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Remember Matt Stinson?
He had a cast around his arm and a lion’s heart in midfield. Stinson was one of the first TFC Academy players to graduate and sign for the first team. He made his impression on the side quickly, and became a pseudo starter under Aron Winter, playing mostly at right fullback. Fans remember Stinson for his tenacity in midfield or in defence, and for his caps with the Canadian National Team.
He’s a lion once more – Stinson is back in his prime, playing for the York Lions in the Ontario University Athletics league.
RedNation Online caught up with Stinson, and talked life after Toronto FC. In the cold wind and rain of early November in Toronto, Stinson’s York Lions side beat the Carleton Ravens 2-1 in the Ontario University Athletics semi finals. The game, played at Birchmount Stadium, was the first of two matches to determine who would play in the OUA finals.
“It was good,” said Stinson, when asked how he felt the game went. “I mean, the conditions weren’t the best so that kind of evened the playing field. I think we have a lot more quality on our side and we came out with the win, which I think we’re deserving of.”
York will face the Ryerson Rams on Sunday. Ryerson, who beat the Windsor Lancers 2-1 in the second game of the day, features forward Alex Braletic, the league’s top scorer. Stinson believes his York side is good enough to take the title.
“We played Windsor before, they’re a good side, Ryerson finished first or something like that. I know some players on that team as well so we’re just going look forward to the game and try to get the OUA title!”
Ryerson has never won an OUA title in any competition. York last won the championship in 2007. While watching the semi finals in the stands, one thing is clear – life in the OUA is definitely different than in Major League Soccer.
“It’s okay, it’s a little different, obviously,” said Stinson, when asked how his time in York compared to his time at Toronto FC. “I’m not in a professional environment but the guys are great, I know a lot of them from the TFC Academy so good quality people. Hopefully, after this I can take what I learn here and apply it to wherever I go.”
Decked in a red kit once more, Stinson looks happy, again. He made short work of Carleton’s forwards, and when presented with a 50-50 chance, he rose to the challenge with poise and confidence.
It’s clear that Stinson is a level ahead of some regulars in the OUA. His time at Toronto FC has made him a professional-quality footballer, and it shows. He turns on a dime, finds a pass with ease, and looks comfortable on the field.
“I’ve taken the role of centre defender, a leadership role back there,” said Stinson.
As an anchor in the Lions’ backline, Stinson has helped his York side finish in first place in OUA West this season. However, he didn’t do it alone. Midfielder Jonathan Lao has scored 13 goals for his side; he is one of five OUA First-Team All-Stars from York, alongside goalkeeper Sotiri Varlokostas, Casey D’Mello, Joey Cicchillo and Mark-Anthony Kaye.
These players have made York a powerhouse in the league. When looking back at the year, Stinson is pleased with his performance but lamented his playing time.
“I missed the first six games of the season because of eligibility issues, and a few games because of injury, but it’s been good,” said Stinson.
So, does Matt Stinson still follow Toronto FC?
“Here and there, you know, I have,” said Stinson. “I know Kevin Payne’s not there, but I see a few games still. I still have some friends on the team.”
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