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University of Toronto Athletics

MSOC/Andrea Schifano
Aru Das
1
Nipissing NIPISSIN (1-2-0, 1-2-0)
2
Winner Toronto TORONTO (1-1-1, 1-1-1)
Nipissing NIPISSIN
(1-2-0, 1-2-0)
1
Final
2
Toronto TORONTO
(1-1-1, 1-1-1)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Nipissing NIPISSIN 1 0 1
Toronto TORONTO 0 2 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

BLUES BEST LAKERS FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team secured their first victory of the 2026 season with a 2-1 comeback win over the Nipissing Lakers on Sunday (Sept. 6) afternoon at Varsity Stadium.

In an intense back-and-forth matchup from the opening kick-off, the visiting Lakers managed to strike first as TJ Winstanley pounced on a loose ball in the box, finding the back of the net with his first goal of the season. The Blues began to ramp up the intensity as the half progressed but Lakers goalkeeper Joshua Biswanger was strong, making four stops in the first half.

Unable to score an equalizer after 45 minutes of play, U of T kept their foot on the gas pedal, controlling possession in the second half as they were poised for an equalizer. In the 54th minute, second-year defender Thomas Tome drew a foul in the box, third-year forward Andrea Schifano was called upon to take the penalty. The Palermo, Italy native didn't waste the opportunity, picking his spot and beating Biswanger to make it a brand-new game.

With momentum on their side, U of T kept attacking the Lakers, generating five corners in the second half and keeping the ball at the opposing end of the pitch. In the 77th minute third-year kinesiology student Niklas Hallam was the late game hero. The Victoria, B.C., native flew through the box and beat Biswanger on a tight angle to give the Blue and White their first lead of the game.

As time ticked on, Toronto continued to force the ball into the Lakers zone. As a desperate Nipissing squad started to garner momentum, second-year goalkeeper Charles Donvito was strong, making some of the best of his five saves in the matinee. In added time, Nipissing generated a prime scoring chance but Donvito pounced on the ball before booting it up past midfield as the final whistle was blown.

The Blues will hit the road for the first time this season for a match against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Saturday (Sept. 12) afternoon in Oshawa. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:15 p.m., and the game will be live streamed on oua.tv.

 
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