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Weekend wrap: No. 3 men’s soccer Lions reach 50-game milestone after 1-0 win over Lancers

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York U Lions

On Sunday, Oct. 20, the No. 3 nationally ranked York University Lions men’s soccer team defeated the University of Windsor Lancers 1-0 at Alumni Field.

The win sees the Lions reach a historic 50-game milestone after going undefeated against Ontario University Athletics (OUA) opponents since Aug. 30, 2017 – their last loss coming against the University of Guelph Gryphons, 2-1 at home.

The first half of the match was goalless, but the game was anything but dull. Forward Merci Yuma had plenty of great shots on target, but none of them reached the back of the net. Lancers goalkeeper Sebastien Lee-Daigle kept the score sheet clean, ending the half with a nil-nil tie. More details on the Lions website.

On Friday night (Oct. 18), the Lions prevailed over the Western University Mustangs by a score of 1-0.

The game started off nerve-wracking, with both teams playing stellar defence, resulting in neither landing on the scoreboard. With a rare scoreless first half, the Lions aimed to lay on the pressure to get some points on the board going into the second. More details.

Rugby Lions promoted to Shiels Division with consolation final win over Trent

On Saturday (Oct. 19), the York University Lions women’s rugby team defeated the Trent University Excalibur at Alumni Field with a final score of 45-12 in their consolation final match.

The win gives the Lions the fifth and final spot in the upper Shiels Division for next season, where they will play against the best teams in the conference.

The Lions came out strong in the first five minutes with a try and a conversion from Natasha Naismith, giving the Lions an early 7-0 lead. Seven minutes later the Lions scored another try, this time from Bernice Ediagbonya, followed by another conversion from Naismith. More details.

Women’s hockey Lions bounce back on road with 3-0 win over Lancers

On Saturday, the No. 10 nationally ranked York University Lions women’s hockey team defeated the University of Windsor Lancers away at the Atlas Tube Centre with a score of 3-0.

The Lions struck first and scored late in the first period from forward Kara Washer, assisted by her teammates Brooke Anderson and Julia McLennan. More details.

On Friday night, the Lions played the No. 9 nationally ranked Western University Mustangs in their season opener and were defeated 5-3 in London, Ont.

York’s Kelsey McHolm opened up the game with a goal in the first 26 seconds, which was assisted by Taylor Davison. The early goal gave the Lions a 1-0 lead over the Mustangs. More details.

Men’s hockey Lions shutout defending champion Gaels 3-0 at home

The York University Lions men’s hockey team beat the defending OUA champion Queen’s University Gaels by a thrilling 3-0 score on Saturday at Canlan Ice Sports.

Most of the action took place in the first period of the game, where the Lions were able to secure a 2-0 lead against the Gaels. York’s Braydon Buziak and Scott Feser were able to assist Xavier Pouliot with the opening goal at 4:52. More details.

On Friday night, the Lions fell to the No. 9 nationally ranked Ryerson University Rams by a 2-1 score during their electrifying home opener at Canlan Ice Sports.

The Rams opened up with the first goal of the game against the Lions, scored by Gregory DiTomaso. But York’s first-year forward Dylan Riley managed to answer with a goal less than two minutes later during the high-intensity first period. More details.

Women’s soccer Lions score five past Lancers in final regular season game

On Sunday, the No. 10 nationally ranked York University Lions women’s soccer team defeated the University of Windsor Lancers 5-1 in the regular season finale for both teams.

Jessica Lush had a fantastic shot but was unable to reach the back of the net. The disappointment was long forgotten as the Lions scored their first goal in the 16th minute from forward Kiayani Johnson, assisted by her teammate Farkhunda Muhtaj. More details.

Two days earlier, the Lions battled against the No. 8 Western University Mustangs and came back to tie the game with a final score of 1-1 on the road in London, Ont.

The game started pretty intensely and was action-packed from the first few minutes of the match. Mustangs midfielder Nikki Balachorek scored the opening goal in the first minutes of the game, assisted by her teammate Nicola Panaccione. More details.

Football Lions end season with loss to Gaels in Kingston

The York University Lions football team had its 2019 season come to an end on Saturday afternoon with a 23-2 loss to the Queen’s University Gaels at Richardson Stadium in Kingston, Ont.

