Emily Goodwin | Editor-in-Chief
Featured Image: The Lions took down McMaster and Waterloo for their first two wins of 2019. | Courtesy of York Lions
The York Lions men’s soccer team had a busy week, playing two games in the last six days. They took on the McMaster Marauders at Alumni Field Thursday night and travelled to Waterloo Sunday afternoon. After a tough start to the season, the Lions defeated both the Marauders and the Warriors to pick up their first two wins of the 2019 season.
Thursday’s Frosh Frenzy match-up with the Marauders saw the men’s team experience the same success as the women’s team, picking up their first win of the season and finishing with a score of 1-0. Scoring the only goal of the game was third-year midfielder, Lucas Puntillo, of the Lions, with the assistance of Adam Parda and Michael Thornton.
When the Lions faced the Warriors on Sunday, the Lions faced a tough start, but were eventually able to break through the Warriors defence. The Lions’ first goal of the game came at the 30-minute mark from second-year striker Christopher Jacovou. With renewed energy after half time, the Lions added three more goals to close out the game 4-0. Jacovou scored again one minute into the second half; teammates Dieu Merci Yuma and Michael Thorton added one goal each at the 63 and 81 minute mark respectively.
The Lions have been finding their stride these last two games. They’re not only back in the win column, but they are also significantly out-shooting their opponents. In the match against the Marauders, the Lions shot on net 15 times to the Marauders eight, and 10 shots to the Warriors five. These wins have also allowed starting Lions goalkeeper Mike Argyrides his third straight clean sheet of the season, making a total of 10 saves over the last three games.
The Lions are back at Alumni Field field this weekend for another two games. On Friday, September 13 they will take on the Western Mustangs, and on Sunday, September 15 they will take on the Brock Badgers. Kick-off is 8:15 p.m. for both games.