The Windsor Lancers women's soccer team faced the York Lions in a thrilling weekend series, showcasing determination and grit to come away with two victories.
HOW IT HAPPENED FRIDAY
The Lancers started slow on Friday, with a quiet first half marred by a few offside calls on offensive pushes. The York Lions took the early advantage in the 25th minute when OUA's leading scorer, Nia Fleming-Thompson, struck the first goal of the match.
However, the second half saw a stunning reversal. Down 1-0 at the break, Windsor roared back to life, scoring three unanswered goals to claim a 3-1 victory at York Lions Stadium.
Key to the defensive stand was Izzy Barrette, who made a crucial leaping save in the 52nd minute to deny York another chance at goal. This ignited Windsor's offense, and in the 57th minute, Avery Comartin connected with Brooke MacLeod, who slotted home the equalizer.
The game intensified as both teams searched for a breakthrough, but it was Windsor's Kailyn Robertson who took charge. In the 81st minute, she broke through York's defense to net the go-ahead goal, followed by a calmly executed penalty kick just five minutes later to secure the 3-1 win.
HOW IT HAPPENED SUNDAY
Sunday's rematch saw the York Lions determined to redeem themselves after Friday's defeat. The Lions proved hungry on the attack, but Comartin flew to the rescue, clearing a ball off the back line to safety in the 23rd minute,
After a scoreless first half, fans were on the edge of their seats awaiting a tie-breaking tally.
In the 53rd minute, Robertson returned to the stage, netting her third goal on the weekend to give Windsor the lead. Tension rose as York pressed for a late equalizer, but Windsor's defense held strong.
Hannah Clark nearly doubled the Lancer's lead in the 83rd minute with a header that missed by only inches, but the lone goal was enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory and sweep the weekend series.
UP NEXT
The blue and gold turn to face the Brock Badgers next weekend in a doubleheader. First, the Lancers return to Alumni Field on Friday, October 4th at 6:00pm.
Then, the women head to St. Catharine's for an afternoon outing on Sunday, October 6th at 1:00pm.
Tickets for home games are available online at goLancers.ca/tickets or at the gate. Live coverage can also be viewed at OUA.tv.
