Weekend wrap: Heat and sun recipe for success in women’s soccer Lions first win of season

Lions soccer players in their game against Brock University

The York University Lions women’s soccer team continued its search for its first win of the season in home game action Sunday and emerged with the victory after a late goal by Haley Walsh broke a deadlock en route to a 2-1 win over the Brock University Badgers at Alumni Field.

woman dressed in red soccer lions clothing moves a soccer ball along a field
Christina Morelli (centre) plays in the weekend game against the Brock Badgers

Heading into this game, the Lions had been victorious in the previous 15 games they have played against the Badgers. The heat on the field matched the warm weather, making for an exciting afternoon match.

The first half saw both teams match aggression and intensity. There were many near misses and outstanding catches by goalkeepers Taylor Grant of the Lions and Marilena Spagnola of the Badgers. Despite everyone’s best efforts both teams walked away scoreless at halftime.  More details on the York Lions website.

Men’s soccer Lions start scoring fast to secure win against Badgers

The York University Lions men’s soccer team took on the visiting Brock University Badgers Sunday at Alumni Field looking to extend a 15-game winning streak against their opponents and they did just that, winning 3-0 for their fifth win of the season.

The pressure was on for the Lions’ men, as their game immediately followed the women’s team’s first win of the season. The Lions rise to a 5-2 season record, while the Badgers’ season record drops to 2-4-1.

The Lions wasted no time asserting their dominance on their home field. Dylan Carreiro started the game with a goal. He sped past Brock’s defenders in the second minute of play. In the 28th minute of play, Jonathan Lao scored on a free kick just outside the 18-yard box.  More details.

Field hockey Lions start 2017 campaign with two huge shutout wins

The York University Lions field hockey team opened the 2017 season with a pair of dominant victories on Saturday, taking down the University of Waterloo Warriors 8-0 and the host Western University Mustangs 5-0 in London, Ont.

Head coach Zeeshan Minhas said before the season that the team would have a better offensive attack this year and he was proven right immediately. With 13 goals in their first two games, the Lions have already scored half the total number of goals they scored all of last year.

Rookie forward Jaslan Stirling made an impressive debut, scoring three goals in the win over Waterloo, including the game winner with the first tally in the fifth minute. She also scored in the 37th and 59th minutes.  More details.

Women’s rugby Lions defeated by No. 7 Gaels after big second half by Queen’s

The York University Lions women’s rugby team kept the game close in the first half but was ultimately defeated by a score of 31-12 by the No. 7 nationally ranked Queen’s University Gaels at Alumni Field on Friday night.

It took until 12 minutes in for the first points to go up on the scoreboard, courtesy of a try by Lauren Murray, and Dominique Rumball made her first of three converts on the night for a 7-0 Queen’s lead.

Just two minutes later the Lions got onto the scoreboard on a try by Tobi Owotomo, but the Gaels extended their lead before the half with a try by McKinley Hunt to make it 12-5.  More details.