The York University Lions women's soccer team travelled to Windsor to face the Windsor Lancers on a beautiful Friday evening.
York came into the game looking for three points after dropping two in a 1-1 draw to the McMaster Mauraders at the York Lions Stadium on Sunday. The Lancers entered the match hot, having won back-to-back games against the Waterloo Warriors, and were looking to make it three wins in a row.
Windsor's Avery Comartin found the back of the net in the 9th minute, but it was ruled offside, taking the goal off the board. York's goalkeeper, Rumaysa Kahn, was called into action shortly after, denying a Comartin shot to keep the game goalless heading into the second half
The second half was action-packed, and it started with York fullback Giuliana Paolella forcing a save from goalkeeper Izzy Barette. The deadlock was broken three minutes later after the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty, and Kaily Robertson calmly converted from the spot to give the Lancers a 1-0 lead.
Windsor found the back of the net again five minutes later. Robertson delivered a cross from the wings into the 18-yard box, leaving Kahn helpless as Comatin placed the ball into the bottom corner, making up for her offside goal in the first half and putting her side up 2-0. York responded quickly in the 63rd minute, as Sabrina Fabiano scored on a free kick just outside the 18-yard box for her second of the year to cut the deficit to one.
Two minutes later, Alexandra Quaidoo potted the equalizer after receiving a lob pass from Erica Di Matteo. Quaidoo then dribbled past Barette and slotted the ball beautifully into the back of the net and tie the match at 2. Then, in the 76th minute, it appeared Quaidoo had given the Lions the lead, but, like Comartin's early tally, it was negated for offside.
In the 87th minute, York was awarded a penalty, but Fabiano failed to convert, shooting the ball straight into Barette's hands. Just moments after, the Lancers launched a counter-attack and were awarded a penalty of their own. Robertson stepped up to the spot again and again made no mistake, sealing the three points for Windsor and handing York another heartbreaking result, after a late goal Sunday against McMaster ended that game in a draw.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions are now 1-2-2 on the season. They will have the rest of the weekend off before they head to Waterloo next Friday to take on the Warriors. Kickoff in that one is set for 6:00 pm, and can be seen free of charge on OUA.tv.
