GRYPHONS SHUT OUT BY LIONS DEFENCE
A great day was on the cards for the York University Lions men and women’s soccer teams as both earned victories over the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday (Oct. 2) on the road.
The women earned their third win of the season with a 2-0 result.
The game started in rainy weather as both teams struggled to control the ball in the slippery conditions. Midfielder Rita Keimakh (Maple, Ont.) tipped the game into the Lions favour with a goal in the 40th minute.
The Gryphons tried to tie the game late, but Lions midfielder Nicole Markowitz (Toronto) pulled the team out of the jam, by netting an insurance goal. Markowitz’s goal was enough, as the Lions held on to the lead to earn the win.
Lions goalkeeper Sarah Fiorini (Newmarket, Ont.) had a fantastic game. She held strong against the Gryphons offence in the tough conditions to earn her 10th career OUA shutout.
The women’s team continues to climb higher in the OUA standings and after Saturday’s win, the Lions launched into a tie with the Brock Badgers for fifth place.
Immediately following the women’s game, the men took to the field looking for a similar result. Going into the match, the Lions had a clear advantage over the Gryphons. York led the league with 25 goals scored, while Guelph had yet to get on the board this season.
York’s offense played a highly aggressive game, getting around the Gryphons defence and placing seven shots on net. However, Guelph’s goalkeeper Chad Paparoni kept his team in the match, making several great saves.
Just before the conclusion of the first half, Lions striker Adrian Pena (Woodbridge, Ont.) nailed the only goal of the match. With the goal, Pena continues to hold onto second place in OUA scoring.
Lions goalkeeper Sotiri Varlokostas (Toronto) made just three saves in the 1-0 victory. It was the fifth shut out for Varlokostas this season.
With the win, the Lions remain second in the OUA West standings.
Both teams will be back in action again on Sunday with games against the McMaster Marauders in Hamilton. The women will begin at 1pm and the men will follow at 3:15pm.
By Andrew Fletcher, sport writing assistant
