The York University Lions welcomed the Windsor Lancers to York Stadium on a sunny Friday evening, looking to build off a strong 5-1 victory over the Waterloo Warriors the previous weekend. The match also marked the second meeting between the two sides this season, with York looking to take the season series after defeating Windsor in the opening game of the campaign.
After a scoreless opening half, both teams came out of the break looking to break the deadlock.
York finally broke through in the 51st minute when Sabrina Fabiano found the back of the net to give the Lions a 1-0 lead. The goal came after Joanna Abdelmalak forced a save from Windsor goalkeeper Izzy Barrette just moments earlier.
York nearly added on another when Nia Fleming-Thompson struck the post in the 54th minute. The Lions continued to apply pressure, with Erica Di Matteo sending a header wide shortly after.
The Lions continued to threaten as the half progressed. York created multiple opportunities through Abdelmalak and Fleming-Thompson, while Samantha Banfield helped generate pressure through a series of corner kicks.
Windsor, meanwhile, continued searching for an equalizer but struggled to beat York goalkeeper Charlotte Phillips. Phillips made several key saves throughout the second half, including stops on Windsor chances in the 56th, 71st and 80th minutes.
York appeared to have added some insurance in the 85th minute when Fleming-Thompson found the back of the net, extending the Lions' lead to 2-0.
However, Windsor was not finished. In the final minute of regulation, the Lancers were awarded back-to-back corner kicks as they pushed forward looking to get back into the game. The pressure eventually paid off, as a York own goal gave Windsor a late lifeline and cut the deficit to one.
The Lions held on through the final moments to secure the 2-1 victory and move to 2-0 against Windsor this season.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will now have time to prepare for their next match, when they hit the road to take on Algoma University on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. York will look to carry its momentum from the Windsor victory into the next stage of its season.
