The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s soccer team finished their 2008 campaign in fourth-place, falling to the York Lions in semi-final action and the Carleton Ravens in the bronze medal match at the OUA men’s soccer championship at York University this weekend (Nov. 1-2).

York came out strong on Saturday, keeping Toronto on their heels with their offensive intensity. The Blues were able to hold off the No. 4 Lions as the game remained scoreless at the half.

York got on the board first, when Jamaal Smith (Mississauga, Ont.) headed a cross off the back post just over the outstretched hand of Blues goalkeeper Luciano Lombardi (Scarborough, Ont.).

This were looking grim for the Blues until Kilian Elkinson (Paget, BUR) was awarded a free kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 86th minute of the match. First-year defender Elkinson placed the ball perfectly and team captain Dustin Chung (Toronto, Ont.) made no mistake heading it into the York net to tie things up.

Minutes later, with both teams pressing for the game-winner, Lions right winger Jarek Whiteman (Brampton, Ont.) received a cross and sent it just under the arm of Lombardi to secure the 2-1 victory and a spot in the championship game on Sunday.

Throughout the game, fifth-year history student Lombardi made several phenomenal saves at point blank range to keep the Blues in the game.

In other semi-final action, the No. 1 Carleton Ravens were upset by the Laurier Golden Hawks in penalty kicks, which meant Toronto would play Carleton in the bronze medal game. The Blues put forth a valiant effort in Sunday’s match but unfortunately came up short, losing 3-0 to the Ravens.