LONDON, Ont. - The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks men's soccer team opened their preseason on the road with a 2-1 loss versus the Western Mustangs on Friday aftermoon.

Facing off against the defending OUA bronze medalist Mustangs, a young Ridgebacks squad was able to keep things even through the first 60 minutes of action. Early game action was highlighted by a spectacular save from fourth-year goalkeeper Nicholas Miller (Oshawa, Ont.) who turned aside a strong Mustang effort in the 10th minute.

Second-year midfielder Brolin Masuhara (Burnaby, B.C.) scored the lone goal for the Ridgebacks, sending an impressive shot past the Mustangs keeper to tally his first goal in the blue and orange.

"We are a young squad so even with the result it was important for us to face this level of competition prior to the start of our season," noted Ontario Tech head coach Peyvand Mossavat. "I'm happy with where we are right now but I know we still have to progress even more before our first match of the season next weekend against Carleton. We will continue to work on cutting out avoidable mistakes and on bringing our guys together as a cohesive unit."

Ontario Tech will continue to fine tune their performance with another exhibition contest this Sunday, Aug. 25 against the York Lions. Following their match against the defending OUA champion Lions, the Ridgebacks will return home to Vaso's Field for the 2019 season opener against the visiting Carleton Ravens. The Sunday, Sept. 1 contest is scheduled to kick off at 2:15 p.m.
 

RIDGEBACKS AT A GLANCE

Overall Record: 0-1-0 (W-L-D)
Conference Record: 0-0-0
 
Season Opener: Sunday, Sept. 1 vs. Carleton Ravens (2:15 p.m. – Vaso's Field)

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