The Varsity Blues men’s soccer team were handed their first loss of the season as the Carleton Ravens came away with a 1-0 victory on Saturday, September 25 at Varsity Centre.

Despite the loss, the Blues remain the top seed in the OUA East with a 4-1-2 record, while the Ravens improve to 4-0-0 and have yet to allow a goal against.

In what proved to be a physical affair, second-year Carleton midfielder Joey Kewin scored the lone goal in the 72nd minute. The London, Ont., native sent a low shot from inside the 18-yard box through a scramble in front of the net to beat Blues goalkeeper John Smits (Mississauga, Ont.).

Neither team created any solid scoring opportunities in the first half and the Blues picked up their pace after Kewin potted his goal. Fifth-year striker Nordo Gooden began to rally the troops, taking a shot off a corner kick, only to be blocked by a Ravens defender.

In the 89th minute, third-year Blues midfielder Dylan Bams (Fanny Bay, B.C.) sent a beautiful cross just out of Gooden’s reach that sailed wide of the net.

Despite their best efforts, U of T could not solve Ravens goalkeeper Karl Wasslen (Ottawa), who ended the game with two saves and a shutout victory.

The Blues return to the field for a rematch with Carleton next Sunday, October 3 in Ottawa. Game time is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

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