OSHAWA, Ont. - The UOIT Ridgeabcks men's soccer team were in tough against the No. 5 nationally ranked Carleton Ravens on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 1) at Vaso's Field, but the Ridgebacks provided stiff competition in a 3-1 defeat.

UOIT athlete of the week Nicholas Miller (Oshawa, Ont.) was once again outstanding in net, setting a new single-game career-high of 12 saves in the outing. One of those saves proved to be a spark for the Ridgebacks in the opening half as Miller delivered a point blank effort against Carleton striker Gabriel Bitar in the 40th minute of action.

The big save was quickly followed by a corner kick opportunity at the other end for third-year UOIT midfielder Christopher Jaggarnath (Scarborough, Ont.). Bending the kick from end line to the far post, Jaggarnath opened the scoring himself with the incredible shot in the 42nd minute and UOIT carried a 1-0 lead over the No. 5 Ravens into the half.

MSOC | Ridgebacks up 1-0 at the half. Here is a look at the lone goal by Chris Jaggarnath! pic.twitter.com/O9u7yx29Yq

— UOIT Ridgebacks (@UOITRidgebacks) September 1, 2018

Following the halftime break, Carleton turned up the pressure and quickly found an equalizer when a Dario Conte cross found the foot of Jimi Aribido in the 53rd minute, making it 1-1. Action continued in UOIT's defensive half with Bitar solving Miller in the 70th minute to put the Ravens ahead 2-1.

In the 78th minute, a Ridgebacks penalty inside the box resulted in a penalty kick opportunity for Conte, but Miller impressed once again with a diving save to the far post, maintaining the one-goal margin. However, Aribido would score his second of the game in the 84th minute to hand the Ravens an insurance marker and secure the road victory.

UOIT will next challenge on-campus rivals Durham in the annual Campus Cup exhibition this Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Vaso's Field before continuing with OUA action next Friday, Sept. 7 when they host the Queen's Gaels. Kick-off for the Campus Cup is scheduled for 8 p.m., while the Friday night showdown with the Gaels starts at 7:15 p.m.
 

RIDGEBACKS AT A GLANCE

Overall Record: 0-7-0 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 0-4-0
 
Next match: CAMPUS CUP – Tuesday, Sept. 4 vs. Durham College (8 p.m. – Vaso's Field)

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