The Windsor Lancer men's soccer team kicked off their 2024 campaign this weekend against the Waterloo Warriors and Guelph Gryphons on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. The Lancers earned a 2-2 tie on Saturday in Waterloo, before falling 3-0 to Guelph at Alumni Stadium.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED SATURDAY
The Waterloo Warriors ignited the match with a penalty kick goal by James Arango in the 30th minute.
 
In the opening minutes of the second half, the Lancers positioned themselves in the drivers' seat. Nico Fontecha and Skyler Pinnock set the tone with strong offensive attempts to test the keeper, setting the stage for Evan Vacratsis to connect with Wilchrist Abdo off a corner kick and tie it up.
 
Just two minutes later, Noah Branco jumped into the offensive effort, adding a second tally.
However, the Warriors bounced back in the 62nd minute, leveling the score and ending the night with a draw.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED SUNDAY
In the opening frame, goalkeeper Simon Grande made a double punch save to keep the ball out of Lancer territory. However, in the 21st minute, a lofted shot from Guelph found its way to the back of the net.
 
While the blue and gold's Ciaran O'Connor made a solid attempt to find an equalizer before halftime, it was the Gryphons who struck again, adding a second marker in the 38th minute.
 
In the second half, Connor Symons exercised a textbook defensive tackle to deny a chance for the Gryphons. Despite a solid effort by the blue and gold, Guelph added a third marker to the board in the 73rd minute.
 
UP NEXT
The men take the stage next against the McMaster Marauders. First, on Friday, September 6th the men return to Alumni Field at 8:15pm. Then, the men hit the road to Hamilton on Sunday, September 8th for their second matchup of the weekend at 3:15pm.