2009 Season Recap

Blessed with a roster that included several key veterans, the Voyageurs men’s soccer team (2009) bolted from the gates, winning their first five games to start the season.

Led by the likes of CIS All-Star keeper Scott Cliff, fifth year midfielder Daniel Keir and transfer Dan Mazzuca, Laurentian climbed into the CIS rankings for the first time in a decade.

Key injuries down the stretch caused the team to struggle somewhat, with the Voyageurs holding on to fourth place in the East and home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

An exciting 2-1 shootout win over Ryerson would give way to a tough loss to the University of Toronto, the second straight year the northern lads would be eliminated in OUA East semi-final action by the powerful Blues.

While long-time head coach Carlo Castrechino had targeted a top two finish at the outset of the campaign, he walked away pleased, in general, with the performance of his troops.

“I would say that I was quite happy with the season overall”, noted Castrechino. “We had a great three quarters of a season, ran into some key injuries and it kind of snowballed from there.”

The team’s performance was recognized league-wide as Castrechino is honoured as OUA East Coach of the Year. Cliff, Mazzuca and Keir all work their way onto the first all-star team, while defender Dave Hysen is rewarded with a berth on the second all-star team.