Matt Dionne | Sports and Health Editor
Featured image: The Lions men’s soccer team failed to capture their third-straight OUA title in a close final game against Guelph. | Courtesy of York Lions
The men’s soccer team failed at their quest for a threepeat this weekend when they took on U of T in the semifinals and Guelph in the finals of the Ontario University Athletics, or OUA.
Saturday’s game against U of T came down to the wire, with both teams trading chances in the first half, but neither could score on their opposing keeper.
In the 76th minute, U of T was awarded a free kick for a dangerous tackle just outside the 18-yard box. However, the Varsity Blues were unable to capitalize, as the kick was deflected by the York wall and sailed out of bounds for a corner kick.
Just over 10 minutes later, Milan Beader, who came into the game as a substitution, scored the first goal of the game, giving York a 1-0 lead that they would hold onto for the win.
Saturday’s victory meant the Lions were playing again on Sunday in the gold medal game against the Guelph Gryphons.
Unlike the semifinal game, the gold medal game wasn’t lacking in scoring, as the Lions drew first blood just nine minutes in on Beader’s fourth goal of the post-season.
However, in the 23rd minute, Guelph evened the score on an unassisted goal from Jace Kotsopoulos.
Just before the end of the half in injury time, Guelph took the lead on another unassisted goal from Alex Zis, leaving the Gryphons with a 2-1 lead.
In the second half it was Guelph who opened the scoring, adding some insurance in the form of Zis’ second goal of the game.
York continued to pressure for the rest of the half, but were unfortunately unable to find the back of the net. Guelph went on to win the 2016 OUA championship by a score of 3-1.
Despite the loss, York still has a chance at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport championship, when they will face the University of Alberta Golden Bears this Thursday at 11 a.m.