As it has done all season, the Lions defence stood tall and gave the team a chance to win. The unit sacked Queen’s starting quarterback James Keenan three times and had nine total tackles behind the line of scrimmage, for a loss of 44 yards. They also picked Keenan off once, forced and recovered a fumble and had three pass break-ups.

Queen’s opened the scoring five minutes in, when Richard Burton caught a 17-yard pass from James Keenan for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. More details.

Field hockey Lions come away with win and tie in Waterloo

Over the weekend, the York University Lions field hockey team remained undefeated in their away games against the Queen’s University Gaels with a score of 3-1, and a tie against the University of Waterloo Warriors 1-1.

Their performance this weekend placed the Lions third in their division, where they will be seeded heading into the championship next weekend.

In the first game, the Lions faced off against the Gaels in a dominating fashion. In the first quarter, the Lions scored early, with midfielder Amira Brar scoring an unassisted goal in the first four minutes of the game. More details.

Weekend wrap: Argo Cup stays at York after football Lions dominate Blues in 50th Red & Blue Bowl

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York U Lions

The York University Lions football team won its third straight Argo Cup with a thrilling 34-14 victory over the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the 50th Red & Blue Bowl under the lights at Alumni Field on Friday night, Oct. 11.

The best Ontario University Athletics (OUA) passer, the Blues’ Clay Sequeira, was bothered all night long by a Lions defence who was relentless for four quarters. He completed only 16 of his 38 passing attempts and finished with only 151 passing yards, by far his lowest total of the season. He was sacked four times and threw two interceptions, both to Jacob Janke and one of which was returned for a touchdown. More details on the Lions website.

Women’s tennis Lions claim bronze, men finish fourth at OUA championships

The host York University Lions women’s tennis team won their second straight bronze medal, while the men came up just short in their bid for a second straight bronze at the OUA championships at the Mayfair Club – Toronto East on Sunday, Oct. 13.

With a 6-1 win over the Brock University Badgers, the women won their eighth consecutive medal, while the men finished fourth following a 5-2 loss to the University of Waterloo Warriors. More details.

Women’s rugby Lions defeat Blues in OUA consolation semifinal match

The York University Lions women’s rugby team nearly gave up a big lead but held on down the stretch to defeat the University of Toronto Varsity Blues 32-21 in their OUA consolation semifinal match at Alumni Field on Saturday night (Oct. 12).

Natasha Naismith dominated play throughout the game, accounting for 17 of the Lions’ 32 points. She had two tries, two conversions and a penalty goal in the win. More details.

Men’s soccer Lions score 10 in win over Algoma

On Sunday, Oct. 13, the York University Lions men’s soccer team had a tremendous 10-0 win over the Algoma University Thunderbirds in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., at Superior Heights Field.

The No. 4 nationally ranked Lions came out to a strong start and forward Christopher Jacovou scored their first goal in the first minute of the game. More details.

On Friday afternoon (Oct. 11), the team faced off against the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, keeping their undefeated streak alive with a 3-0 win at Alumni Field.

The first half got off to an electrifying start with a goal in the second minute of the game from Lions forward Merci Yuma, with the assist from defenceman Reggie Laryea. More details.

Cross country Lions compete at McMaster for final meet before OUA championships

The York University Lions cross country team sent a trio of athletes to compete at the McMaster University Bayfront Open in Hamilton, Ont., on Friday afternoon (Oct. 11).

Crossing the finish line first on the women’s side was Anna Prouzou, dropping her time from a weekend ago by 36 seconds, clocking in at 33:02. More details.

Fifth win in a row propels women’s soccer Lions to second in OUA West Division

On Sunday (Oct. 13), the York University Lions women’s soccer team defeated the Algoma University Thunderbirds by a score of 3-0 in Sault Ste. Marie.

Lions midfielder Vanessa Salvaggio scored early in the first five minutes of the game. More details.

Two days earlier, the team faced off against the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, winning 2-0. The Lions were coming off of a three-game win streak and, as they are nearing the end of the regular season, they wanted to finish strong.

