Nordo Gooden scored the lone goal as the Varsity Blues men’s soccer team defeated the Queen’s Gaels 1-0 in their 2010 home opener on Saturday, September 11 at Varsity Centre.

Despite solid offensive pressure throughout the first half, the Blues were unable to score until Gooden (Toronto) shot the ball over a sprawling Maxfield Materne in the dying seconds of the first half for the eventual game-winner.

The Blues continued to pressure throughout the second half, led by three shots from first-year midfielder Ezequiel Lubocki (Winnipeg).

A late push by Queen’s was held off by the Blues defensive crops of veterans Yannis Gianniotis, Darrah McGee and Mike Brathwaite, who stood tall to keep the ball clear of the net. Although U of T had their chances, they would not get past Materne again as they settled for the one-goal victory.

2009 OUA all-star goalkeeper John Smits of Mississauga made one save and earned his second shut out of the season in the win.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow when they take on the RMC Paladins at Varsity Centre. Game time is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

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