SOCCER LIONS SWEEP BADGERS
It was a tremendous afternoon for the York University Lions men’s and women’s soccer teams as they both emerged victorious against the Brock Badgers on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 9), showing off the strength and resolve of both teams.
In the women’s game, it was a tense affair between both teams with defence playing a central role in denying chances for the squads.
Lions’ rookie forward Sonia Sampona (Toronto) broke the stalemate with a shot that zipped by Luciana Di Paolo (Newmarket, Ont.) in the 88th minute to seal the victory. Goalkeeper Sarah Fiorini (Newmarket, Ont.) earned the shutout for the Lions.
With the victory, the team improved its record to 4-6 and moved into fifth place in the OUA standings with four games to play. The Lions have 10 points and are two points up on both Brock and Waterloo and are just two points behind the Western Mustangs for fourth place.
In the men’s game that followed, the contest was an edge of your seat showdown between two hungry teams.
Brock second-year midfielder Myles Denomme (Brampton, Ont.) fired a shot past Lions goalkeeper Sotiri Varlokostas (Toronto) to break open the scoring in the 30th minute.
The Badgers would remain in the lead at the half, and while it appeared they were in full control, the Lions turned on the juice in the second half.
Fourth-year forward Moreno Alberti (Winnipeg) struck the back of the net in the 58th minute to tie the game, and Gerard Ladiyou (Toronto) claimed the victory for the visiting side with a goal in the 73rd minute.
With the win, the Lions increased their lead over Laurier in the OUA West standings and remain in second place with a 9-2-1 record. They also closed the gap on the leading Western Mustangs and are now just five points back of top spot with four games to play and a game in hand over the Mustangs.
The Lions men’s and women’s teams will both be in action again on Wednesday (Oct. 13) at home versus the McMaster Marauders. Catch the game live at York Stadium, with the women beginning at 1pm and the men following at 3:15pm.
By Jon Careless, sport writing assistant
