The Queen’s men’s soccer team has had a difficult start to the year, enduring close losses to difficult competition in the wake of important departures over the off-season. 

Last year’s team captain Cam Mackinnon and stalwart defender Chris Meyer were both forced out of action this year by injuries, and their leadership has been missed as the Gaels work through their early-season woes.

The men have had to face Ryerson and the University of Toronto in back-to-back games in back-to-back weekends. Ryerson is ranked fifth nationally, while Toronto is ranked seventh.

In spite of the calibre of their opponents, the Gaels have held their own. Besides their initial 4-1 loss to Ryerson, each game has been decided by just one goal.

In their game against Ryerson last Saturday, that goal was off a lightning-fast counterstrike, catching the Gaels as they were off on a chance of their own. In their game against Toronto last Sunday, that goal was a fluky penalty shot in the third minute of play.

This is all to say, don’t count the Gaels out yet.

The defence has shown flashes of brilliance and the players have been demonstrating phenomenal effort swarming the ball.

The midfield has also been a bright point, with Michael Chang and Nick Alie Day churning out productive runs.

The strikers are primarily rookies. With games against easier competition in RMC and Trent this weekend, they might finally have a chance to get in their groove. The Gaels spent all week working on their offensive game after being shut out by Ryerson and Toronto last weekend, so expect an end to their scoring drought.

And with the looming return from injury of veterans Nicholas Theodorakakis, Noah Campagna, and Tyler Gowdy, the Gaels will finally enjoy having some depth.

The men will take on the RMC Paladins this Saturday, and Trent on Sunday at 3:15 p.m. in Richardson Stadium.