Late winner from Shaikh keep Cambridge Men’s promotion hopes alive

July 31, 2026

Guelph, ON – In a high-stakes clash at Centennial Bowl, the Cambridge Men delivered a stunning 2-1 victory over league leaders Masters FA. 

With just two points separating Cambridge who sit in 4th from Masters FA at the top of the table entering the final stretch of games, these three points are a crucial step in Cambridge’s path to promotion.

TEAM

Cambridge United Starting XI: Jovivic (GK), Lesic, Espiro (Grant 71’), Amaral (Dell 80’), Alvarado, Shaikh, Greenidge, Heimbecker (C), Monterroso, Medeiros, Brousseau.

Unused Subs: Ramsay (GK), Vitorio, Zeineddine, Poradzisz, Harris, Clamp, Zivkovic.

First Half

With crucial points on the line for both squads this late in the campaign, the game proved to be an early tactical battle with long spells of possession.

Cambridge struck first, Kyler Monterroso putting the visitors up 1-0 heading into the half-time break.

Second Half

Master’s FA responded with urgency right out of the tunnel, evening things up at one apiece in the 52nd minute with a goal from Deandre Branch. 

As tension built in the final stages, both managers turned to their benches in search of the decisive game winner.

Cambridge introduced Matteo Grant (71’) and Elliot Dell (80’) for Kevin Espiro and Alex Amaral and the battle continued with captain Calum Heimbecker receiving a yellow card in the 81st minute to fend off Master’s hopes for the winner.

Just when it appeared that both table heavy-weights would split points on the night, Cambridge’s Adam Shaikh delivered the heroic game winner, giving his side the 2-1 victory to his side in the 96th minute. Though Shaikh picked up a yellow for his celebration, the caution was insignificant in comparison to his game winning goal.

With three games left in their campaign, the hunt for all remaining points continues as the Cambridge Men seek promotion to OPL 1 next season.