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Men’s soccer: Badgers soar past Gryphons in 2-1 victory

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Brock men’s soccer team game vs Guelph Gryphons this past weekend.

In an exhilarating showdown at Alumni Field, the Brock Badgers secured their third win of the 2023 men’s soccer season, edging out the Guelph Gryphons 2-1. With the sun-drenched field as their backdrop, fans were treated to a match filled with dramatic moments and standout performances from both teams. 

The game kicked off with the visiting Guelph Gryphons, applying early pressure, as Damian Truong capitalized on an opportunity in the 11th  minute to give his team the lead. Despite putting up two shots on target, the Badgers were unable to find an equalizer during the first half. 

However, the script took a twist in the second half. Marc Iantomasi, with a brilliant strike in the 51st  minute, notched his second goal of the season, levelling the score at 1-1. The intensity surged even further when a Brock foul inside the penalty box gifted Gray Yates of the Gryphons a golden opportunity to put his team ahead. Badgers’ goalkeeper Taylor Miskolczi, standing tall; denied the penalty kick, keeping the scoreline level. 

The turning point arrived in the 85th  minute when the Badgers were awarded a penalty kick of their own. Senior standout Luca Ragagnin exhibited nerves of steel as he confidently sent the ball into the net, giving the Badgers a 2-1 lead. The Gryphons fought valiantly for an equalizer, but Miskolczi, the hero of the day for Brock, continued to thwart their efforts. His three crucial saves ensured the Badgers emerged victorious with a final score of 2-1. 

Miskolczi’s remarkable performance between the posts not only secured the win but also marked his third victory of the season, cementing his reputation as a dependable guardian for the Badgers. 

The nail-biting match was a testament to the tenacity and skill of both teams, making it a memorable day for soccer fans in attendance. The game was not without its moments of intensity, as indicated by the cautions and ejections on the field. Tiago Pereira, Mike Fernandez, and Lucas Medeiros of the Badgers were each shown a yellow card at different stages of the game. 

Analyzing the statistics, it becomes evident that this was a closely contested match. The Badgers managed a total of six shots, with four of them on target, while the Gryphons recorded eight shots, five of which were on goal. In terms of saves, Guelph’s goalkeeper, Carter Robart, made two crucial stops, while Miskolczi had three saves. 

Corner kicks and fouls also played a significant role in the game’s dynamics. The Badgers had three corner kicks and committed seven fouls, while the Gryphons managed one corner kick and were penalized for 12 fouls throughout the match. 

With this hard-fought victory, the Brock Badgers improved their overall record to 3-2-0 before travelling to Windsor to play their second game of the weekend on Sept. 24 where the Badgers dominated the Lancers winning in convincing fashion 5-0.  

Looking ahead, the men’s soccer team will play back-to-back games against Algoma University on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at Alumni Field. Fans can watch from the stands or at home on OUA.tv

For more information regarding the Brock men’s soccer team please visit gobadgers.ca 

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