The No. 10 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team moved one step closer to securing an OUA East first-round bye in defeating the Nipissing Lakers 3-0 Sunday afternoon (Oct. 18) at Varsity Stadium.

The Blues continue to sit second in the OUA East with a record of 9-3-2, just behind the Ryerson Rams (10-1-3).

After a defensive stalemate in the first half the Varsity Blues offence opened things up in the 50th minute. 

Forward Russell Rodrigues found himself alone in the Nipissing box and with a beautiful touch the Scarborough native flicked the ball over the charging Nipissing goalkeeper to make it 1-0 for U of T.

The offence continued for the Blues just 10 minutes later when first-year striker Jack Wadden deposited a big rebound from the Nipissing keeper into the back of the net.

U of T's final marker would come in the 83rd minute when late substitute Devante Brown worked his way through two Laker defenders before finding the mesh to record his first career OUA goal.

Rab Bruce-Lockhart made three saves in the shut out victory. 

The Varsity Blues are back in action this Wednesday, October 21 when they welcome the UOIT Ridgebacks to Varsity Centre. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Catch the action live on OUA.tv.

The Varsity Blues honoured graduating players Roman Bohulevych, Jason Cordeiro and Rab Bruce-Lockhart in a special pre-game presenation today.

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