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It's a day many OAP fans will soon want to forget. That wicked deflection off the wall from the free kick on the final play of the game. As the ball found the back of the net, fans all across Guelph were in shock. And then the questioning began.

Before we get to the final play, it is first important to look at how OAP found themselves in that scenario. OAP were placed in a tough division with 4 active managers. Despite this they managed to win their division however were the lowest ranked division winner due to points and goal differential. Their opponent, Bordeaux, was in a group with two inactive teams and thus were the highest seeded second place finisher. Alas, the two Canadian I.1 rivals met in the first knockout round.

Game one in Guelph went 1-0 on a goal by Ethan Purdon. Despite the fact Bordeaux dominated the play OAP was able to secure the home win, showing class and experience holding Bordeaux off in the final half.

Game two was in Bordeaux. Twelve minutes in Bordeaux was on the board. It only took OAP eight minutes to respond with a PK goal of their own at the hands of Ethan Purdon. At this point, OAP was up 2-1 on aggregate and had the first tie-breaker, away goals, in the bag with 1 scored to Bordeaux's none. The chess match continued through to the 66' when Bordeaux made it 2-1. At this point, OAP would still advance on the away goal tie-breaker as both teams were level on aggregate. After that, let's have a look back on the commentary from the game from the 90+ minute onwards...

"A goal kick for Ontario Alpha Particles reaches the halfway line. OAP's Derrick Arnott battles with Bordeaux's Yosef Charlebois as they both jump for a header. The Bordeaux player falls to the ground and writhes about in agony as he clutches his face, but the ref signals play on! Bordeaux' Colton Gilliard picks up the loose ball and plays a long pass forward towards Přemek Koňařík who takes a brilliant first touch. He drops the shoulder to get past one man, but tumbles to the ground after a challenge from OAP's Ian "The Canadian Cannon" Jevons. Bordeaux are awarded a free in a good position.
Patrick McDougall is getting ready to take the free kick. OAP's keeper, Zachariah "The Prophet" Pemberton, gives instructions to his teammates in the wall. Patrick McDougall and Colton Gilliard talk about how they are going to play this. The wall is ready, who will take the kick? Patrick McDougall or Colton Gilliard? Patrick McDougall shoots. It is a hard shot. Close to the wall. It looks like it's going wide left. Wait! No! It deflects off a defender in the wall who jumped. It's heading back the other way. Pemberton reaches for it scrambling back but he can't get there in time. McDougall scores for Bordeaux in the 90th minute. Bordeaux surely now has punched their ticket to the next round. OAP players and fans are in shock. What a way to lose a game and a series!"

OAP boarded their chartered flight back to Guelph without speaking to the media. Management issued a media blackout as they prepared for their league game. However, the fans weren't so silenced.

"WHY ON EARTH WAS GELIEN NOT PLAYING!?!? We lost the left midfield battle. Kaščák simply has to be better!" said one angry fan. Truth be told, Gelien was suspended for a league game, and management misunderstood the paperwork and played Kaščák. Getting word towards the end of the game he was eligible to play, Gelien was subbed into the game but Kaščák didn't understand it was he who was supposed to come off and Gartlan came off instead so the team's captain would not get a red card for delay of game - they could not afford to lose their keeper in the 70th minute of a tied game on aggregate.

Management refused comment. It is suspected that due to this mishap OAP have released the associate coach and director who provided the faulty information potentially costing OAP the game. Time will tell how OAP responds to the loss with today's road game against Express FC. With the Gryphons struggling to find consistency, and OAP finding the wrong consistency... Guelph fans are anxious to get some wins. And are calling for blood to be shed. For once, they're distracted from Aowyr and his antics but I think they'd welcome that for the time being.
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