The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s soccer team handed the Ryerson Rams their second straight loss, defeating their downtown rivals by a score of 2-0 on Wednesday, September 16 at Lamport Stadium.

The match started off with an excellent opportunity for the Varsity Blues. Off a Ryerson turnover, Toronto striker Nordo Gooden (Kingston, JA) was left with an open net in the first minute of the game, only to send the ball wide of the near post.

The teams exchanged chances, with a dangerously placed free kick well saved by Ryerson’s goalkeeper Anthony Volpe, and at the other end a strong cross narrowly missing the net.

In the 38th minute, Blues keeper John Smits (Mississauga, Ont.) made an outstanding diving stop off of Adriano Mancini shot. This was a crucial save as only minutes later Toronto was awarded a free kick just off the top right corner of the penalty area. Yannis Gianniotis (Scarborough, Ont.) headed the well-placed cross into the open left side of the net, putting the Varsity Blues up 1-0 heading into halftime.

The second half saw the Blues winning many corner kicks early on but unable to threaten with any of their crosses. In the 75th minute, Smits made yet another timely save, this time off of Vince D’Elia to preserve the Blues lead.

Only a couple of minutes later, Gooden made up for his lack of finish earlier in the match, speeding past the Rams defender in the penalty area to get his foot on the ball and kicking it past the Volpe to put the Blues up 2-0.

Although Ryerson applied pressure in the later stages of the game, Smits was perfect on the night, making three saves in the victory.

The Varsity Blues will look to continue their winning ways this Saturday September 19, when they host the Carleton Ravens at Varsity Centre. Game time is scheduled for 3:15 pm.