United Men Fall Just Short in Hard-Fought Battle Against Masters FA

May 16, 2026

TORONTO, ON – The men’s OPL 2 side dropped a tight 2-1 decision to Masters FA. Despite an excellent defensive shift and a late goal from the bench, United were unable to overcome a two-goal deficit on the road. 

After weathering heavy pressure and a late first-half breakthrough from the hosts, Cambridge adjusted tactically in the second half with a series of substitutions. While Masters FA managed to double their lead midway through the half, United fought until the final whistle, pulling a goal back in the 88th minute and pressing hard through stoppage time.

TEAM

Cambridge United Starting XI: Findlay, Grant, Antolcic, Lesic (Dell 78’), Ciavarro (Romano 59’), Alvarado (Clamp 78’), Elezi (Monterroso 59’), Kohar (Heimbecker 45+3’), Medeiros (Shaikh 61’), Brousseau, D'Souza.

Unused Subs: Hughes.

First Half

The hosts looked to establish control early on and put United under pressure, putting the ball in the net off a corner in the 10th minute, though it was quickly disallowed for offside. Cambridge organized well defensively to handle the pressure, surviving another disallowed deflected shot in the 31st minute.

United generated a dangerous opportunity in the 20th minute with a well-struck volley, but it required an acrobatic save from the Masters goalkeeper to keep Cambridge off the scoresheet.

The deadlock was broken deep into first-half stoppage time. In added time, Masters FA executed a low cross into the box that was finished off by Kaleb Khemet, leaving United down 1-0 at the break.

United picked up a yellow card via Noah Medeiros in the 41st minute and completed an early change just before the whistle, bringing on Calum Heimbecker for Saab Kohar in the third minute of added time.

Second Half

Looking to spark the offense, United made a double substitution in the 59th minute, bringing on Kyler Monterroso and Luca Romano, followed closely by Adam Shaikh in the 61st minute.

In the 78th minute Elliott Dell and Denilson Clamp were introduced to the pitch to provide fresh legs for the final push.

Masters FA managed to extend their lead to 2-0 in the 72nd minute via a goal from substitute Leo Shrimpton. United refused to back down, however, and struck back in the 88th minute when Kyler Monterroso found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 2-1. 

Patrick Brousseau picked up a yellow card in the 90th minute as United fought aggressively for an equalizer, but the hosts managed to hold on through stoppage time.