The OUA defending champion Varsity Blues men’s soccer team fell 3-2 to the Carleton Ravens on Sunday, September 4 at Varsity Centre.

Third-year Ravens striker Caki Simrooglu of Ismir, Turkey scored two goals to lead the visiting team to victory.

Simrooglu charged the net in only the fourth minute of the game to open the scoring. The Ravens held onto the 1-0 lead at the half.

Simrooglu tallied his second marker of the day in the 59th minute to put Carleton up by two.

Team captain Darragh McGee of Donegal, Ireland got the Blues on the board five minutes later when he capitalized on a Carleton turnover and sent a booming shot into the right side of the net.

Four minutes later, Samuel McHugh made good on a Raven’s penalty kick to notch the eventual game-winner.

Rookie striker Jermaine Burrell of Kellits, Jamaica scored his first career goal in the 76th minute off a beautiful cross from Michael Brathwaite. Despite a valiant effort, U of T could not solve Ravens goalkeeper Simon Brown again and dropped their first match of the season.

The Varsity Blues return to the field next Saturday, September 10 as they host the Nipissing Lakers at Varsity Centre. Game time is set for 3:15 p.m.

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