Lions soccer team finish memorable season

Brittany Goldfield-Rodrigues
Editorial Intern
Under the heat of the Ontario University Athletics playoffs, the York Lions women’s soccer team faced the end of the road in their final battle against the Western Mus- tangs Oct. 27. Unfortunately, their passion and determination could not prevent the 1-0 loss.
“When it came down to it, this was the game we needed to win,” said team captain Tania Porretta after their devastating loss.
Although the game appeared passive throughout the first half, the events took a violent toll on players; in particular, a fumble at the front of the York Lions net with Alicia Donaldson and her opponent left scrapes and bruises.
The hard falls by York players and the aggressive plays by the Western Mustangs played a big role in losing the lead in several periods throughout the game. Each time captain Porretta made a shot, the Mustangs quickly diverted it.
In the second half, the girls responded faster and made numerous plays to try to get the upper hand over their rival.
All shots were close in the game, and Porretta, rookie midfielder Emma Gattoni and forward Sonia Sampogna created many goal opportunities just short of the net. Sampogna, the team’s top scorer, made several runs past her opponent’s defence but could not hit the net.
Towards the end, York’s tactic was for players to disperse more on the field, making many long crosses and long shots; however, the only goal that would be made for the entire game would be by mid-fielder Erin Grand, who scored the winning goal for the Mustangs in the 82nd minute of the game.
This loss marked the end of a long season for the women’s soccer team and left them very disappointed.
The season started with a lot of rookies – including new head coach Peyvand Mossavat, who came from coaching the soccer team at Ryerson University – after the teams lost four of their veteran players.
For Mossavat, the season may have had its ups and downs, but it was one he won’t forget.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything more than what they gave us. Any decision that was made was made for the team based on the players we had and the environment,” he said. “I don’t know how much we could’ve done or what we could’ve done differently.”
The optimistic coach is proud of the girls’ accomplishments and their perseverance throughout the season. The girls were able to work as a team and beat several difficult opponents, including third-placed team the Windsor Lancers.Overall, the team finished the season with six wins and 14 goals.
The key for a lot of the York players was an internal and external motivation.
“It comes from inside of me. Soccer’s been a part of my life for the longest time.
I strive to be better and do as much as I can for the team,” said defense player Felicia Turone.
Mossovat sees the time in between now and the next season as preparation for the future.
“The next season starts today, and it’s about what you do today and in the next eight to 10 months until next pre-season.”