The York University Lions soccer teams travelled to London, to face off against the Western Mustangs in a doubleheader with large playoff implications. With the women's team seeking a bounce back after a tough loss in their previous match and the men's team aiming to continue their win streak, both squads came into the game ready to play after a 12-day break. Western's women's team looked for win to solidify their position atop the OUA West, while their men's team hoped to extend their own successful run and try to earn a first-round bye.
Women's Match:
The Lions and Mustangs started the game with high energy and determination, both teams pressing forward with strong offensive play. It was York that struck first, with Giuliana Paolella breaking the scoreless deadlock in the 39th minute, thanks to an assist from Nia Fleming-Thompson. However, Western quickly regrouped, and just before halftime, Avarie Thomas found the back of the net in the final minute of the half, levelling the score 1-1 at the break.
Post halftime, Western's offensive pressure paid off when Gabby Kohut scored in the 61st minute, assisted by a quick pass from Reese Fowler. Western seemed to have taken control, building their lead to 2-1. However, the Lions' defence tightened, as they began to control more of the possession, and shift the flow back in their favour. Their resilience paid off in the 83rd minute, as veteran Kalfornia Mitchell brought the score back level, 2-2, which is where things stood at the final whistle.
The one point tonight means York appears poised to host a playoff game. A win or draw Sunday vs. Brock will guarantee a home playoff game for York. The most likely scenario sees York finish fourth, which will happen if McMaster beats or draws Waterloo. York can finish as high as third with a win over Brock and a McMaster loss to Waterloo.
However, if York loses to Brock and Windsor beats Laurier, York will lose the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Lancers, finish fifth and travel to Windsor in Round 1.
Men's Match
The Lions men's team could clinch first in the OUA West with a win, with Western looking to secure at least the third seed and a potential at earning a bye in the opening round.
Despite York's consistent offensive efforts and multiple attempts to push past Western's defence, the Mustangs stood firm, leading to a scoreless first half. The Lions controlled possession well, but Western's back line was solid, preventing York from converting their chances.
In the second half, York maintained their pressure, and it finally paid off in the 67th minute. Christian Zeppieri found a gap in Western's defence, scoring with a straight shot to give the Lions a 1-0 lead. However, Western was quick to counter. Just three minutes later, Luc Coulombe capitalised on an assist from Alex West to tie the game at 1 for the Mustangs in the 70th minute.
Despite York's continued efforts to reclaim the lead with offensive pushes, they were unable to break through Western's defence a second time, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
The point earned by the Lions in this one puts them one up on McMaster with both teams having one match remaining. York clinches first in the OUA West with a win Sunday vs. Brock or a non-victory (loss or draw) by McMaster in their season finale vs. Waterloo on Saturday. York owns the tiebreaker over McMaster by virtue of their season-opening 2-0 win.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions return to York Lions Stadium for their final home game before the playoffs, facing the Brock Badgers on Sunday, October 13. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. for the women's match and 3:15 p.m. for the men's.
