Alexander Colle | Sports Editor
Featured Image: With the win, the Lions Men climb to first in the division, trailing only Carleton for best record in the OUA. | Courtesy of York Lions
To the delight of York soccer fans, the McMaster Marauders crowd was sent home disappointed Friday night when both their men’s and women’s soccer teams fell to the Lions by a score of 3-0 and 2-1, respectively.
Coming off of their first non-victory since August 30, a 1-1 tie against the Western Mustangs on October 1, the Lions men’s team took to the pitch in McMaster hoping to take down a team that they had defeated 5-2 earlier in the season. The game was especially significant, as the winner would take first place in the OUA West division.
York showed off their offensive prowess early in the match when midfielder Christian Cavallini capitalized on defensive confusion in the front third, due to a free kick that had never been whistled in. Playing on, Cavallini scored an uncontested goal to net his team-leading 10th goal of the season in the 15th minute of play.
With the goal, Cavallini is now second in the OUA in goals scored, only trailing Carleton forward Stefan Karajovanovic, who has 13.
Seven minutes later, York capitalized once again on a defensive miscue in the front third when midfielder Eddie Lay received a cross that fooled the Marauders defenders, booting home his fourth goal of the season.
Despite the encouraging score at the end of the half, York only managed a discouraging two shots on target in the frame.
Coming out of the gate in the second half, the Lions looked to play more aggressively. However, this only resulted in three yellow cards, and they were unable to exceed their number of first-half shots.
However, Mac served York a golden opportunity in the 87th minute, when midfielder Dylan Carreiro was awarded a penalty kick after an overly aggressive tackle by the Marauders defense. Carreiro made no mistake on the penalty, notching the Lions’ third goal of the match, which would result in a 3-0 victory.
The win gives York their ninth victory of the season, and Lions goaltender Quillan Roberts his first career win in net.
Meanwhile, the women also took to the pitch Friday night, looking to win their second match of the season.
It did not take long for the Lions to strike first, as midfielder Farkhunda Muhtaj tucked in her second of the season in the fifth minute of play.
Despite controlling the ball for most of the half, York could not increase their score, leaving it at 1-0 going into the break.
Early in the second half, the Lions added some insurance, courtesy of midfielder Kendra Saxton, who redirected a cross in the front third, putting home her first goal of the season.
The Marauders responded with a goal of their own in the 81st minute, but could not complete the comeback, as York held on for the 2-1 victory. The win brings York’s record to 2-6-4 for the season.
Tamara Orlando made three saves for her first victory of the season.
Both teams look to improve upon their records this weekend during a doubleheader against the Algoma Thunderbirds at Alumni Field on October 14 and 15. Kick-off is at 1:00 p.m. for the women and 3:15 p.m. for the men.
