Miguel Da Rocha scored the only goal of the game just in time to give the Mount Royal Cougars a 1-0 win over the York Lions in the last quarterfinal game of the 2023 U SPORTS men's soccer championships in Sydney, N.S. on Thursday night.
Entering as a substitute at the start of the second half, Da Rocha's header in the 89th minute sent the corner kick from Finn Marshall, who entered the game four minutes prior, into the back of the net for the game-clinching goal.
It was a very physical game, with two yellow cards and 15 fouls called on each team. The Lions took four shots with one on goal in each half, but the Cougars were much more aggressive attacking in the second half, taking seven shots with six on goal in just the final 45 minutes.
Mount Royal 'keeper Aidan Dumolin only had to make two saves to get the shutout, while Alessio Carbone made five saves on the night for York, including a great save off a header by Josh Flaksman in stoppage time, but just could not find the ball on the game-deciding header by Da Rocha.
The Cougars will face the Cape Breton Capers in the second of two semifinal matches tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic), while the Lions will play the UQTR Patriotes in the second consolation game at 1:30 p.m.
Nike Team players of the game:
- Mount Royal: Miguel Da Rocha
- York: Agostino Principato