ALGONQUIN 4, SHERIDAN 2

WELLAND, Ont. - Game one of the 2014 belairdirect OCAA Men's Soccer Championship saw the CCAA's top ranked Algonquin Thunder defeat the Sheridan Bruins 4-2 at Youngs SportsPlex in Welland, Ont.

The Thunder enjoyed an outstanding second half, scoring three unanswered goals. The team overcame a 2-1 halftime deficit to advance to the OCAA championship game being held Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Bruins stormed out of the gate in the early stages of the match. Recently named OCAA rookie of the year Raheem Edwards scored just nine minutes into the game. The goal was Edwards' 10th of the 2014 season.

Mississauga native Molham Babouli would stretch the Bruins lead to two in the 35th minute, but from that point on the game simply belonged to the Thunder.

The turning point of the contest proved to be a foul in the penalty area during added time of the opening frame. On the ensuing penalty kick, 2013 OCAA player of the year Abe Kamara (Guinea) converted on his attempt, pulling the Thunder to within one at the half.

The Thunder looked like a different team after halftime. Kamara tied the game just three minutes after the opening whistle, before 2014 OCAA defensive player of the year Isaac Johnson gave Algonquin their first lead in the 51st minute. Johnson converted on a high header off a free kick.

The two teams traded scoring opportunities for the remainder of the game until Algonquin sealed the victory with a goal in the 92nd minute by Ottawa native Trevor Turner.

The player of the game awards were presented to 2014 OCAA player of the year Stephane Emard (Algonquin) and Khody Ellis (Sheridan).

The Thunder will now face the winner of the semi-final game between the Durham Lords and Humber Hawks in the OCAA gold medal game, while the Bruins will square off against the losing team for the bronze medal.

Source: Niagara College