Men’s soccer opened their season with a 2-0 victory over the Carleton Ravens Wednesday in Ottawa. It was the team’s first win against Carleton since October 2009.

Midfielder Andrew Colosimo netted an early header, while rookie midfielder Peter Christidis converted a second half penalty kick to secure a 2-0 Gaels win. Second-year goalkeeper Dylan Maxwell recorded the shutout in his first career start.

This was the team’s first win against Carleton since October 2009. Head coach Chris Gencarelli said the team’s defensive preparation was the key to their success.

“We were quite organized defensively all around,” he said. “They had their chances, they kept punching it forward but we were prepared for it.”

The Gaels finished fourth in the OUA last season. Gencarelli, who added seven rookies this season, said the team needs to gel quickly.

“This team is really as good as it plays together,” he said. “If the guys buy into what we’re trying to do, then we will be successful.”

Colosimo said he was happy to see the first year players contribute so early in the season. “Every young player that went in played really well,” he said. “They held their own great, if not did more of what was expected of them.”

The Ravens came into the game unbeaten, after having won against the U of T Varsity Blues, defending Ontario champions, and the Ryerson Rams in Toronto last weekend. “I hope it raises the expectations for us because you’ve got to strive for big things,” Colosimo said. “Hopefully we can keep it up from here on out.”