OSHAWA, Ont. – Even though the OUA men's soccer playoffs are a month away, teams are already looking at the standings as they jostle for positioning. That is why
Fabio Campoli's game-winning goal in injury time on Saturday afternoon was so important for the Ridgebacks as they make their playoff push.
Coming into the game against Trent, UOIT found themselves two points ahead of the Excalibur for the final playoff spot in the OUA eastern conference. Now with seven games remaining in the regular season, UOIT is five points ahead of Trent and only two behind the fifth place Laurentian Voyageurs.
The game opened up with a glorious chance for UOIT's
Alexander Cuccovillo (Ajax, Ont.) but the fifth year senior chipped it just over the bar. That seemed to be the theme over the next 90 minutes as the teams entered injury time with no goals on the board.
However, things would quickly change as UOIT capitalized on a fast break when freshman
Noah Antenucci (Brampton, Ont.) sent in Campoli (Frosinone, Italy) along the right side of the crease. The education major was able to slip the ball past the defender and goalkeeper to give UOIT the last minute victory. Campoli has recorded five of the eight Ridgeback goals this season.
Campoli's goal was the Ridgebacks lone shot on target.
Nicholas Miller of Oshawa made five saves in the shutout victory, his second of the year. Shots ended up 11-10 in favour of Trent.
UOIT (3-5-1) will be put to the test on Thursday night when they square off against the Ryerson Rams (7-0-0). Ryerson is ranked third in the CIS and have outscored their opponents 21-1. Kickoff at the Civic is 8:15 p.m.
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 4-7-1
Conference Record: 3-5-1
Next Match: Thursday vs. Ryerson (8:15 p.m. @ Oshawa Civic)