Midfielder Kalifornia Mitchell had a fantastic shot on net in the 38th minute of the game, followed by an amazing save in the 40th minute by Lions goalkeeper Danitza Indacochea. More details.

Men’s hockey Lions defeat Badgers for first win of season

The York University Lions men’s hockey team continued their season on the road on Friday night (Oct. 11), defeating the Brock University Badgers 3-2 in St. Catharines, Ont.

The Badgers got on the board early when defenceman Connor Walters put his side up by one within the first four minutes of the opening period.

Lions forward Morgan Messenger would be quick to respond, pouncing on a rebounded shot from Jeremy Lucchini, knotting the game at one a piece heading into the first intermission. More details.

On Saturday, the team dropped a 3-1 decision to the University of Guelph Gryphons in its third straight road game to start the season.

The Gryphons dominated play for most of the first two periods, outshooting the Lions 26-13, but York rookie goaltender Cole Ceci was up to the challenge, making 25 saves in that stretch. More details.

Soccer Lions look to continue winning ways in the inaugural Community Day games

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York U Lions

The York University Lions soccer teams are rolling as the regular season winds down and they will be back on the pitch on Friday for the inaugural Community Day Games against the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks.

The women kick off the action at 11 a.m. at Alumni Field and the men will follow at 1:15 p.m. Both games can also be seen live online on OUA.tv.

The two squads have played a combined 20 games and have just one loss between the two of them, an opening day defeat by the women to the second-place University of Guelph Gryphons. They have earned points in every game since and are riding a season-best three-game winning streak in which they have outscored their opponents 6-1. The Lions won all three games they played last week, defeating the McMaster University Marauders 1-0 on an 89th-minute goal by Kiyani Johnson, followed by a 2-1 win over the Brock University Badgers and a 3-0 defeat of the University of Waterloo Warriors.

Johnson has scored in four of her last five games, beginning with a hat-trick against the Golden Hawks in their earlier meeting this season, and is now sixth in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) scoring with six goals.

The men know all about long streaks and are currently riding their best unbeaten stretch against OUA opponents in program history. The Lions have not lost to a conference foe in more than two years, a run that is now at 46 games and reaches back to Aug. 30, 2017. Last week they did not allow a goal in three matches, posting a 0-0 draw with McMaster and then a 5-0 victory over Brock and a 1-0 triumph over Waterloo.

Fans at Friday’s games have the potential to see plenty of goals if the first meetings between these teams are any indication. Three weeks ago, the Lions were in Waterloo, Ont., and won big, with the women posting a 4-0 victory and the men pouring in a season-high nine goals in a 9-3 triumph. The Lions men have not lost to the Golden Hawks since Laurier upset York in the OUA final in 2008, posting a 15-0-5 record since then and winning the last seven match-ups. The women’s teams split their season series last year in a pair of one-goal games that saw the home team win each time.

In addition to their offensive prowess, both Lions squads are also strong defensively. The men lead the OUA West with just five goals allowed and have eight clean sheets in 10 games, while the women are second in the division with six goals allowed.

All eight of those clean sheets came courtesy of Mike Argyrides, who has started all 10 games this season and earned York’s male athlete of the week award for making 14 saves and allowing zero goals in three games last week.

Laurier’s soccer teams have struggled this season and have matching 1-6-3 records. The women recorded their lone win over the University of Windsor Lancers in mid-September and the men picked up their victory against the Western University Mustangs the week prior.

After Friday, the Lions each have three games remaining. They will head to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on Sunday to face the Algoma University Thunderbirds before the final weekend of the regular season. They will be in London, Ont., to face the Mustangs on Friday and will host the Lancers on Sunday, Oct. 20 at Alumni Field.

Weekend wrap: Women’s soccer Lions’ late goal secures win over Marauders

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York U Lions

The York University Lions women’s soccer team came away with a nail-biting 1-0 victory over McMaster University at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton, Ont.

It took 89 minutes for the Lions to break the deadlock, when captain Farkhunda Muhtaj delivered a deep ball intended for fourth-year forward Kiyani Johnson. The ball travelled down the far right side of the pitch, leading to a sprint between Marauders keeper Juliana Hifawi and Johnson. More details on the York Lions website.

