CAPERS ADVANCE TO NATIONAL SEMIFINALS!

GUELPH, Ont. (U Sports) -- The second-seeded Cape Breton University Capers advanced to the U Sports men's soccer semi-final after defeating the University of Toronto Varsity Blues 1-0 in extra time.  The Atlantic champs will now face the Alberta Golden Bears who surprised the defending national champions, York University Lions, earlier in the day.  

First team All Canadian, and German native, Joel Eckert Ayensa, finally broke the 0-0 deadlock with a rocket to the top corner on a penalty kick in the 111^th minute.  With Eckert-Ayensa chasing down the ball, he was met by Varsity Blues midfielder, Harry Michelis.  The two collided in the box and a penalty kick was awarded to the Capers, while Michelis, in disbelief, received a yellow card.  Eckert-Ayensa himself was worried his shot might bounce out.  

"It was the right call," said University of Toronto head coach, Anthony Capotosto.  "It was a 50/50 ball inside the box and if you don't come out of it on the right end, it's a penalty." 

The Capers controlled much of the possession in the first half and generated the best scoring chance with third year Ireland native, Stuart Heath unable to get his long distance shot past the arms of U of T goalkeeper, Mark Rogal (Vaughan, Ont.).  Both teams played a strong defensive first half, limiting the number of chances by their opponent.  

The game opened up in the second half with both teams generating scoring chances. Cape Breton had maybe their best chance in the 61^st minute, with leading scorer and first team All Canadian, Eckert-Ayensa being taken down in the box with no call.  Toronto had a strong chance in the 66^th minute after the ball fell to an open spot in the 18 yard box, and a sliding Michelis got a strong shot on goal, but right at Capers keeper, Jamie Wilson (Dunbar, SCO).  Toronto defensemen Kenny Lioutas (Toronto, Ont.) maybe came the closest to scoring in regulation time as he blasted a free kick just over the crossbar in the 85^th minute.  

Eckert-Ayensa figured a goal would come off of a set piece or a penalty kick. "Toronto made it hard for us.  They sat back and defended very well. We tried to hold the ball, keep possession and get our chances."  

Blues goalkeeper, Mark Rogal was named player of the game for U of T who was terrific all game, making key saves, and also cutting off crosses from all over the field, all game long.  Forward Cory Bent (Preston, UK), who always seemed to be around the ball in the attacking half, was named player of game for Cape Breton.  

Up next the Cape Breton Capers will advance to the semi-finals against the Alberta Golden Bears on Saturday (Nov. 12) at 11:00 a.m. The X will face the York Lions tomorrow (Nov. 11) at 11:00 a.m.

SCORING SUMMARY: 

TOR 0-0-0-0
CBU: 0-0-0-1

First Half
(No scoring)

Second Half
(No scoring)

Extra Time (2 x 15 mins)

1. Joel Eckert-Ayensa (1), 110:12

Goalkeepers:
CBU: Jamie Wilson (W 0 GA, 4 save, 120:00, 1-0)

TOR: Mark Rogal (L 1 GA, 3 save, 120:00, 0-1)

Team Stats
Shots: CBU 7, TOR 6

Shots on net: CBU 4, TOR 3
Corners: CBU 5, TOR 2
Offsides: CBU 0, TOR 0
Fouls: CBU 0, TOR 0
Yellow cards: Lucas Macnaughten (TOR), Nikola Stakic (TOR), Mark Rogal (TOR), Trey Bean (CBU)

Red cards: None

Players of the game:

CBU: Cory Bent

TOR: Mark Rogal