The York University Lions women's soccer team fell to the Montreal Carabins 2-0 on Friday in their consolation semi-final at the 2019 U Sports championship in Victoria.
 
Despite both squads coming in as higher seeds, the two teams make a list of three conference champions that fell in their opening quarter-final matches, ultimately settling for the consolation bracket.
 
The first half featured plenty of back and forth action between the two sides. The Lions best attempt in the frame came in the 39th minute off a trademark Jotam Chouhan free-kick that was desperately saved by Carabins keeper Catherine Langelier.
 
Minutes away from halftime, Carabins strike Megane Sauve was able get a step ahead of the Lions backline, putting the ball away and her side up 1-0 heading into the break.
 
In the second, the Lions saw increased production on offence courtesy of substitutes Marissa Castellano and Haley Walsh creating chances for their side but to no avail. In the 60th minute Montreal midfielder Nahida Baalbaki picked up possession just outside the box, and curled a shot to double the Carabins lead with 30 minutes left on the clock.
 
The two goal lead wouldn't deter the Lions who came back harder with long range efforts from Joselyn Gagliardi and Chouhan that were tipped just wide by Langelier. Pushing attackers forward, the Lions were caught offguard with three forwards in their box but Keeper Danitza Indacochea was up to the challenge making a crucial save off a shot and a cross to keep her side in the fight.
 
Ultimately, the added offensive pressure by the Lions fell short, and the Carabins came away with the 2-1 win.
 
Indacochea made four saves for the Lions, while Langelier stopped all six shots she faced.
 
For her efforts Chouhan was named player of the game for the Lions, as well as Carabins midfielder Marie-eve Bernard O'breham.
 
"Honestly just a great experience overall with the girls" said Chouhan when asked about her first U Sports appearance. "we have a young group so hopefully it's a good experience for them to learn and grow and come back as a better group".
 
The result brings the Lions remarkable season to end, finishing the year as OUA champions, as well as making their first national appearance in 10 seasons. The Carabins will go on to the consolation final set for Sunday.