Three days later, the women’s soccer team beat Brock University 2-1 in St. Catharines, Ont.

After a scoreless first half, despite seven shots fired, the Lions only needed four minutes in the second half to find the back of the net, courtesy of Kalifornia Mitchell. More details.

On Sunday, the women’s soccer team beat the University of Waterloo 3-0 in a thrilling game on home turf. It was after a penalty was called on Waterloo that Mitchell was able to take a penalty shot, which successfully gave the Lions their first goal of the game. More details.

Tennis Lions sweep Badgers to end regular season on high note

The York University Lions men’s and women’s tennis teams ended their regular seasons with convincing victories over Brock University at the Tait Tennis Courts on Saturday afternoon.

The men picked up their first win of the season with a sweep of the Badgers, earning all seven points. The women came close to matching the feat, earning a 6-1 victory. Also this past weekend, the Lions faced the Montreal Carabins and were defeated in both matches; the men by a 7-0 score and the women 6-1. More details.

Cross country Lions finish fourth at Don Mills Open

The York University Lions cross country teams kept their season rolling on Saturday at the Don Mills Open, with the women’s team finishing fourth overall in Waterloo, Ont.

Proving to be the standout of the season, rookie Carmen Krawczynski Gonzalez was once again the first Lion to cross the line, completing the 8-kilometre race in a time of 32:54.

Krawcyznski Gonzalez finished the race ninth overall, the first top-10 finish by a female cross country runner since Giulia Ferrante finished eighth at the same meet in 2012. More details.

Men’s soccer Lions record eighth shutout with 1-0 win over Warriors

On Oct. 6, the No. 4 nationally ranked York University Lions men’s soccer team beat the University of Waterloo 1-0 at Alumni Field, extending their undefeated run to 10 games on the season.

The game was off to a slow scoring start as both York and Waterloo’s defensive lines blocked one another from getting any successful shots on goal.

It was in the 38th minute of play when York’s Cristian Cavallini was able to secure the first goal for the Lions with an assist by Merci Yuma. More details.

Earlier in the week, the men’s soccer team played to a 0-0 draw against McMaster University at Ron Joyce Stadium on Wednesday night in Hamilton, Ont.

Scoring opportunities were few and far between for both sides. Yuma tried to get the Lions rolling 13 minutes in; dribbling past his defender, he fired a shot on net that was ultimately saved by Marauders keeper Michael Costanzo. More details.

Three days later, on Saturday afternoon, the men’s soccer team beat Brock University in a high-scoring 5-0 game at Varsity Soccer Field in St. Catharines, Ont.

The first goal of the game was scored by Cavallini, whose unassisted goal commenced York’s scoring streak. Yuma followed Cavallini with a goal of his own, registering his sixth of the season. York’s Vaughan Bianchi finished the first half with an unassisted goal of his own, his first of the season. More details.

Field hockey Lions finish weekend third in OUA standings

On Saturday, Oct. 5, the York University Lions field hockey team defeated Western University at Varsity Field in Guelph, Ont., by a lopsided score of 9-2, but were defeated later in the day by the University of Guelph 2-0.

Several York players earned their way onto the scoresheet in the first game against the Mustangs. Forward Marella Greco scored a hat-trick in the game, followed by two goals each from Lexi Hannah and Chrysda Smith.

Later on in the day, the Lions looked to keep the wind in their sails but faced a disappointing defeat against the Gryphons.

The Gryphons and Lions were both coming into the match with wins under their belt. Unluckily, the Lions were bested when the Gryphons scored first in the final minutes of the first quarter from midfielder Nyah Miranda, giving the Gryphons a 1-0 lead. More details.

Men’s hockey Lions drop season opener to Varsity Blues

On Saturday night, the York University Lions men’s hockey team dropped their season opener 5-3 against the University of Toronto at Varsity Arena.

The first period opened in favour of the Lions, with an unassisted goal from forward Benjamin Evanish in the first two minutes of the game. However, the Varsity Blues were quick to respond with four goals. More details.

Weekend wrap: Rugby Lions clinch top spot with win in regular season finale

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York U Lions

On Friday night (Sept. 27), the York University Lions women’s rugby team kept its win streak strong as they closed their regular season overpowering Wilfrid Laurier University by a score of 78-7 at Alumni Field.

