The York University Lions men's soccer team did what they have done all season on Friday night: win. They did so by pouring on three second-half goals to secure a 3-0 victory over the Laurier Golden Hawks at York Lions Stadium.
The win was about more than the match, as the Lions welcomed back alumni from both soccer programs and honoured head coach Carmine Isacco, who is in his 20th season as Lions men's soccer head coach, with a pregame video tribute featuring clips from alumni from both programs as well as each current team, thanking Isacco for his dedication, commitment and the immeasurable impact he has made on York Lions soccer over the last two decades.
With the win, the Lions also did something they have never done in a season – start the year 8-0. While having five stretches of eight or more consecutive wins, and nine times in which they went undefeated over an eight-game span to begin a season, never had they won their first eight games of a season – until, that is, 2026.
York established control early, creating relentless scoring chances throughout the first half. The Lions unleashed massive shots on Laurier David Carano, including a rapid sequence midway through where Marco Sciortino forced three saves within two minutes. Despite firing an unbelivable 14 shots and earning four corner kicks, the Lions went into the break tied nil-nil thanks to Carano's brilliant efforts, making eight first-half saves to keep the game scoreless.
However, the Lions wasted no time breaking the tie coming out of halftime. In the 48th minute, a foul in the box awarded York a penalty kick as Matthew Fischer was hauled down in the box. Christian Zeppieri, the national co-leader in goals entering play Friday with eight, stepped up to the spot and buried his ninth goal of the season to again take sole possession atop the U SPORTS goal-scoring chart. The momentum stayed entirely with York as 2025 OUA West rookie of the year and U SPORTS all-rookie Marco Sciortino doubled the advantage in the 65th minute off a quick transition from rookie Nakye Greenidge-Duncan. Then, it was another 2025 national all-rookie, Anthony Morano, who put the game out of reach in the 71st minute, striking to extend the lead to 3–0. Veteran forward Justin Cicchillo drew the helper.
The Lions managed the closing minutes efficiently, utilizing a series of late substitutions: Jaxon Grey, Shayan Soltanzadeh, Aki Zagar, and Julian Srock to maintain fresh legs. York's backline and goalkeeper Michael Williams comfortably turned aside Laurier's late attempts to seal the clean-sheet win, cap off a brilliant team effort and start 8-0 for the first time ever.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will look to move one step closer to clinching their 19th straight division title next Friday when they battle the Guelph Gryphons. Kickoff from York Lions Stadium is set for 8:15 p.m. You can get your tickets at yorkulions.ca/tickets or watch the match live, free of charge on OUA TV.
