The York University Lions men's soccer team saw its season-opening six-game unbeaten streak come to an end Sunday in London, as they fell short to the Western Mustangs by a score of 2-0 in a tightly-contested match. The loss also ends a 27-game regular season unbeaten streak overall, dating back to Sept. 23, 2021.
Following their 1-0 win against the Mustangs on Friday night thanks to the leg of Matthew Mollicola, Western was determined to earn a split of the home-and-home series, and they achieved exactly that. As a result, the Lions close the first half of the season owners of a 4-1-2 record.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Lions found themselves defending much of the early minutes as the Mustangs launched a series of well-coordinated attacks.
- Their offensive efforts paid off in the 17th minute when Tomas Ribeiro delivered a corner kick, setting the stage for Brandon Miranjie to score the opening goal of the game, giving Western a 1-0 lead.
- York's Tyler Attardo made several attempts on goal during the first half, but Western goalkeeper Dino Bontis was up to the task. Bontis made a number of crucial saves to hold off the Lions scoreless at halftime.
- The second half resumed with the Lions looking to equalize, However, Western managed to extend their lead in the 61st minute when Charlie Bontis found the back of the net to make it a 2-0 contest.
- York continued to press forward in an attempt to narrow the deficit, and outshot the Mustangs 6-3 in the second half. but Bontis remained resolute between the posts, denying their chances and capping off a 2-0 clean sheet.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will look to get back in the win column next weekend with another home-and-home series against the West division-leading McMaster Marauders. The first contest is slated for Friday, Sept. 29 at 8:15 pm in Hamilton.
