Hall of Fame
In 1988-89, the Varsity Blues men’s soccer team claimed the nation’s top prize, a CIAU Championship, for the first time in U of T history.
The Blues wrapped up the regular season schedule with a near perfect 15-1-1 record, scoring 42 goals and allowing just 12. In the post-season, U of T opened their title run with a 1-0 penalty kick victory over Carleton before slipping past Queen’s 4-2 in the provincial semi-finals and shutting out Western 2-0 to claim the OUAA crown. At the national championship, the Blues defeated number-one ranked Alberta (2-1) with goals from Pat Cubellis and George Argyropoulos. And in the final, Cubellis notched the game’s only marker in a 1-0 victory over McGill. The team then capped off their storybook season at the World University Soccer Championship in Arizona, where they represented Canada and earned a silver medal.
The success of this squad, which was led by 1988 OUAA Coach of the Year Jim Lefkos, can be attributed to their tremendous depth, determination and incredible team chemistry. Seven Varsity Blues were named OUAA all-stars, with Cubellis and Coz Zambazis also garnering all-Canadian honours.
The 1988-89 championship team included Terry Apostolou (Manager), George Argyropoulos, Chris Collie, David Collie, Pat Cubellis, John Diniz, Patrick Fancott, John Fitzgerald, Guido Geisler, Domenic Ientile, Alan Kennedy, Ben Kwak, Tom Lazarou, Rod MacGregor, (therapist) Dino Mastrogianis, William Murray, Robert Pacas, Bill Papaconstantinou, Nino Perrotta, Peter Sarantopoulos, Tony Tata, Tom Tsilfidis, Mark Varkul, Coz Zambazis and Head Coach Jim Lefkos.
