The wait came to an end in 2019.
For the first time in 25 years, the Lambton Lions Men’s Soccer Team earned themselves a spot in the OCAA Playoffs by way of a strong finish to the regular season. Yes, they received a little bit of help along the way, but they earned themselves a Crossover Game when others counted them out.
The Lions posted a 3-5-1 record on the year, which was good enough for a sixth-place finish in the West Division standings. Down the stretch, the Lions controlled their own destiny when it came to a spot in the playoffs.
Lambton picked up back-to-back wins in their final two games to secure the sixth spot, and they were off to the OCAA Crossover Games as a result.
While the Lions would fall to the Durham Lords in the Crossover Game, 3-1, Lambton was right there for a full 90 minutes. The Lords would eventually go onto win the 2019 CCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship.
The 2019 season saw several young stars emerge for the Lions on the field. From rookies Mitch McAuley and Adrian Waszak combining for six of the team’s 10 goals throughout the regular season, to keeper Ky Doung asserting himself as a name to watch and Aaran Pollock completing a healthy season, there were several standout performances and story lines from the season.
With a slew of standout first-year players this season, the future is undoubtedly bright for the Men’s Soccer program.
As we look back at the year that was, it’s time to honour some of those standout players for their efforts on the field.
Here are this year’s Men’s Soccer award winners:
Most Dedicated ‘Glue Guy’: Brayden Horseman
From Coaches Shane Bettridge and Adam Lakey:
“There is probably no bigger compliment that a player can receive than when his teammates want him to be recognized for his contributions. For the first time, we were approached by players on the team asking if a teammate could receive an award and Adam and I couldn't agree more. It has been amazing to see how Brayden has grown over the past 2 years. His skill on the field continues to progress which was demonstrated throughout our Fall season. His hard work and dedication to the sport was also displayed in our inaugural indoor soccer season. In training, in meetings, and in games, Brayden is that essential but often overlooked player that all successful teams need to have. Simply put, he helps keep everyone together and moving in the same direction. His positive attitude, sacrificial nature and contributions on and off the field have clearly not gone unnoticed by his teammates. He is a leader, a positive influence and key part of the chemistry that allowed this team to experience the success that it did. There is no other way to put it, Brayden Horseman is our “glue guy”.
Adam Aiello Award: Aaran Pollock
From Coaches Shane Bettridge and Adam Lakey:
“This is an extremely important award for the Men’s Soccer team. The Adam Aiello is in memory of a former student-athlete that we tragically lost in 2013. Each year the award changes a little, but overall it is meant to be given to a student athlete that demonstrates character, leadership, resiliency and brings those traits to our team.
This year the award goes to Aaran Pollock. In his time at Lambton College, Aaran has been plagued with injuries which limited his playing time significantly. These injuries may have led other student-athletes to give up. Even while injured Aaran played a key role in how the team functioned and was a leader. Through his continued perseverance and determination, he returned to the field this last year becoming one of our captains. Having Aaran around is like having another coach. Our connection to Aaran as a player goes all the way back to his high school playing days. We have been able to witness firsthand his understanding of tactics and how the game should be played. But, on top of that he understands the importance of teamwork, team spirit and as a leader he embodies the character and resiliency that makes him an ideal recipient of the Adam Aiello award.”
Co-Rookie of the Year: Adrian Waszak
From Coaches Shane Bettridge and Adam Lakey:
“Adrian is the type of player that you absolutely love to coach. An extremely skilled and versatile player, Adrian wants to make a difference in the biggest moments and enjoys the responsibility that goes along with that. His skill set provided us the opportunity to put him in every position when needed. Adrian also chipped in with vital goals throughout the season. He scored twice against St. Clair College to help secure our first playoff berth in 25 years and he scored the tying goal in our crossover game against Durham, the eventual National Champs.”
Co-Rookie of the Year: Mitchell McAuley
From Coaches Shane Bettridge and Adam Lakey:
“Mitchell McAuley might be one of the best players we have seen at heading the ball, not because of his size, but because of his will and determination. Going against defenders that often towered above him, his tenacity and desire to get the ball led to him scoring a number of tremendous and timely goals. Overall, Mitchell was our leading scorer this year. But more importantly, he seamlessly fit into the team structure, took on whatever role he was asked and provided an edge and spark that often motivated his teammates.
We are extremely excited to have both players back next year. Throughout the season they both were dynamic on the pitch and provided that finishing touch at the biggest moments of our season.”
Most Valuable Player: Andrew Moxley
From Coaches Shane Bettridge and Adam Lakey:
“It is important if a team is going to be successful that it develops an identity. This identity defines them and gives them something to turn to in times of adversity. Our team this year was resilient, determined and composed. The identity of this team is embodied in first year player and MVP Andrew Moxley.
Andrew was the anchor for our defense. He organized our team tactically and his combination of intelligence and skill gave us a platform for success. He is a vocal leader, the voice of reason before, during and after games. He had the ability to cut through the noise and allow for everyone around him to see things more clearly. He is the type of person that inspires those around him. His leadership style helped foster a family type team dynamic that Adam and I haven't seen in quite some time.
There is no one that wants to win more than Andrew. He is someone who leads by example and is willing to give everything he has until the very end of a match or a training session. We look forward to what’s to come under his leadership.”