The Lions were coming off of a hot win away defeating the University of Waterloo Warriors 39-5 and finished the regular season a perfect 4-0 on the year and in first place in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Russell Division.

The game opened to a thrilling start with the first try of the match scored by Brittany Ediagbonya just one minute in. Five minutes later there was a try by Esther Sivalingam and a conversion from Natasha Naismith. More details on the York Lions website.

No. 3 men’s soccer Lions battle for draw in away game against No. 9 Gryphons

The No. 3 nationally ranked York University Lions men’s soccer team tied 2-2 with the No. 9 ranked University of Guelph during their away game this Sunday at Alumni Field in Guelph, Ont.

The Gryphons’ Evan Dick scored the first goal of the game and the only goal of the first half. The Lions fired three shots on goal in the first; however, none were able to find the back of the Gryphons net.

The Gryphons went into half time taking the lead 1-0 against the Lions. More details.

Field hockey Lions beat Queen’s 3-1, tie first place Varsity Blues

On Saturday, Sept. 28, the York University Lions field hockey team played against Queen’s University, securing a 3-1 win.

York’s Natalie Winter scored the first goal of the game in the first quarter, which was followed by a goal off a penalty corner by third-year defender Frankie St. Louis. Her unassisted goal resulted in a 2-0 lead for the Lions by the end of the opening frame. More details.

Football Lions fall to Warriors in Saturday afternoon action

The York University Lions football team was defeated by a score of 57-19 by the University of Waterloo on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 28) at Warrior Field.

The first quarter was a tight affair with each team putting together one scoring drive and otherwise punting. The Warriors got on the board first when Tre Ford completed a 46-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Ternowski for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead mid-way through the frame, and Mitchell Mackett was good on a 10-yard field goal with two seconds left to cap a seven-play, 95-yard drive with three points. More details.

Women’s soccer Lions tie second-place Gryphons in away game

The York University Lions women’s soccer team tied the University of Guelph, the second-place team in the OUA West Division, by a score of 2-2 on Sept. 29 in Guelph, Ont.

All the scoring action of the game took place within the first 19 minutes of the game.

The game was only five minutes in when rookie Vanessa Salvaggio scored the first goal of the game, making it the first goal of her career as a Lion, which was assisted by forward Marissa Castellano. More details.

Inaugural Lions football Murton-Midea Memorial Tournament raises more than $40,000

Members of the York University Football Alumni Association

The York University Football Alumni Association hosted the inaugural Murton-Midea Memorial Tournament on Sept. 21 and raised more than $40,000 for a new scholarship in memory of two former Lions football players, Jesse Murton and Alex Midea.

The two were teammates in 2011 – Murton as a fourth-year receiver and Midea as a rookie offensive lineman. In the following years, they were both diagnosed with leukemia and lost their lives to the disease, on April 24, 2017, and Dec. 5, 2018, respectively.

Members of the York University Football Alumni Association together with families of the late Lions football players Jesse Murton and Alex Midea

It was a beautiful fall day at Alumni Field, and more than 100 football alumni, friends and family members came out to play, watch and support the memorial tournament. All funds raised that day will be directed to a brand-new scholarship, the Murton-Midea Memorial Scholarship, that will be awarded to a future or current player that best exemplifies the characteristics of tenacity, determination, leadership and compassion.

More than $21,000 was raised from 40 donors, and with a pledge from York University Athletics & Recreation to match the first $20,000, the fund now stands at close to $42,000.

Murton was a loyal member of the Lions football program for five seasons. He was a hard-working receiver who was dedicated to improving himself on the field, in the gym and in the classroom. He graduated with a degree in kinesiology and health science in 2013 and had moved to British Columbia to work at the Whistler High Performance Training Centre before his death.

Midea spent just one season with the Lions before his cancer diagnosis in 2012. The very first recruit current head coach Warren Craney signed at York, Midea was beloved by his teammates and known for his tremendous work ethic. He was the Lions’ first-ever recipient of the Tom Arnott Yeoman of the Year Award for Hard Work and Character, and he persevered in the classroom despite his illness, graduating with a degree in sociology in 2017.

