The York University women's soccer team travelled to Hamilton to face the McMaster Marauders at the Ron Joyce Stadium on Friday night. The Lions came into the game winless following a loss and a goalless draw last weekend against the Laurier Golden Hawks. York dominated possession in Sunday's match but struggled to find the net without reigning OUA West MVP Nia Fleming-Thompson. This was the Maurauders' first game of the year, meanwhile, after they had a bye to open the season.
The Lions started the game slowly as the Marauders controlled possession and the midfield battle. Key players like Jade Abreo, who led the OUA in assists and points last season, and Megan Soo, were impact players in the midfield. The pressure got to the Lions early, as Soo hit the woodwork in the 12th minute with a rocket of a shot from outside the 18-yard box. She continued to be a thorn in the Lions' flesh, breaking up a York counterattack in the 15th minute, showing off her two-way tendencies.
York began pressing higher up the field in the 25th minute and dispossessed the Mauraders in their own half multiple times, but couldn't convert their chances. Late in the first half, York managed to force a few saves from Marauders goalkeeper Julia Kutman. The Lions finally broke the deadlock with a counterattack that paved the way for Sabrina Fabiano to find the back of the net (her first goal of the season), sending York into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
McMaster came out storming in the second half, registering two offsides calls before the 60th minute, a testament to their attacking intent. Jade Abreo had a fantastic game, creating multiple chances in the second half, but York's defence prevented any results from her creativity. York's Brook-Lynne Mitchell had a standout performance at left-back, shutting down multiple threats from McMaster's right wing.
The Lions tactic of sitting back and catching the Maurauders on the counterattack paid off, as York generated several dangerous transitions. York's best chance of the second half came in the 85th minute from a dangerous counter-attack that was stopped controversially. Many Lions players cried for a handball inside the box, but the referee did not point to the spot.
The Lions held on to earn their first win of the season in a thrilling game, by a score of 1-0, earning their first victory of the season.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will face the Marauders again in the second half of their weekend doubleheader at York Lions Stadium on Sunday, looking to make it two consecutive wins. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm. You can get your tickets here or stream it live, free of charge, on OUA.TV
