The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team enters the 2024 campaign with championship aspirations.

Last season the Blues made an impressive run to the OUA quarter-final round after finishing fifth in the OUA east division with a 6-3-3 record. With a large contingent of returning players from a team that ranked top five in the province in goals scored a season ago, U of T exudes an excitement to propel themselves even further this season.

FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"We feel that we have a team that can compete against the top OUA teams this season and look forward to improving as a squad throughout the fall. Most of the team is returning from last season with a few key additions. We have a good mix of older experienced players and new recruits that will add to the team from last year."

• Ilya Orlov, University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer head coach.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returners: Ife Adenuga (MF), Michael Maslanka (F), Shon Siegelwachs (D/MF), Alex Lin (GK)

Key Additions: Michael Osorio (MF), Kai Garvey (F), Niklas Hallam (MF)

LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Goals: Michael Maslanka | 11 GP, 7 G

Assists: Andrea Schifano | 12 GP, 4 A

Saves: Alex Lin | 8 GP, 23 SV

FROM THE FIELD
"I am really excited for the upcoming season with the team. With the set of guys we have, I believe we can build off last season's success. The boys have put in a lot of work this summer and I can't wait for it to pay off in the season. I am most excited to have all of the guys back together after a long wait, to work collectively on and off the pitch towards our goal. The main goal for our team this year is winning the OUA championship and with the quality of our returning players, incoming recruits, and coaching staff, that goal is more than possible."

• Russell Stewart, 3^rd year, Midfield

MARQUEE GAMES
August 30 vs. Trent
For the first time since 2021, the Blues will have the advantage of opening their regular season campaign on home turf as they welcome the Excalibur to Varsity Stadium in late August. U of T currently holds a 26-match undefeated streak versus Trent dating back to 2008, with a 21-0-5 record (W-L-D) during that time frame.

September 6 vs. TMU
The first of a back-to-back series with the downtown rival, the Blues and Bold always deliver excitement in every match. Also marking the end of a three-game homestand to begin the season for the Blues, U of T will have high hopes of a strong start to their 2024 campaign, including this crucial early season showdown.

September 29 vs Carleton
After a sensational playoff victory over Queen's, Toronto matched up with the Ravens in the quarter-final round last fall, falling by the narrowest of margins with a Carleton goal in the final minute of the match. This will be the second meeting of these two teams this season, but in both encounters the Blues will be looking to avenge the result from a season ago.

GET YOUR TICKETS
Game tickets can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets.

All Varsity Blues home soccer games will also be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.