ACAC Mens Soccer Championships Game One

Game 1

Oct. 24, 2025 – The King's University Eagles came out strong in the opening minutes, setting the tone early with confident ball movement and offensive pressure. Their efforts paid off at the 6:40 mark when #18 Tim Oyeleye (second year, Igbogila, Nigeria) found the back of the net off a well-placed pass from #7 Selemani Seif Jr. (fourth year, Huntsville, Alta.), giving the Eagles an early 1–0 lead. Both teams exchanged scoring chances in the following minutes, with end-to-end action and quality saves keeping the score tight. At the 24-minute mark, The King's University extended their advantage as #15 Noah Bilodeau (fifth year, Parkland County, Alta.) capitalized on a rebound after a powerful shot from #10 Patrick Oliveira (fifth year, São Paulo, Brazil) hit the crossbar, doubling the lead to 2–0.

The momentum shifted when Medicine Hat College earned a penalty kick at the 28th minute. #12 Joao Cintra stepped up and converted from the spot to bring the Rattlers back within one. The goal ignited intensity across the field, and following a brief scuffle in front of the net, The King's University was issued a yellow card. Just nine minutes later, the Rattlers continued to press and were rewarded when their captain, #8 Tata Mugisha (fifth year, Moose Jaw, Sask.), buried the equalizer to level the match at 2–2. Refusing to lose momentum before halftime, The King's University regained control as Oliveira, unassisted, fired a shot past the keeper just before the break to put the Eagles back in front.

Medicine Hat College came out of the locker room determined, immediately applying pressure to the Eagles' back line. Their persistence paid off quickly when, at the 48th minute and 45th second, #9 Aleksa Bijelic (first year, Moose Jaw, Sask.) scored unassisted to tie the game once again at 3–3. The intensity continued throughout the half, with both sides exchanging dangerous attacks and showing tremendous composure in transition. As the match wore on, fatigue and tension were evident, with neither team willing to concede an inch.

In the final moments of regulation, Medicine Hat College capitalized on a late opportunity. At the 90th minute, #11 Davi Amorim (third year, Fortaleza, Brazil) scored the decisive goal, assisted by #7 Aminja Abbe (fifth year, Calgary), completing the Rattlers' comeback and sealing the victory. The late strike stunned The King's University, who had led most of the match, while the Rattlers celebrated a dramatic 4–3 win to advance to the semifinals.

ACAC Players of the Match:

MHC: #23 Matheus Tavares
TKU: #18 Tim Oyeleye