The York University Lions women's soccer team took on the Western Mustangs in their home opener on Sunday afternoon at York Lions Stadium. Coming off a victory in their first game of the season on Friday in Windsor, the Lions looked to carry that momentum into their first home game and secure a second straight win to start the season.
The Lions came out aggressively, as Nia Fleming-Thompson scored her third goal – and the team's third goal – of the season for the game's first goal in just the seventh minute. With the lead in York's possession, the goal sparked the Lions, who began firing shots at the Mustangs' net. However, Western goalkeeper Astrid Hancocks stood strong, making several saves to keep the game within reach. Late in the half, Lions netminder Charlotte Phillips also came up with a save to preserve York's lead heading into halftime.
The second half saw the Lions continue to maintain their lead with a strong defensive performance. York's Jasmyn Clarke was handed a yellow card just prior to the hour mark, but the Lions remained composed and continued to ride their momentum, keeping their claws firmly on the game.
The Lions held on, despite four Western corners in the second half, to secure their first home victory of the season, earning their second straight win to open the 2026 campaign.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will be back at home this coming Thursday when they take on the McMaster Marauders at 6:00 p.m. in the annual Orientation Game at York Lions Stadium. You can get tickets at yorkulions.ca/tickets, or watch the game free of charge on OUA TV.
