The York University Lions men's soccer team began its OUA and CIS title defence on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 30) with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over the McMaster Marauders at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton, Ont.
 
Newcomer Michael Cox (Calgary), a fourth-year striker in his first season with the Lions, was the hero in this one with the winning goal in the 88^th minute when he rose above his marker in the box and headed the ball past McMaster goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo.
 
Earlier in the half, third-year midfielder Jonathan Lao (Unionville, Ont.) scored his first of the season by finishing a fast break and sending his shot inside the far post, a goal that tied the contest and erased a 2-1 lead the Marauders held at the half.
 
The season opener was a rematch of both championship finals last year, and the game did not disappoint. McMaster got the first good scoring opportunity when Gersi Xhuti forced a turnover from Colm Vance (Bradford, Ont.) but could not score on the wide open net. Three minutes later, the Lions made the Marauders pay for their miss when Tyrone Downes (Markham, Ont.) shook off a defender and slide a shot past a sliding Cavalluzzo to open the scoring.
 
The Marauders evened the match in the 20^th minute when Yunus Mollayev scored his third goal of the weekend, and five minutes later they took their first lead on a goal by Sasha Ricciuti.
 
Vance finished with two saves on the afternoon, while Cavalluzzo made four.
 
The Lions are one of only three teams in the OUA West to be undefeated after the opening weekend of play. They will return home for a game against the 1-1 Brock Badgers on Saturday (Sept. 5) at York Stadium. Kick-off is set for 3:15pm.