The No. 6 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team will travel to Peterborough this Wednesday, Oct. 21 for an OUA playoff showdown versus the Trent Excalibur.

After claiming the OUA banner a season ago, Toronto have looked to fresh faces for the 2026 campaign welcoming 16 new players after the departure of nine starters from the championship squad. Despite the large turnover, the Blues have maintained themselves as a contender. With a 5-3-4 (W-L-T) regular season record, U of T finished in sixth place in the OUA East division to qualify for the postseason. Leading the charge offensively has been third-year forward Niklas Hallam who not only led the Blues but led the entire OUA East division with 12 goals. Meanwhile, the Blues back line has been anchored by fourth-year veteran Toby Richardson.

As for their opponent, the Trent Excalibur concluded the regular season with a 7-5-0 record to place third in the OUA East. Spurred on by early season success, including a three-game win streak to begin the fall, Trent will rely on dynamic forward John Moncada. The 2025 OUA East MVP and U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian once again led the Excalibur in scoring this year with six goals. However, he has had some help as 11 different Trent players have tallied a goal during the 2026 campaign.

The Blues earned back-to-back wins over Trent earlier this fall, winning both games in a home-and-home series. They will look to that and a history that sees them undefeated versus the Excalibur (26-0-5) dating back to 2008 for momentum in a pivotal first round playoff series.
 
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 6 p.m.
Justin Chiu Stadium
Live Stats
Watch
 
2026 REGULAR SEASON STAT LEADERS
Toronto
Goals: Niklas Hallam | 12 goals
Assists: Andrea Schifano | 3 assists
Wins: Shane Perera | 3 wins
 
Trent
Goals: John Moncada | 6 goals
Assists: Leo Frans, Warren Chambers | 4 assists
Wins: Owen Schultz | 5 wins
 
HISTORY
Last Five:
Sept. 20, 2026 | Toronto 2, Trent 0
Sept. 13, 2026 | Toronto 2, Trent 1
Oct. 4, 2025 | Toronto 6, Trent 2
Oct. 6, 2024 | Toronto 4, Trent 0
Aug. 30, 2024 | Toronto 4, Trent 1