Thunder crush Cambrian

By Michelle Jondreau

jond0001@algonquincollege.com

The Algonquin men’s soccer team certainly played as though they had nothing to lose and everything to gain on Oct. 4, even though they are currently enjoying first place in their division.

It was a fast-paced game against Cambrian that was dominated by Algonquin from the very start. The Thunder players had possession of the ball the first half of the game, and expertly made a series of rushes up field that awarded them a goal at just four minutes into the game.

“When I first received the ball I noticed there was a lot of space to move, and got the goal even though I shot with my left foot,” said striker Michael Tjarera, who scored the first goal.

Tjarera said the reason Algonquin soundly defeated Cambrian 5-0 is because they make time to train hard everyday.

Another goal was scored 41 minutes into the game when striker Loui Legakis was awarded a free kick off the top of the penalty box. The ball curled into the left side of the net past the outstretched arms of the Cambrian goalkeeper.

“I had to step up and take the opportunity,” said Legakis of his goal.

Indeed, the Algonquin team played so well during the first half of the game that Cambrian was forced to switch goalkeepers half way through.

“We had to give him [the first goalkeeper] a rest for tomorrow’s game,” said Ed Veilleux, the Cambrian goalkeeper during the second half of the game.

At the start of the second half it looked as though Cambrian might make a significant turnaround when they gained possession of the ball, but it wasn’t long before Algonquin changed their luck.

Fifty-six minutes into the game, striker Bruno Mota blasted the ball right between the legs of the Cambrian goalkeeper to score the third goal of the night. The 30 or so fans who had gathered despite the cold October night cheered loudly for him.

The next goal of the night, at 76 minutes by midfielder Edwin Moran, was not as impressive as it was a weak shot that just slid past the goalkeeper.

“I’ve been tired since yesterday’s game,” said Moran.

The last goal of the night came at 79 minutes into the game and was scored again by Mota, who got the goal on a semi-breakaway.

The head coach of Algonquin, Mike Caruso, said his team played well because they had total possession of the ball, but he does have some pointers for his players for their next game against St. Lawrence on Oct. 8.