The No. 3 nationally rank University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team advanced to the OUA semifinals after knocking off the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 4-2 in quarter-final action on Saturday (Oc. 18) at Varsity Stadium.

Ontario Tech have been trouble for the Blues in recent history, knocking Toronto out of championship contention last fall in the quarter-final round, while also handing U of T their only loss during the regular season this year.

"This week so many times I've heard 'I hope what happened last year doesn't happen this year' – so it was definitely in the back of our heads," said Varsity Blues soccer head coach Ilya Orlov of the rematch. "We have a different squad this year and we prepared during the week and had belief. There were hard moments in the game but every time we overcame them today."

With that preparation and belief in hand, U of T wasted little time seeking their revenge in the Saturday afternoon showdown. Just 90 seconds into the Saturday afternoon showdown it was fourth-year midfielder Russell Stewart converting a free-kick for the first goal of the match. Stewart would then play a role in the Blues second goal, sending a corner kick into the box where Varsity Blues captain Alexei Ivanov was able to leap over the Ontario Tech defenders to connect on a header for goal number two. The Blues would carry a 3-1 lead into half as the Ridgebacks conceded an own goal before the break.

"We have a really good leadership group this season. Specifically with Alex, he is a real leader both with his presence and with his performance," explained Orlov. "Today he marked essentially the hardest striker to mark in the league and also contributed a goal – what more can you ask of the guy."

Shifting to the second half, Ontario Tech poured on the pressure with 13 total shots. However, the Blues defence was able to limit the Ridgebacks to just two shots on goal, both of which goalkeeper Filip Zendelek were able to turn aside. Then when Toronto had their own chance on the other end, third-year midfielder Andrea Schifano notched another goal for U of T.

Ontario Tech would add one more of their own before the final whistle but it wouldn't be enough to keep pace with the Blues offensive surge.

"We took this game just like any regular season game," said Orlov. "Tomorrow we will do our review, analyze the game, correct what needs to be corrected, scout the opponent, and play the game. Our group believes we can beat anyone."

The Blues will host an OUA semifinal next Saturday (Oct. 25) at Varsity Stadium. They will face the winner of Waterloo versus Brock scheduled for later tonight.