The York University Lions men's soccer team finished in fifth place at the U SPORTS championships with a penalty-kicks victory over the Carleton Ravens in their final match after winning the shootout 4-3.
 
Carleton scored late to tie the match at 1-1 and send the game to penalty kicks, but their first shooter missed his kick, putting the Ravens behind the Lions as Cristian Cavallini scored on his opening attempt.
 
The two teams traded goals after that until the final round. A goal by Dylan Carreiro would seal the victory, but Carleton goalkeeper Nick Jeffs punched away his shot. The Ravens then sent their final shooter up to the spot with a chance to tie it again, but York netminder Andrew D'Souza made a huge save to give the Lions the victory.
 
Also scoring for the Lions in penalty kicks were Joey Cicchillo, Jonathan Lao and Sergiu Anton.
 
"The last two games were good. It took a lot (to come back) after how we lost on Thursday," said York head coach Carmine Isaaco. "I am happy with how the guys played. We used all our players and they had the opportunity to show themselves."
 
In the rematch of last week's OUA final, which the Lions won 2-0, York again dominated play for much of the first half and were rewarded in the 36^th minute. Cavallini took a hard shot that Jeffs deflected, but the rebound went straight to Carreiro on the right side of the net and he made no mistake for a 1-0 Lions lead.
 
In the second half, the Lions came out playing more defensively and seemingly prepared to nurse their one-goal lead. The Ravens took full advantage, controlling play and firing plenty of balls on D'Souza, who was forced to make five saves. Just when it looked as though the Lions would hold on, Gabriel Bitar redirected a cross from Emad Houache behind D'Souza to level the game at one goal apiece in the 88^th minute.
 
Fifth-year defender Malcolm Loukides was named York's player of the game for his strong defensive play throughout the match, while Jeffs took home the honour for Carleton.
 
On Sunday, the Montreal Carabins and Cape Breton Capers will battle for the national championship, while the host Thompson Rivers WolfPack will face the UBC Thunderbirds for the bronze medal.