The legacies of Murton and Midea were honoured at halftime during the team’s homecoming game on Saturday, Sept. 21, with members of both of their families in attendance.

Weekend wrap: Women’s soccer Lions put four unanswered goals past Golden Hawks

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York U Lions

The York University Lions women’s soccer team beat the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks with a 4-0 win during the away game at University Stadium in Waterloo, Ont., on Friday night.

It was York’s fourth-year veteran Kiyani Johnson who scored three-quarters of the Lions’ goals.

At 13:37 into the game, after shots by Vanessa Salvaggio and Marissa Castellano that went wide, Johnson scored an unassisted goal against the Golden Hawks, not only securing the first goal for the Lions but the first goal of the game. More details on the York Lions website.

No. 3 men’s soccer Lions down Golden Hawks 9-3, extend win streak to five

The No. 3 nationally ranked York University Lions men’s soccer team won their fifth game of the season when they beat the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks 9-3 at University Stadium in Waterloo, Ont., on Friday night.

Third-year forward Soji Olatoye was the high scorer for the Lions, as he was able to secure a trio of goals during the game. At just 27 seconds into the game, Olatoye secured the first goal for the Lions. Laurier’s Glorious Okpali responded soon after, tying the game 1-1. More details.

Field hockey Lions climb back to second after 2-1 win over University of Waterloo Warriors

The York University Lions women’s field hockey team beat the University of Waterloo Warriors 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Field. It was the team’s second game of the day.

The first quarter of the game started with both teams producing several shots on goal; however, none of them were able to find the back of the other’s net. The game remained scoreless until Waterloo’s Eileen Tudorica scored the first goal with seconds remaining in the first quarter of the game.

The Lions were able to get on the scoreboard shortly after the start of the second quarter when first-year player Michelle Lee passed to fellow rookie Lexi Hannah who fired a goal into Waterloo’s territory and tied the game 1-1. More details.

Earlier in the day, the Lions field hockey team snapped their four-game win streak with a 3-1 loss against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues at Alumni Field. More details.

No. 9 Gee-Gees defeat football Lions in annual homecoming game

The York University Lions football team got off to a strong start against the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees in the annual homecoming game. The Lions were ultimately defeated by a score of 46-12 during the game at Alumni Field on Saturday evening.

The home squad dominated the first quarter, spending most of it in Ottawa’s end and moving the ball well. At three minutes into the game, Basem Attalla got the Lions on the board with a 22-yard field goal, but his second attempt was short and the third ricocheted off the upright. The Lions led just 3-0 after the opening frame. More details.

Cross-country Lions open season at Bill Salter Invitational in London, Ont.

The York University Lions cross-country teams opened their season on Saturday morning in London, Ont., for the 34th edition of the Bill Salter Invitational hosted by Western University.

Despite it being her first season with the Lions, the spotlight wasn’t too big for Carmen Krawczynski Gonzalez. She crossed the line first for the Lions in a time of 24:49, good for 45th overall. Under a minute behind her was second-year runner Anna Prouzou in a time of 25:41, finishing 62nd, while rookie Meaghan Evon finished 70th, running 26:02 in the six-kilometre race. More details.

Weekend wrap: Field hockey Lions roll past Gryphons and Martlets to go 3-0

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York U Lions

The York University Lions field hockey team secured back-to-back wins against the University of Guelph and McGill University on Sunday afternoon, winning 3-0 and 10-0, respectively, at Queen’s University.

The two wins give the Lions a second place standing in the league, trailing only the University of Toronto by three points.

York’s first game against Guelph was a must-win matchup, as the Gryphons were aiming for a top-two spot in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA). Fortunately for the Lions, they were triumphant over their opponents. More details on the York Lions website.

No. 4 nationally ranked men’s soccer Lions drop Mustangs 4-0 at home

The No. 4 nationally ranked York University Lions men’s soccer team defeated Western University 4-0 on Friday night at Alumni Field.

The Lions’ leading scorer, Lucas Puntillo, got his team rolling early as he volleyed a shot off a headed pass from striker Christopher Jacovou, smashing it past the Mustangs’ fifth-year keeper, Kody Thomson. His goal would put the Lions up 1-0 heading into halftime. More details.

