Highlighted by first-year forward Kingsley Belele's hat trick performance, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team thrashed the Algoma Thunderbirds 9-1 on Saturday, October 23 at Varsity Stadium.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Although fullback play would be where the Blues saw most of their productivity come from, it would be a solo-attempt from second-year striker Artem Tesker that would open the scoring. 

Following a clearance from first-year defender Anthony Tripodi, Tesker dribbled past three Thunderbird defenders to give the Blues the lead (14'). Tripodi would go on to create the Blues second of the game, finding fellow first-year defender Anthony White off a missed placed corner (19'). Fifth-year midfielder Nikola Stakic would open his account from the spot (26'), and would double it two-minutes later from outside the 18-yard box with the help of fourth-year defender Nicola Russo (28'). Stakic's productivity wouldn't stop there as he would set up Belele for his first of the game (31').

Belele's dominance would continue well into the second half netting the Blues next two goals. A Tripodi through ball would send the striker on a breakaway for his second of the game (46'), while a cross from Russo would find the forward for his third (54'). Russo would go on to score his own following first-year midfielder Nino Nikolovski's corner (64'). A late surge from the Thunderbirds saw first-year forward Abed Nassar shrink the Blues lead (70') but, it was to little to late as Tripodi would capture his third assist of the game setting up first-year midfielder Naseeb Bains for the Blues ninth and final goal (89').

First-year goalkeeper Jacob Gundermann faced one shot in the contest.

UP NEXT: The Blues will play replay the Thunderbirds tomorrow Sunday, October 24 at Varsity Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.

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