OUA soccer returns to the pitch August 30th

HAMILTON – Ontario University Athletics (OUA) returns to the soccer pitch with a full slate of games beginning August 30^th, as the league announced the schedule for the 2014 season on Wednesday.
 
Competing in OUA soccer for the first time in 2014, the Algoma Thunderbirds men's and women's teams will both make the journey to London, Ont. to take on the Western Mustangs in their inaugural seasons. On September 6^th the York Lions make the trip to Sault Ste Marie, Ont. as the Thunderbirds will host their first home games in the OUA.
 
The defending men's champion from York will kick off their title defense against the visiting Brock Badgers on August 30^th. The Lions capped off the 2013 season with a 1-0 victory over Toronto rival Ryerson Rams.  The Rams, who went undefeated during the 2013 regular season, host the Nipissing Lakers on August 30^th, as they look to take the next step in 2014. The Lions and Rams won't meet during the regular season.
 
Meanwhile, on the women's side the Laurier Golden Hawks will host the Windsor Lancers on August 30th as they look to become the first women's team to repeat as OUA Champions since the Queen's Gaels won back to back titles in 2001 & 2002. The Golden Hawks capped off their 2013 season with a thrilling victory in penalty kicks in the championship game over the Western Mustangs. The Mustangs, however, won't have to wait long to avenge their lost as the Golden Hawks will travel to London, Ont. on September 6^th for a championship rematch.
 
The regular season wraps up on October 19^th with 9 women's games and 8 men's game.
 
First-round playoff action gets underway on October 22^nd, with the Quarter-Finals taking place on October 26^th. The OUA Final Four is set to take place at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton on November 1^st& 2^nd,  marking the first time ever that both OUA Soccer Final Fours have been played at a pre-determined site and the first time both the men's and women's events will share the same venue on the same weekend.