On Sunday night, the men’s soccer team handed Brock University its first defeat of the season, winning 3-0 at Alumni Field.

It took only 16 minutes for the Lions to get on the scoreboard. Third-year forward Merci Yuma found the back of the net for the third time this season.

Four minutes later, former U SPORTS all-Canadian Cristian Cavallini got his first goal in his first start for the Lions. Cavallini placed his shot in the bottom right corner of the net in the 20th minute, putting the Lions up 2-0. More details.

Rugby Lions keep win streak alive with third win in a row

The York University Lions women’s rugby team defeated the University of Waterloo 39-5 at CIF Field in Waterloo, Ont., on Sunday afternoon.

Tries for the Lions came from prop Bernice Ediagbonya and rookies Esther Sivalingam and Erin Preston, while Faith Williams and veteran Michela Stratton accounted for two tries each. Full-back Chanelle Lindegaard scored the two-point conversion. More details.

Women’s soccer Lions hold No. 8 nationally ranked Mustangs to draw at home

The York University Lions women’s soccer team held the No. 8 nationally ranked Western University scoreless to a 0-0 tie on Friday night at Alumni Field.

The best opportunity in the game came in the 74th minute when rookie left back Jocelyn Gagliardi’s cross found fourth-year forward Kiyani Johnson onside and one-on-one with Mustang keeper Angelica Galluzzo.

Johnson faked her shot right and dribbled left, but Galluzzo was able to sprawl out to deflect the ball away for the crucial save. More details.

Two days later, the women’s soccer team played Brock University to a 0-0 tie on Sunday night at Alumni Field.

Contrary to the final score, the Lions stuffed the stat sheet in multiple columns. Controlling the play from start to finish, York dominated from corner kicks 8-1. During play, York outshot Brock 15-5, with eight shots on net. More details.

Defence stands tall, but No. 5 nationally ranked Marauders come back for win over football Lions 

It was a defensive battle all afternoon on Saturday at Alumni Field as the York University Lions football team was defeated by a score of 27-9 by the No. 5 nationally ranked McMaster University.

The Lions led the Marauders 13-9 heading into the final quarter, but the frame started with the visitors on the goal line and running back Jordan Lyons punched it in from there to take a lead they would not relinquish. More details.

York Lions welcome the McMaster Marauders to Alumni Field this Saturday

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York U Lions

The York University Lions football team is back in action at home on Saturday afternoon as the squad welcomes the No. 5 nationally ranked McMaster University Marauders to Alumni Field.

This contest represents the Lions’ inaugural International Student Festival, where York University students from around the world will get to see football up close, many of them for the first time. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Fans unable to make it to the stadium can also watch live online on OUA.tv.

The Lions are still looking for their first win of the season and will be in tough against a solid McMaster squad that is one of the strongest in the country.

The game promises to be a defensive battle as both teams have so far been stronger on that side of the ball. The Marauders rank third in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) in yards allowed, at just 332.3 per game. They lead the league with nine interceptions and are third with 10 sacks. The Lions have given up 396.7 yards per game, good for seventh in the conference.

McMaster has the OUA’s top two tacklers, linebacker Nate Edwards and defensive back Nolan Putt. York’s leaders are linebacker Damian Jamieson and safety Jacob Janke.

The offence will take place primarily through the air, as both squads are in the top four in the OUA in passing yards per game and at the bottom in rushing yards. The quarterback duel will see York’s Brett Hunchak go up against McMaster’s Andreas Dueck, who are fifth and second, respectively, in passing yards so far this season. Luther Hakunavanhu leads the Lions with 16 receptions for 277 yards, while Dueck’s favourite target has been Michael Bazzo with 18 catches for 195 yards.

The last time the Lions were home, they played a tight game against the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks that ended 18-10 in favour of the visitors. Last week, they were defeated by the University of Guelph Gryphons 53-19 in a game that was only separated by a touchdown (26-19) when the fourth quarter began.

The Marauders are coming off a loss last week to the powerhouse Western University Mustangs, the two-time defending Yates Cup champions who currently rank second in U SPORTS at an undefeated 3-0. The Marauders tied the game at 17-17 early in the third quarter before the Mustangs pulled away with 17 unanswered points to win 34-17.

