It was a beautifully warm October Sunday afternoon at Algonquin College – Woodroffe Campus for the 6th annual Joe Leafloor Alumni Cup match (2nd Annual with Carleton being involved) between Algonquin College Alumni and Carleton University Alumni. After a loss in last year’s contest to a very good Algonquin Alumni team, this year’s clash saw a slightly stronger Ravens Alumni squad take a very close and occasionally chippy affair, 3-2.

Carleton Alumni opened the scoring with Andrew Latty burying after some good interplay from Joey Kewin and Peter “Pano” Manginas.  Algonquin would tie it up with, quite frankly, a well-deserved and cracking equalizer. Travis Chace saved a penalty kick midway through the first half, after a pretty no-doubter penalty call on Jorge Gutierrez, who got ball well after leg. Chace read Louis Legakis very well, providing a huge and timely stop.

After a few chances at both ends, Ravens Alum would give away a goal midway through the second half, on a second, perhaps more dubious penalty kick call. Algonquin did not miss this one and took a 2-1 lead.  Ravens upped the pressure and rookie Alumni, Andrew Bryan pounced on a Les Escobar mis-punch with the ball barely crossing the line to bring the game even with 20 minutes to play.

Carleton continued to pressure the Algonquin backline before the ever dangerous Andrew Latty did what he does best, score big goals. 3-2, Ravens win a close and intense affair.

Carleton Alumni went down to 10 men with the score tied late in the second half after Algonquin’s Jason Whiting (also former Raven – 2003) clattered Timothy “Timo” hard from behind resulting in a retaliatory head bump from Timothy, and subsequent red card. Whiting received a fortunate yellow for the tackle. Algonquin, however, would eventually be reduced to 10 men after one of their players received a second yellow card shortly thereafter. The rough play aside, the contest was played in the true spirit of the rivalry and the banter was generally friendly and brimming with collegiality.

The result, however, was really beside the point of the afternoon, which was to pay tribute to our fallen brothers and remember them by playing a match in their honour. Thanks to all those who participated and came out in support of this wonderful community event, bringing two of Ottawa’s most high profile soccer programs together through their respective alumni associations. Thank you also to the officiating crew; the two penalty kicks made it very exciting.

We missed Dianne Leafloor (Joe’s Mum) at the game this year, but she is always with us, a strong supporter and sent her best regards. All in all, a fantastic afternoon.; we came together, played hard, kicked each other a bit, scored some nice goals and had fun for you, Joe!

Carleton Alumni Team:

Andrew Latty  – Andrew Byran  –  Sam Rooney  – Pano  – Joey Kewin  – Alic Edgar  – Mintcho Mintchev – Roberto Guti  – Jorge Guti  – Travis Chace (gk)  – George Lobo  – Johnny Legakis  – Justin Campos – TIMO  – Yasser  – Ahmad Hamoudie  – Jeff Night – Ahmed Shalaby – Coach: Mike Hoefler, Historian: Stevie Ball.

*Special Shout-out to: Alex “AZ” for organizing and including Carleton in this meaning event.

Jobbie On

Your CSAA Executive