BY SCOTT
HADDOW
It's do-or-die Wednesday for the Laurentian University men's
and women's soccer teams.
The two clubs hit the pitch today at Laurentian for a pair of
home playoff games.
The men take to the field at noon to face off against Trent
University, while the Lady Vees take on the University of
Toronto at 2 pm.
Both teams earned their home playoff games during the last
weekend of regular season play.
The men finished fourth overall in the OUA East Division with a
record of 5-4-5. Trent finished fifth with a record of
4-6-4.
The women placed fourth overall in the OUA East Division with a
record of 7-3-6. Toronto finished fifth with a record of 5-5-6.
For the men, they taste post-season action for the first time
since 2004. The men tied Trent this past weekend, 2-2.
Laurentian beat Trent 2-1 in the only other match-up this season. The biggest issue with the men's team is scoring goals.
"For success...aside from raising our intensity level, I would
like us to score a few more goals," said head coach Carlo
Castrechino. "We're creating chances, but just not finishing
the opportunities we have. Goals will be harder to come by, so
capitalizing on our chances would be key. Our ball possession
and passing has been really good for us of late. That, mixed
with our work ethic, should help us in the playoffs. We also
need to tighten up on our defensive assignments. Fans can
expect some good soccer out of both teams. Trent is very
similar to us."
Castrechino is expecting his few veterans to shine through in
the playoffs.
"We have some vets with playoff experience such as Patrick
Murphy, Mike Asunmaa, Dan Keir and Tony Tagliafeirro...who,
combined with goal keeper Guerillmo Estrada, will be key for
us," said the bench boss.
After a less than stellar 2005 season, making the playoffs was
the right medicine for the Voyageurs.
"It means we had a fairly successful season," said Castrechino.
"Our goal was to make the playoffs, but getting the home field
game as well was a bonus.
"Considering the season we had last year, this year gives us
hope for the future. Our guys had a never-quit attitude all
year and with a few breaks, we could have won more games
instead of tying them."
The Voyageurs could be without fourth year forward Trevor
Cuddy, who has missed the last three games with an ankle
injury. He will be a game time decision.
For the women, the team is looking to build off last year's
post season success. The team held a home playoff game and won
last year before bowing out in the following round.
Laurentian and Toronto played twice this season and decided
nothing. Both games ended in 0-0 draws.
The Lady Vees enter the playoffs on a high, having won their
past three games. This included a 7-2 drubbing of Nipissing and
a big 1-0 win over the No. 2 ranked team in Canada, Ottawa
University.
The women will need big performances from players such Erica
Duczeminski and Caitlin Kelly. Duczeminski led the team in
goals with seven, which tied her for seventh overall in the
OUA. Kelly buried five tallies to finish second on the team in
goals.
The Lady Vees not only want to win this first playoff game, but
also take a long run through the competition during the post
season.
"We're definitely shooting to win OUA and go to Victoria (where
the national championship game will be played)," said defender
Sally Parent. "Everyone is close in the standings, so making
the OUA final four is realistic for us."
Laurentian Athletics announced soccer players Asunmaa and
Duczeminski as the Keg Steakhouse and Bar Athlete's of the Week
for October 16 to the 22.
Asunmaa had a wonderful week playing the midfield for the
Voyageurs soccer team.  Not only did he win balls
defensively for his side, but assisted in many offensive
chances as well.  Asunmaa's work ethic and on-field
intelligence will be a very important part of the Voyageurs
playoff success.
Duczeminski has been a force in the OUA for a while now, and
continued to do so over the past week.  After dominating
the mid-field in a 7-2 win over the Nipissing Lakers,
Duczeminski notched her seventh goal of the season against
Trent on Saturday, a goal that won her team the game.  An
OUA all-star last season, Duczeminski will be an integral part
of the Lady Vees' playoff successes.
