Weekend wrap: Lions earn huge comeback win against Gryphons

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York U Lions

The York University Lions men’s soccer team topped the University of Guelph Gryphons on Aug. 29 at Alumni Field after a massive comeback in the final minutes of the game.

The game was action-packed and aggressive from the moment it kicked off, which is expected from two of the strongest teams in U SPORTS. The tension was palpable from the stands and visible from the field. About a dozen fouls were called in the first half of the fast-paced game.

Guelph had many chances within the first 10 minutes to score against York with two corner kicks; however, the Gryphons were unable to complete their attempts. More details on the York Lions website.

Two nights later, the men’s soccer team won their second game of the week and third game in a row with a 4-0 win against the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks on Friday at Laurier’s University Stadium.

York dominated the first half as they took 12 shots in the opening half and scored all four goals in the first half of the game. More details.

Lions and Gryphons draw 1-1

The York University Lions women’s soccer team tied 1-1 with the University of Guelph Gryphons in game No. 3 of the 2018 season on Aug. 29 at Alumni Field.

Neither team scored in the first half of the game; Guelph controlled the play, but the Lions were able to defend well against their nine shots in the first half.

Several Lions stood out defensively and contributed to their strong defense in the first half. Midfielder Catherine Umolac managed to block many of Guelph’s shots, while Teni Odetoyinbo, the Lions’ strong and versatile defender, was also able to ensure Guelph’s attempts remained away from York’s net. More details.

On Aug. 31, the Lions played on the road against Wilfrid Laurier University and fell to the Golden Hawks by a score of 2-1.

The Lions opened up the game strong and brought the pressure early, within the first five minutes. They scored first thanks to a goal by Lions midfielder Christina Morelli.

The remaining of the first half of the game saw many scoring chances from both York and Laurier. The Lions attempted six more shots in the first half, which almost gave them a second goal, including one from midfielder Kalifornia Mitchell whose shot hit the crossbar. More details.

Lions drop Week 2 game to Gryphons on record-breaking day for Hunchak

The York University Lions football team led by one point at halftime, but couldn’t hold on as the University of Guelph Gryphons took over in the second half and topped the Lions by a final score of 33-18. Lions quarterback Brett Hunchak broke two school records during the game, becoming the career leader in completions and passing yards before the end of the first half.

The Lions struck first as kicker Dante Mastroguiseppe gave the Lions a 1-0 lead with a rouge on their first possession. Hunchak set the York school record for most career completions (422) during the Lions’ second possession, as he hit wide receiver Eric Kimmerly with the record-breaking 13-yard pass, which put the Lions into Guelph territory. More details.

Lions drop 2018 season opener to Marauders

The York University Lions women’s rugby team played host to the McMaster University Marauders on Aug. 31 at Alumni Field in their opening game of the 2018 season. The Lions hung tough against one of the top teams in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA), but came away with a 57-12 defeat the hands of the Marauders.

Scoring trys for the Lions was fourth-year player Michela Stratton, who put the first points on the board for the Lions in the first half. Team captain Megan Pakulis bowled her way into the try zone for a score in the second half. Natasha Naismith picked up the conversion on Stratton’s try. More details.