The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer team enters the 2023 campaign with a focus on both sides of the pitch.

Last season the Blues proved to be one of the most stout defensive units in the province, finishing fourth in the OUA in goals allowed, conceding just eight total goals over 12 regular season matches. While looking to maintain their defensive superiority, Toronto will place an added emphasis on their strategy of attack and set piece delivery this fall.

FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"We have added a new group of recruits that will add quality and experience around the pitch, but especially in the central midfield area. As well, some of the younger players from last season have improved and we will be looking for them to contribute significantly this season. Goal scoring was an area we needed to improve on over the last two years, and we have added players in those positions. So far, pre-season training camp has been positive, and the team is optimistic about the upcoming season."

• Ilya Orlov, University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's soccer head coach.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returners: Jacob Maurutto-Robinson (D), Russell Stewart (MF), Shon Siegelwachs (D/MF)

Key Additions: Andrea Schifano (MF), Ife Adenuga (MF), Mehdi Essoussi (MF), Max Campeau (GK)

LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Goals: Stefano Capano | 12 GP, 4 G

Assists: Artem Tesker | 11 GP, 3 A

Saves: Ben Grondin | 8 GP, 54 SV

FROM THE FIELD
"I think we have a very talented team with a good mix of older and more experienced players, alongside a group of quality and hungry first-year players ready to compete at this level. I believe this team can compete for a spot at the national championship and I'm excited to get the season underway." 

• Jacob Maurutto-Robinson, 5^th year, Defender

MARQUEE GAMES
September 10 vs. Nipissing
After opening the season on the road, the Varsity Blues return home to Varsity Stadium for their first outing on home turf. A burgeoning soccer program, the opponents from North Bay will be a tough matchup as they have claimed victory by one goal in the last three meetings between the two sides. The recent success for Nipissing comes after a string of 11-straight wins for the Blue and White over the Lakers between 2015 and 2021.

October 1 vs. Queen's
Beginning a run of three straight home games for U of T, the Blues will be riding momentum versus the Gaels as they have claimed four straight victories over Queen's by a combined score of 10-3. This success versus the Tri-colour includes a convincing 3-0 shutout win for at Varsity Stadium on the same exact day a year ago in 2022, lucky October 1.

October 15 at Laurentian
This late-season showdown in Sudbury against the Voyageurs may prove pivotal in the postseason race. The match will be the second of the season between the two teams, coming just eight days after their prior meeting in Toronto. The familiarity during the season should be an added benefit for the Varsity Blues who will look to add to their 24-1-6 (W-L-D) record versus Laurentian dating back to 2008.

GET YOUR TICKETS
Game tickets can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets.

All Varsity Blues home soccer games will also be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.