Despite showing one of their top first-half performances of the season, the Ravens suffered several defensive setbacks in a 3-0 loss to the Ryerson Rams, ending their season early.

In an intense third encounter between the two sides this season, the fixture lived up to its billing as both teams adopted a very aggressive approach to the game.

In the 7th minute, Ryerson’s Nick Lambis got his side on the board first following a defensive error by the Ravens. Shortly after the Rams goal, Carleton’s
“Big Man” Bryan had a fantastic opportunity to even the game, but he was denied at the last second by Rams keeper Praveen Ahilan.

Still down a goal, Carleton established a greater physical presence in an attempt to draw one back. The Ravens were handed three yellow cards as a result of their trademark tough play, failing to find the net before the end of the half.

The Ravens struggled out of the gate to begin the second half as Ryerson elevated their play looking to closeout the match quickly. Rams midfielder Nick Lambis played the antagonist once again as he doubled Ryerson’s lead in the 50th minute to extend their lead. Ravens forward Daud “Chris Bosh” Dahir came back with a timely scoring chance, but once again it was Ahilan who kept the Ravens at bay. The OUA East regular season winners added one more goal for good measure in the 77th minute courtesy of forward Jamie Baker.

Two Carleton players, Theo Lopez de Castilla and Tristan St Pierre saw red cards in the game’s final minute. A disappointing end to the year for the Ravens, their strong regular season did not result in a lengthy playoff run.

“We gifted them three early Christmas presents,” said Ravens head coach Sandy Mackie. “The result certainly flatters them.”

Though the Ravens conceded early on, Mackie said that he was proud of how the team started the game.

“The first half was one of the best performances all season,” described Mackie, the Ravens men’s soccer coach for the past 23 years.

Carleton ends the season with a record of 9-3-6, including a 1-1 playoff record.

The Ryerson Rams move on to the OUA Final Four where they will face the McMaster Marauders with a place in the CIS National Championship on the line. The University of Toronto Varsity Blues defeated the Queen’s Golden Gaels 1-0 in their OUA Quarter Final matchup to advance to the OUA Final Four where they will face the 2014 CIS National Champions – York Yeomen (aka Lions). York will host the OUA Final Four – November 7-8; and the upcoming CIS Nationals – November 12 to 15, 2015.