OSHAWA, Ont. - The UOIT Ridgebacks men's soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to the visiting Ryerson Rams on Wednesday evening at Vaso's Field.
The Ridgebacks held strong in the opening half versus the No. 6 nationally ranked Rams, remaining scoreless into the final minutes of the period.
However, in the 45th Christopher Castillo opened the scoring for the Rams, placing the game-winner into the bottom left corner of the Ridgebacks net.
Less than a minute later, just before the halftime whistle, UOIT nearly found an equalizer when first-year midfielder
Elijah Lorenc-Clarke (Scarborough, Ont.) made a strong run with the ball to find free space and a quick shot on goal. Rams keeper Andrew Shahrivar made the save with a diving effort to maintain the 1-0 score line at the half.
After the break, Ridgebacks substitutions
Taidgh Burton (Mississauga, Ont.) and
Matthew Perovic (Toronto, Ont.) brought energy to the pitch and combined with Lorenc-Clarke for several attacking chances, but UOIT were unable to solve the stout Rams back line.
In the 75th minute, Rams defender Alex Meczarski recorded Ryerson's second goal of the game with a well-placed shot from distance, while Yuri Costa rounded out the scoring in the 84th minute following a rebound in front of the UOIT goal.
Despite the score, Ridgebacks keeper
Nicholas Miller (Oshawa, Ont.) once again showcased his athletic ability with several acrobatic saves, including a well-read diving stop in the 79th minute. Miller finished the evening with eight saves.
Currently one point outside of an OUA east playoff position, UOIT will look to upset the No. 4 Carleton Ravens this Sunday, Oct. 14 in order to jump back into the playoff picture. Kick off for the road game is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Overall Record: 4-12-0 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 4-9-0
Next match: Sunday, Oct. 14 vs. Carleton Ravens • 3 p.m. – Ottawa, Ont.
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