GUELPH, Ont. — The Alberta Golden Bears are champions for a fifth time in school history.
The Golden Bears defeated the UQAM Citadins 1-0 on Sunday in Canadian men’s soccer action to capture the Sam Davidson Memorial Trophy.
Fourth-year midfielder Ajay Khabra had the match-winner, a header in the 58th minute, to give the Canada West champs their first title since 2006.
"This is an unbelievable group of players," said Alberta coach Len Vickery. "Right from the get go, they found ways to win. They surprised us right out of the gate, they kept on winning. Even in the toughest of tough games, they would always sneak a goal or if we were down one, they would score two.
"I don’t know how they do it, but we would like it to keep going forever and ever."
UQAM was making its fourth-ever U Sports tournament appearance and suffered its first defeat of the season against Alberta.
Earlier in the day, Rookie midfielder Alexander Zis scored twice as the top-seeded Guelph Gryphons downed the Cape Breton University Capers 3-0 for the bronze medal.
Zis buried a free kick in the 29th minute and struck again in the 51st for the OUA champions.
Chris Jacovou scored Guelph’s third goal in the 86th minute and goalkeeper Ben Carinci kept a clean sheet with four stops.
Gryphons senior Ethan Danielli, a late sub playing in his final match, struck the post with a hard shot. Captain Justin Springer was also playing in his last match and received a warm ovation from the home crowd when he was subbed off just before added time.
"It was very gratifying to score today just to help the team win the medal in Ethan and Springer’s last game," said Zis.