The York University Lions men's soccer went head-to-head with the Windsor Lancers on Friday night in their first game since winning the 2025 U SPORTS championship last November in a blizzard at Varsity Stadium. As the defending national titlists, the Lions entered the match looking to build on their success from a season ago and begin the new season with a strong performance.
Within the game's opening five minutes, Lions forward Anthony Morano attacked the net, but his shot was stopped by Lancers goalkeeper Nicholas Zanin. However, shortly thereafter, Morano got his revenge, and found the back of the net to score the first goal of the season and give York an early 1–0 lead in the 11th minute.
Windsor attempted to respond as Matthew Chimienti tried his luck at goal, but York goalkeeper Michael Williams, coming off an OUA West first team all-star selection in his first year at York, made the save to keep the Lancers off the scoreboard.
In the final five minutes of the first half, Windsor's Ryan Hickson, scored to tie the game at 1-1 in the 42nd minute, with Ciaran O'Connor assisting on the equlizer. However, in first-half stoppage time, Morano restored the lead for York by scoring his second of the match, putting the Lions ahead 2–1 heading into halftime.
Entering the second half, three-time defending OUA West MVP and York men's athlete of the year Christian Zeppieri was up to his old tricks, converting a penalty after being hauled down in the box to extend the Lions' lead to 3–1 in the 55th minute. The Lancers continued to increase their attacks in an attempt to close the gap, but their efforts were not enough.
At the 78-minute mark, defending OUA West and York men's rookie of the year Marco Sciortino netted his first on the campaign, stretching the Lions lead to 4–1 and giving York a commanding advantage. The Lions would not relinquish that advantage, and took this one by that 4-1 margin to seal their third straight season-opening win and run their unbeaten streak in season openers to six.
LOOKING AHEAD:
With the 4–1 victory, the Lions get ready to host the Western Mustangs in their home opener on Sunday afternoon at 3:15 p,m., as they continue their title defence. You can get your tickets to Sunday's match at yorkulions.ca/tickets, or watch both games for free on OUA TV.
