It’s been a roller coaster ride in the past few weeks for Sudbury’s premier men’s soccer team in the Ontario Provincial League, Division 1. After thinking it had secured a berth in the league for next season, the Cyclones learned just two days later it’s destined to play a relegation game against Cambridge, a Division 2 team, Saturday night at Cambrian College Field beginning at 7:30. A Sudbury win allows the Cyclones to remain in Division 1, while a loss sends the team down to Division 2 next season. Following a practice Wednesday night at the pitch, assistant coach Evan Phillips said the team will play shorthanded since several players will suit up for Laurentian University on Sunday and can’t play or practise with the Cyclones. But Phillips said he’s not deterred and will rely on callups from either Division 2 or Division 3 Cyclones men’s teams. “It’s not perfect, but we’ll make the best of it even playing with a thinner roster including three or four call-ups,” Phillips said. “Morale is good, and we have two regular Cyclone players from Nipissing University in North Bay that have been given the go-ahead to play with us Saturday.” Phillips isn’t taking the game lightly. He said the Cyclones can expect to see a young team that’s bolstered by talent from the University of Waterloo. “They’re a good attacking team with youth and speed that finished second in Division 2 season play,” he said. Phillips is expecting a tough, but good game and likes his back 3 to protect Sudbury keeper Connor Vande Weghe, who has played outstanding goal for the Cyclones this season. Phillips is guiding the team with head coach Giuseppe Politi on holidays.
