The road to the OCAA championship may be tougher than anticipated, but the Colts Men's Soccer team is ready to rise to the challenge. After a narrow 1-0 loss to the Durham Lords in their final regular season game, the Colts slipped from second to fifth in the standings. While this means they'll be on the road for the entirety of their playoff run, the team remains confident in their ability to make a deep playoff run. Tonight, they'll take on the George Brown Huskies, a formidable opponent they tied 0-0 just last week.

Despite the recent dip in form, the Colts are far from discouraged. After starting the season strong with a string of victories, they've faced a few bumps recently, scoring just 2 goals in their last three matches. Yet, this only adds fuel to their fire. The team knows what they are capable of and is eager to prove it on the big stage.

Team captain Brian Alvarez Pereyra emphasized the team's focus when asked what they need to do to win tonight's game. His answer was straightforward: "Score." - simple but powerful. This speaks to the heart of the team's mindset.

The Colts' defence, led by Alvarez and goalkeeper Joshua Naraine, has been rock solid all season, consistently keeping their team in games. Now, the offence is ready to reignite and show why they were one of the most dangerous teams earlier in the season.

While their path to the championship is more challenging, it's also an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience and determination. The pressure of playing on the road can often bring out the best in teams, and the Colts are embracing the chance to make a statement. With their backs against the wall, the team has come together with a renewed sense of purpose.

The Colts have shown they can compete with the top teams in the OCAA, and they enter the playoffs believing they can do more than just make some noise - they can win it all. As they prepare to face George Brown, the focus is on playing their brand of soccer: disciplined defence, quick transitions, and clinical finishing.

With their talent, leadership, and a desire to prove themselves, the Colts are ready to embrace the playoff journey ahead. The road may be long, but for this team, every challenge is an opportunity to show their true potential and make their mark on the 2024 OCAA playoffs.

By: Ryan Miller

Photo C/O: James Phillip