Off a stoppage time penalty kick, the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks shocked the York Lions men's soccer team with a late comeback victory to open the season at Vaso's Field in Oshawa, Ont. Thursday night.
 
The late goal came after York opened the scoring midway through the game, but the No. 4-ranked Lions were unable to hold of the Ridgebacks in their first contest against new East division opponents in the 2021 season.
 
York's loss marks the end of a historic run for coach Carmine Isacco and York men's soccer, in which the program did not lose a regular season game since Aug. 30, 2017. Each game between that date and tonight's contest versus Ontario Tech resulted in at least a point for the red and white.
 
The Lions had previously strung together a 48-game unbeaten streak against OUA opponents dating back to that same 2017 season.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The game's scoring began with a goal from Dieu Merci Yuma in the 64^th minute, as York's reigning top scorer picked up right where he left off in 2019 by vaulting himself back to the team lead in scoring during the opening game.
• About 10 minutes after that, in the 73^rd minute, the Ridgebacks came up with an equalizer off a free kick. Begley redirected the longball with a header past York keeper George Tzimas for the game-tying goal.
• The Ridgebacks were awarded a penalty kick for a foul in the box during stoppage time. Chris Campoli would convert the game-winner for Ontario Tech, sending his team into a frenzy. 

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• Along with his goal, Yuma showcased his knack for offence by adding four shots on goal.
• Emmanuel Zambasis and Agostino Principato both had a shot each to round our York's offensive output in this contest.
• George Tzimas stopped two of four shots faced for the Lions.

LOOKING AHEAD
 
The Lions won't have to wait long to avenge their loss to Ontario Tech. They host the very same Ridgebacks next Thursday for their first game at York Lions Stadium since 2015. The game is part of a doubleheader of games against the Ridgebacks – the women's soccer team hosts OTU at 6pm, while the men will play at 8 pm.