The York University Lions men's soccer team is searching for revenge this weekend after losing their first regular season game in 27 matches on Sunday, against the Western Mustangs. As the Lions head into another home-and-home series against the McMaster Marauders in the start of the second-half of the season, they will work to reclaim the top spot of the OUA West standings.

A Friday night 1-0 thriller against the Western Mustangs was closed out by a missile off the foot of Matthew Mollicola in the 74th minute. Alessio Carbone came up big in the final few plays of the game, making a show stopping top-corner save to keep the Mustangs out and claim the victory. As the Lions traveled to London for their Sunday matchup, the game did not play into their hands. The Mustangs came out strong, forcing the Lions to be on their defending foot from the get go. Western capitalized on an early goal, and although Tyler Attardo lead an offensive push to outshoot Western, the Mustangs blanked the Lions and sent them home with a 2-0 defeat.

As the Lions drop their first game of the 2023 season, the McMaster Marauders claimed the top spot in the OUA West, extending their win streak to four. Heading into Friday's matchup, the York Lions sit one point behind the Marauders in second, as the title race remains tight.

The Matchup:
Sept. 29 - Oct. 1: York (4-1-2) vs. McMaster (5-2)
Game Details:
Fri., Sept. 29 @ McMaster (8:15 pm)
Sun., Oct. 1 vs McMaster (8:15 pm)
Current Streaks:
York - Loss 1
McMaster - Won 4
Quick Facts
York:

• Tyler Attardo is tied for first in the conference for shots (27)
• Alessio Carbone's .789 SV% is tied for sixth in the OUA
• York is second in the conference in shots (100)

McMaster:

• McMaster's .177 shot percentage is ninth in the conference
• Ethan Cagalj's 1.15 GAA is 11th in the OUA
• The Marauders sit in 10th for corner kicks (25)

Players To Watch
#8 MATTHEW MOLLICOLA: Third-year forward... Dominated the Lions offense on Friday night leading the way with four shots on goal, scoring the lone goal of the game... Is second on the Lions with 16 shots so far this season... 
#22 ALESSIO CARBONE: Third-year goalkeeper... Made three pivotal saves on Friday night to aid in the victory over the Mustangs... Has been a key factor in the success of the Lions this season with 15 total saves and sitting in fifth place in the OUA conference with a 0.85 GAA... Shows his experience on the pitch by commanding his 18-yard-box and keeping his team in the game.