MSOC | Controversial Call Evens Riley Gallo Cup and 705 Challenge Cup

After watching their female counterparts go toe-to-toe over the course of 90 minutes, the Voyageurs and Lakers men's soccer teams were more than equal to the task to match the level of intensity.  The Northern rivals showed there was no love lost between the programs as a total of six yellow cards were dished out what would be a controversial 1-0 Nipissing victory.

The opening 45 minutes saw the Lakers initiate much of the offence, firing six balls on target, while the Voyageurs were content to absorb the attack, looking for opportunities to counter.  The Lakers appeared to have taken the lead late in the first half but, after consultation with his assistant, the referee deemed the play to be offside.

The second half saw more of the same as the Voyageurs were content letting the Lakers try to push the play.  In the 56th minute the Lakers tried to catch the Voyageurs' Connor Vande Weghe off his line, putting a long, looping shot on target but Vande Weghe, in a full sprint was able to get back to his net and punch the ball around the post.  Controversy struck in the 80th minute when the Lakers were awarded a penalty.  William Tsilkas stepped up and fired a shot low to Vande Weghe's left and the OUA saves leader was equal to the task, smothering the ball.  The assistant referee, however, deemed that Vande Weghe had come off his line before the ball was kicked and as a result, Vande Weghe was shown a yellow card and the kick was retaken.  This time, Tsilkas froze the keeper and chipped the shot past him to put the Lakers up 1-0.

The remaining 10 minutes was extremely spirited and saw more cards dished out and the removal of Laurentian bench boss, Carlo Castrechino.

The Voyageurs will now look to get ready for their two games next weekend when the RMC Paladins and Queen's Gaels come to town.  Kick off is scheduled for 2:15pm on both Saturday and Sunday.