Men’s soccer Lions sweep Laurier, Waterloo on opening weekend

Sarah Fiorini with the ball

The York University Lions men’s soccer team defeated the visiting University of Waterloo Warriors, 1-0 on Sunday, Sept. 2, capping off a perfect opening weekend on the pitch.

The Lions opened the scoring in the 22ndminute. Adrian Pena scored shooting low and left on a penalty kick after Lion Charlie Trafford was fouled in the box.

Pena very nearly scored again only five minutes later from a free kick outside the box, but Waterloo goalkeeper Adam Weller, of Keswick, Ont., made an incredible leaping save.  More details on the York Lions website.

The win came one day after their season-opening victory over the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, also at York Stadium. Paramvir Sekhon scored two goals in the contest.

Sekhon and the Lions, who led the OUA West with 41 goals last year, wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in their season opener.

In the eighth minute, the Lions were awarded a corner kick that was taken by Adrian Pena to the left of the goalkeeper. He fired the ball into the front of the net and straight to Sekhon, who headed it straight into the net to open the scoring.

The Lions increased their lead to 2-0 just five minutes later when Pena went in on net all alone and fired the ball past Laurier goalkeeper Brett Harrington.  More details.

Women’s soccer Lions go undefeated against Laurier, Waterloo

The York University Lions women’s soccer team controlled the soccer field on Sunday, battling to a 2-0 victory over the visiting University of Waterloo Warriors and posting its first win of the season.

York opened the scoring in the 15th minute of the first half when midfielder Rita Keimakh kicked in a loose ball in front of the net. York forward Colleen Beesley was credited with the assist.

The Lions dominated the flow of play in the first half, spending the majority of time in the Warriors defensive end and posting a number of scoring chances.  More details.

One day earlier, in their season opener, the Lions earned a scoreless draw with the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks thanks to a strong performance by goalkeeper Sarah Fiorini, who made five saves.

Sarah Fiorini with the ballSarah Fiorini

Fiorini was tremendous in net to earn her first shutout of the season. She made the save of the game in the second half when she poked a strong shot just over the top of the net to preserve the shutout.  More details.

No. 6 Gaels top football Lions in season opener

The York University Lions football team put up a good fight against the No. 6 nationally ranked Queen’s University Gaels, falling by a score of 48-13 at Richardson Stadium in the season opener for both teams on Monday afternoon in Kingston, Ont.

It was the first half that made the difference in the game as the Lions allowed the Gaels to jump out to a 35-0 lead at the half. But the two teams played to a draw in the second half, scoring 13 points each, as the Lions finally started to find their groove on the field.

Quarterback Myles Gibbon was impressive in his debut with the Lions, finishing 20-of-39 for 241 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was also the team’s leading rusher with 68 yards on 12 carries.  More details.