The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team won their first OUA title since 2010 with 2-0 victory in extra time over the York Lions on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Varsity Stadium.
 
With the win, the Blues earn their 51st provincial title in program history, dating back to 1904, and secure the OUA's top seed at nationals next week. The University of Toronto is the proud host of the 2025 U SPORTS men's soccer championship, November 6-9, at Varsity Stadium.
 
After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Lions looked to be the team who would break the scoreless deadlock; however, York's Anthony Morano was issued a red card in the 100th minute and that proved to be the turning point for the Blues.
 
In the 107th minute, fourth-year midfielder Michel Osorio sent a perfect through ball to fifth-year Blues forward Kingsley Belele who slotted his own rebound past Lions goalkeeper Michael Williams and into the net.
 
The Blues added an insurance marker five minutes later when Andrea Schifano sent a nice cross to Mehdi Essousi, who made a diving effort to find the back of the net.
 
"We knew York was an excellent team and that they have experience being in this game," said Varsity Blues head coach Ilya Orlov.  "We were pinned back to our 30 and that red card was a huge advantage and gave us a lot of relief."
 
Blues team captain Alexei Ivanov earned player of the game honours following an outstanding defensive effort.
 
"Alex is a real leader in the back," added Orlov. "He's more than a captain. He leads by example. Today he had a cramp, bloody face and he kept going and going. He not only led by his words but his actions on the field."
 
The Lions, who have appeared in 11 of the last 12 OUA championship finals, looked like the team to beat for the majority of the match, but could not solve Blues goalkeeper Filip Zendelek.
 
"You have to be your best in the moments that you have to be at your best," said Lions head coach Carmine Isacco. "Not scoring goals is going hurt you. (Nationals) is going to be testing but we'll give it our best shot."
 
Both the Blues and Lions will turn their sites on nationals next week as the Varsity Blues host the 2025 U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship, November 6-9, at Varsity Stadium. Seeding and scheduling will be announced tomorrow (Nov. 2).