Men's soccer draws with Carleton at home opener

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team opened their Varsity Stadium home schedule with a 2–2 draw against the Carleton Ravens on Sunday (Aug. 31) afternoon.

Toronto struck first in the 26th minute after forcing a Ravens penalty. Jordan Grey stepped up with confidence and buried his spot kick to give the Blues the first lead of the game. Carleton pressed hard but were repeatedly denied by Blues goalkeeper Filip Zendelek, who recorded seven saves to keep Toronto in front at the half.

Carleton equalized early in the second half on a goal by Brady Curkovic, but Toronto responded just five minutes later, with Grey leading the charge. The first-year forward created space before banking a shot off a Ravens defender at 62', restoring the Blues lead at 2–1. The Ravens tied the game in the 82nd minute when Adrijan Vranjkovic capitalized on a loose ball in the box. The Blues continued pushing forward late, with Mehdi Essoussi firing just wide in stoppage time, but the match ended level at 2–2.

This draw gives both the Blues and Ravens a 1-0-1 (W-L-T) on the season.

The Blues are back in action at Varsity Stadium on Sunday (Sept. 7) at 3:15 p.m., taking on the Queen's Gaels. Tickets are free for U of T students and can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets and the game can be streamed online via oua.tv.