The Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team battled both the weather and the visiting Queen's Gaels Saturday (Sept. 19) afternoon falling 2-1 at Varsity Centre.

As tboth teams walked onto the field for opening kickoff the skies opened up to greet them with a downpour. Despite the weather, U of T burst out of the gates with striker Nirun Sivananthan (Brampton, Ont.) scoring his fourth goal of the season in just the 3rd minute of the game.

The Queens Gaels responded in the 10th minute when Jacob Shroeter sent a strike that was deflected into the lower left corner of the net beating Varsity Blues keeper Rab Bruce-Lockhart (Victoria, B.C.) for the tying marker.

After the early scoring, both teams found themselves turning to a defensive game until the 60th minute. Back-to-back chances for goal scorer Sivananthan and fellow striker Dakar Charles (Toronto, Ont.) looked to break the deadlock but Gaels keeper Kyle Lanzinger was up to the task.

The final effort for U of T came from a set piece in the 76th minute off a corner when a header off the bar created a scramble in front of the net but a Toronto touch sent the ball just wide of the post.

The miss would turn out to be costly as the Gaels scored the winner in the 81st minute when captain Conor Hannigan delivered a precise header off of a cross.

The Toronto Varsity Blues are back at it Sunday, September 20 welcoming the RMC Paladins to Varsity Centre for a 3:15 p.m. kickoff. U of T will be looking to capture a full three points to end their current three game home stand on a big note.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.