MSOC | Voyageurs Squander Lead, Eliminated from Playoff Contention

The Voyageurs lost in a heartbreaking fashion on Saturday night against the Queen's Gaels who scored the go-ahead goal in the dying minutes of the match sneak out a victory.

Voyageurs came out strong with a plethora of scoring opportunities early but were unable to convert. Oku was deemed offside in one instance and Correa had a valiant and worthwhile shot attempt in another. The Voyageurs possessed the ball for a greater period of time and outshot the Gaels by 5-1 but were unable to find the back of the net. Simultaneously, their defense was up to the task as they blocked the ball from entering their net too. In conclusion, neither team found the breakthrough that they were looking for in the first half as it came to an end.

The second half saw a change in fortunes for both teams. The Voyageurs were awared a free kick early in the second half. Rather than crossing the ball in the penalty box straight from corner flag, the Voyageurs decided to make an initial small pass to skipper Nicholas Correa who sent a long cross into the box that was received by Giancarlo Galluzo who made no mistake in heading the ball at the back of the net to score a beauty of a goal at the 55:27 minute mark of the match. This goal was also a monumental moment for the rookie as it was his first University career goal. And then, soon after, in the 58:19 minute, the Voyageurs went on a counter-attack in which Brandon Moxam passed the ball into the box to Augustus Oku who rocketed off the post and in for the Voyageurs' second goal of the match. The Voyageurs were flying high at this point but five minutes later, in the 63:30 minute, the Gaels struck back via a corner kick as Kenji Chang deposited the ball in the far left corner of the net. Following this goal, the Gaels earned a free kick in a dangerous position, near the penalty box. Consequently, in the 66:15 minute, the resulting free kick was crossed into the box that was headed beautifully into the net by Zachary Toupin.

Both teams, knowing the importance of a victory in this match jostled to score the go-ahead goal but only would come on top. The Voyageurs came close when a long free throw in from Brandon Moxam took a few deflections off some players in the box but the Gaels found a way to neutralize the threat. Unfortunately, in the 88:37 minute, Braeden Levac successfully scored the all-important go-ahead goal and sealed the victory for the Gaels.

With a loss, the Voyagers are now out of playoff contention and will suit up tomorrow for the final match of the regular season against the RMC Paladins at 2:15 pm at James Jerome Sports Complex.

Wali Khan