Prior to that contest, the Marauders won their first two games of the season, defeating the Gryphons 25-10 in the opener on the road and then the Ottawa Gee-Gees at home by a 35-22 score.

Saturday’s game is the first meeting between the two teams since 2017, as they did not face each other last year. The previous matchup resulted in a 32-2 victory for McMaster.

The Lions will play back-to-back games at home, returning to the gridiron on Saturday, Sept. 21 for the annual homecoming game against the Gee-Gees beginning at 5 p.m.

Men’s soccer Lions secure season’s first win

Lions logo
York U Lions

The annual Frosh Frenzy game at Alumni Field did not disappoint on Thursday night as the York University Lions men’s soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over the McMaster University Marauders in front of thousands of fans in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Marquee Match-up.

Lucas Puntillo during the York Lions – McMaster Marauders game. Image: Jojo Qian

The Lions broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Lucas Puntillo rang a shot off the inside of the far post and in following a nice pass into the box from Michael Thornton. It was the first career goal and assist, respectively, for the two Lions newcomers. More details on the York Lions website.

On Sunday, the men’s soccer team hit the road for the first time this season as they defeated the University of Waterloo Warriors 4-0 at Warrior Field.

Christopher Jacovou opened the scoring and then some for the Lions, breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute, and doubling the lead just after halftime in the 46th minute to give York a 2-0 lead. The game would eventually be secured after Merci Yuma and Michael Thornton notched their first career goals as Lions. More details.

Defending champion field hockey Lions start season with win

The OUA defending champion York University Lions women’s field hockey team opened the regular season at home with a convincing 4-0 win over the McGill University Martlets at Alumni Field on Sunday afternoon.

In a game that featured five rookies for the Lions, York found themselves jostling for position early on in the match. It wasn’t until the second quarter that rookie Michelle Lee would break the deadlock, firing her shot off a penalty corner past the keeper in the second minute.

The goals kept coming for the red and white. Third-year midfielder Frankie St. Louis would score her first goal of the campaign, putting the Lions up by two. Less than a minute later, first-year forward Marella Greco sniped a shot past the Martlet defence with 8:53 on the clock, making the score 3-0. More details.

Rugby Lions win home opener over Trent

The York University Lions women’s rugby team won its second game of the season on Friday night in front of a home crowd, defeating the Trent University Excalibur 17-7 at Alumni Field.

The scoring started early for the Lions, as third-year full back Chanelle Lindegaard made a breakaway in the seventh minute of the game gaining 20 yards in the process, leading to a try by Rayann D’Aguiar putting the Lions up 5-0.  More details.

No. 8 nationally ranked Gryphons use big fourth quarter to take down Football Lions

The York University Lions football team was defeated by a score of 53-19 by the No. 8 nationally ranked University of Guelph Gryphons at Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions played three strong quarters despite missing key players at many positions and trailed by only seven at 26-19 heading into the fourth. But the Gryphons exploded for 27 points in the final frame to win with ease.

Third-year receiver Luther Hakunavanhu had a career game with eight receptions for 166 yards and a pair of touchdowns, just six minutes apart in the third quarter. His first was a 20-yard strike four minutes in and the second a monstrous 75-yard bomb six minutes later. More details.

Women’s soccer Lions score big upset win over No. 8 nationally ranked Marauders

The York University Lions women’s soccer team scored a big upset victory on Thursday night with a 1-0 win over the No. 8 nationally ranked McMaster University Marauders at Alumni Field.

Rookie Vanessa Santoriello continued her hot start to the season with the lone goal of the game in the 67th minute, finishing off a pass from Kiyani Johnson. It was Santoriello’s second goal of the season as she has scored both of her team’s goals this year.  More details.

Three days later, the women’s soccer team played to a draw against the University of Waterloo Warriors at their first road game of the season on Sunday afternoon in Waterloo.

The Lions would strike first early in the opening half when Johnson’s cross found Kendra Saxton in the 18 yard box for her first goal of the season. The fourth-year striker would not fail to bury the ball into the net. More details.