th minute.

The two undefeated teams battled each other for 90 minutes, with neither team able to get the upper hand. Five cards were issued during the match including one red card to the Thunder.

Seneca, fresh off a No. 4 ranking in the first Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association's (CCAA) rankings, looked to build off of last season where they reached the bronze medal match at the CCAA national championship. Seneca's first scoring opportunity came in the 18th minute off a long cross attempt. The Sting forward headed the ball over the Thunder goalkeeper Simon Brown, but the shot was stopped by a Thunder defender who was backing up the play.

Moments later, Sting goalkeeper Andrew Palazzotto (Brampton) was involved in a collision when he came out to make a play on the ball. Palazzotto stayed down momentarily, but made his way back to the goal, stretching his back before the next offensive attack.

Leading returning scorer Mauricio Chamalé was looking for his second goal of the season in the 29th minute when he raced past the Thunder's defence, but his shot was deflected wide.

Algonquin took the lead in the 44th minute on a penalty shot by Abraham Kamara. Palazzotto guessed wrong and Kamara's shot found the back of the net. Seneca's Alex Needs was whistled for a yellow card, resulting in the penalty shot.

Early in the second half, Seneca tied the match. David Lorthkipanidze (Toronto) netted his first of the season. Chamalé started the play on a corner kick which was headed by Malven Francis (Pickering) right to Lorthkipanidze inside the six-yard box.

Late in the match, the Thunder, who were playing with only 10 men following a red card to Kamara, broke the tie in the 84th minute on a goal by Alex Asmis. A free kick from the right of Palazzotto was sent in front of the Sting goal. Asmis out-jumped a group of Sting defenders to head the ball past a defenceless Palazzotto for the match's final goal.

The Sting get right back into action Sunday at home against La Cité Coyotes at 4:15 p.m. at Newnham Campus Field. The Thunder are off until next Saturday as they welcome George Brown Huskies at 3 p.m.

Source: Seneca College