Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The Algoma Thunderbirds women’s and men’s soccer team hosted the Guelph Gryphons for a weekend doubleheader at Superior Heights over the September 5th to 7th weekend, battling through two tough contests.
Game One (Women’s) (September 5)
In Friday’s match, the Thunderbirds held their own early before Guelph’s offense broke through. Pennington was outstanding between the posts, making 11 saves in a high-pressure game. Defenders Madalyn Clement and Berlyn Killoran worked tirelessly to disrupt Guelph’s attack, while Algoma registered attempts from Clement and Killoran. Despite their efforts, the Gryphons pulled away in the second half for a 6-0 result.
Final Score: Algoma 0 – 6 Guelph
AUSU Player of the Game: Paisley Pennington
Game Two (Women’s) (September 7)
Sunday’s rematch was a stronger defensive showing from Algoma, as the Thunderbirds tightened their shape and frustrated Guelph’s offense for long stretches. Pennington delivered another remarkable performance, this time with 13 saves, keeping Algoma within reach throughout. Berlyn Killoran and substitute Julia Mazzuca provided offensive sparks, each generating attempts that tested Guelph’s backline.
Although the Gryphons secured a 2-0 victory, the Thunderbirds showed improvement and determination from game one to game two.
Final Score: Algoma 2 – 0 Guelph
AUSU Player of the Game: Samantha Mazzuca
The Algoma Thunderbirds men’s soccer team hosted the Guelph Gryphons this past weekend at Superior Heights, battling through two intense matches that showcased grit, determination, and standout play from key veterans. After a tough 1–0 loss on Friday, the Thunderbirds bounced back with a resilient defensive effort to secure a 0–0 draw on Saturday, marking a positive step forward in their young season.
Game One (Men’s) (September 5)
In their home opener, the Thunderbirds went toe-to-toe with a deep Guelph roster. Keeper Anthony Berganza was sensational, turning aside 10 saves to keep Algoma in the contest. The defense, anchored by Nicolas Palmeiro and Ethan Mendes De Franca, absorbed heavy pressure as Guelph fired 25 total shots.
Algoma generated offense through Theo Hampton, who led the team with four attempts, while Alessandro Cenedese and Dhiraj Joshi both tested the Gryphons’ keeper. Despite their efforts, Guelph finally broke through in the 76th minute on a well-placed strike, handing Algoma a narrow 1–0 defeat.
Final Score: Algoma 0 – 1 Guelph
AUSU Player of the Game: Gabriel Etienne
Game Two (Men’s) (September 7)
On Sunday, the Thunderbirds regrouped and delivered one of their strongest defensive performances in recent memory. Berganza was once again the star, producing nine saves en route to his first clean sheet of the season.
The Thunderbirds also pushed forward with greater consistency, tallying 13 shots overall and forcing the Gryphons’ keeper into three saves. Strikers Brett Findlay and Gabriel Etienne each came close to breaking the deadlock, while Ethan Mendes De Franca and Theo Hampton provided steady pressure from the flanks.
The final whistle sealed a well-earned 0–0 draw, a result that underscored Algoma’s defensive resilience and ability to respond after a tough loss.
Final Score: Algoma 0 – 0 Guelph
AUSU Player of the Game: Ethan Mendes De Franca
Check out Freeze Frame Photos by Bob Davies photo galleries of the Guelph Gryphons vs Algoma Thunderbirds of game two of the weekend in men’s OUA action.
The Thunderbirds hit the road for the first time this season to compete against the Western Mustangs on Sunday September 14th at 1:00 p.m and 3:15 p.m.
Source: Algoma Thunderbirds Athletics
