In a thrilling match for the full 90 minutes, Vince D'Elia's header in injury time allowed the Ryerson Rams men's soccer team to steal what looked to be a sure three points for the Toronto Varsity Blues, as the downtown combatants played to a 2-2 draw in what is rapidly becoming one of the OUA's most heated rivalries.

With the Varsity Blues (2-1-1) up a goal past the 90-minute mark, an ensuing cross after a Rams' (2-1-1) throw-in managed to find D'Elia, who made no mistake heading the ball from the midway point of the penalty area past John Smits and into the net.

Before that, it looked like Mario Kovacevic's second goal of the game and OUA East leading fifth of the season would be the game winner.

It was clear from the opening whistle that there is no love lost between these two squads, as the intensity could be felt on the field in the first couple of minutes. It didn't take long for the Blues to strike, as Kovacevic got sent in alone on goal after a through pass from James Greatorex ( London, England). The Woodbridge, Ont. native smoothly looped the ball over a charging Christian Maraldo and into the net, giving Toronto a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute.

However, the Rams answered later in the half, as Viktor Anastasov took a ball from Zach Mahrady and rifled a shot in the low corner for his fourth goal of the season, notching the game at 1-1.

Kovacevic was at it again early in the second half, ripping a shot past Maraldo (Mississauga) after finding some space behind the Rams defence.

Anastasov nearly answered for a second time, taking a cross and shooting at an open goal. However, Michael Braithwaite (Toronto) made a sliding stop on the goal line, and D'Elia's shot off the rebound was stopped in desperation by Smits (Mississauga), preserving the Blues lead for the time.

The Varsity Blues return to the field this Wednesday, September 21 as they host the Trent Excalibur at Varsity Centre.  Game time is set for 8 p.m.

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Source: Ryerson Rams