OSHAWA, Ont. - The UOIT Ridgebacks men's soccer team dropped a hard fought 2-0 exhibition contest versus the Western Mustangs on Friday afternoon (Aug. 17) at the Oshawa Civic. The contest was called early due to lightning in the area.

UOIT showed plenty of promise in their preseason debut, forcing several Mustangs turnovers, while controlling the middle of the pitch. Veteran forward Andrea Cicciarella was dominant on the right wing, providing a key outlet down the line before turning into a setup man for various Ridgeback strikers.

Striker George Meditskos was nearly the beneficiary of two of these opportunities, nearly missing out on a header which was snatched by Western keeper Kody Thomson before also sending a show just wide of the keepers post shortly after.

For the Mustangs, counter-attack proved to be the best means of offence as Carlos Buitrago was able to break free for a goal in the 17th minute, with an insurance marker for Western coming just just minutes before the contest was called in the 55th.

The Ridgebacks will look to maintain their strong attack while shoring up defensive measure versus the counter with another preseason match set for this Sunday, Aug. 19 versus the visiting Windsor Lancers. The contest is scheduled for a 3:15 p.m. kickoff, with action once again scheduled to be taking place at the Oshawa Civic.

UOIT will begin their 2018 OUA regular season campaign on Saturday, Aug. 25 on the road versus the Ryerson Rams.

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