The York Lions’ men’s soccer team defeated the McMaster Marauders by a score of 2-0 on the evening of September 10. The atmosphere was electric at the York Stadium as the two top teams in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport clashed in York’s Frosh Frenzy soccer game.
An estimated 3,000 fans filled the stands of the York Stadium to show their support for the Lions.
“I think it was almost a historic moment in York athletics,” says Carmine Isacco, commenting on the outpouring of support for his team. “The student body asked us to perform and they were fantastic supporters and I think that’s one of the best shows of school spirit that we’ve seen in a long time.”
“We’ve always been a very strong side and we haven’t really gotten as much support as we’d like, but today it was great, says”Jarek Whiteman, forward for the Lions. “We really appreciate the student body all coming out and supporting us.”
The Lions and Marauders traded possession early in the game, but neither team made it to the scoreboard until just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Lions midfielder Malcolm Loukides took the ball up the field and crossed it to stiker Joey Cicchillo, who headed it into the net to give the Lions a 1-0 lead.
Though the Marauders kept the Lions under pressure throughout the game, they remained scoreless, in part because of the Lions’ strong defence. In the 59th minute, Lions midfielder Matt Stinson scored off of a penalty kick to extend the Lions’ lead to 2-0. Jarek Whiteman nearly scored another goal for the Lions with just minutes left in the game.
The Lions were elated by their victory.
“I’m happy we got two points today,” says striker Michael Cox. “It was a big win for us.” However, Whiteman believes that they can still play better, as the older players and new recruits are still getting to know each other. Coach Isacco also believes that there is room for improvement. “It’s always a challenge to get better,” he says. “Regardless of the opponent, regardless of the situation, of the magnitude of the moment, we have to get better.”
The Lions have extended their winning streak, which began in October 2013, to 31 games. They are also in the top spot of the Ontario University Athletics West standings, with a record of 3-0-1. They have defeated the Marauders for the sixth time in a row, including last season’s OUA and CIS finals, as the storied rivalry between the two teams continues.
“We’ve seen them many times,” says Whiteman, referring to the Marauders, adding that they “always give us a good battle so we’re happy to have a team like that come and test us to see where we really stand.”
For Lions’ coach Isacco, the York-McMaster rivalry mimics his personal relationship with Marauders coach Dino Perri. “We grew up in the same soccer world,” says Isacco. “We grew up with the same mentality of competing and preparation, and he’s a fantastic coach. The sole reason McMaster’s where they are right now is his work ethic and his knowledge of the game.”
After sending a strong message to the Marauders at the beginning of the season, the Lions now have to put on their best performance not just against their top competition, but against every team they will face.
“Every team is going to be coming out strong against us,” says Cox. “I mean, everyone wants to beat the number one ranked team in the country.” The pressure will be building up towards November, when York will host the 2015 CIS Men’s Soccer Championships and the Lions will defend their title on home soil.
Hassam Munir, Sports & Health Editor, Alomar Kocur, Multimedia Editor
Featured image courtesy of Michael Zusev, Photo Editor
