By: Teru Ikeda and Kajan Thiruthanikasalam
SCARBOROUGH, ONT.- Faced by gusty winds at Progress Turf Field last Friday, the Algonquin Thunder and Centennial Colts had to adjust their game plans to harsh weather conditions.
Having beaten the Thunder 2-1 earlier this season, the Colts hoped to cement their supremacy over Algonquin on home turf.
In the 12th minute, Liam Cox crossed the ball directly to Kevin Segamanasinghe's direction, and the ball was headed beautifully into the top left corner.
Cox who scored four goals in two games last weekend continued to contribute to the Colts' scoring efforts and for Segamanasinghe, it was the first outdoor goal of his career. Centennial's 1-0 lead, however, was short-lived.
With less than 10 minutes to halftime, the Thunder's Hansly Malonga fired a thru-ball to Marco Natoli, who struck it into the low left corner past Colts goalkeeper Chim Oneyeka. The equalizer was Natoli's first of two goals this game.
Though the Colts' offense put intense pressure on Thunder's defense in the first half, their horsepower waned in the second. Immediately after halftime, Thunder's Natoli was left wide open and nailed a top right corner goal past a helpless Oneyeka.
The Colts could not answer back, firing only three shots in the second half against a reinvigorated Thunder. The final goal was secured by Thunder's Malonga in the dying seconds of the game.
Although Centennial (2-1-1) is one point behind Algonquin (2-1-2) and two points behind Durham (2-0-3) in the standings, the Colts have played one less game than both of their rivals.
TOP THREE PERFORMERS OF THE GAME
Centennial Colts
Chim Oneyeka (GK): 13 saves
Ostap Hamarnyk (DF)
Joel Dundas (MF)
Algonquin Thunder
Marco Natoli (MF): 2 goals
Lucas Blain (MF)
Hansly Malonga (MF): 1 goal, 1 assist
CATCH OUR NEXT HOME GAME
The Colts will continue to be tested against perennial powerhouse and last year's OCAA champions, Durham Lords, this Tuesday, September 25th. The Colts only need five more points until they qualify for the OCAA playoffs.