With just over a minute remaining before the final whistle, the Centennial Men's Soccer team scored a crucial equalizer to avoid back-to-back losses against the Durham Lords. The Colts fought hard until the final moments, securing a 2-2 draw, and now head into this weekend's game with less pressure and more motivation.
The match began with intensity on both sides. The Lords netted a quick goal just eight minutes into the first half when Dominic Legall tapped the ball in after a low cross from Nathan Blowers. However, the Colts responded almost immediately. A precise long pass from Nitharshan Anuradha landed perfectly on Justin Yarde's chest, who cut to his left and slotted home the equalizer.
The timing of the Colts' goal was perfect, as the humid conditions made the game more challenging. With both the turf and ball wet, neither team could maintain ball possession, making scoring chances hard to come by. Passing became difficult, forcing both teams to resort to long balls in their efforts to break into the opposition's box. The match went into halftime with the score level.
At the start of the second half, the Lords found their rhythm. They maintained better control of the ball and exploited gaps in the Colts' defence. Their pressure paid off when a precise through ball from Saail Awan led to another low cross from Nathan Blowers, which Chris Badibengi finished.
The Colts struggled to find their rhythm until the closing moments of the match. As stoppage time approached, they used every bit of energy they had left. Despite the Lords' ball control, the Colts' increased pressure caused mistakes. Around the 92nd minute, Shamir Akbar received the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and fired a shot. After deflecting off Michaiah Gale, the ball found the back of the net, tying the game.
The Colts will now travel to Ottawa to face the Algonquin Wolves for the second time this season. The match is set for 3:15 p.m. and could very well determine the leader heading into the playoffs.
By: Pedro Casellatto
Photo C/O: James Phillips