The University of Windsor Lancers men's soccer team battled back from a two-goal deficit but ultimately fell 2-1 to the Waterloo Warriors on Friday (Sep. 4) night at Alumni Stadium.
After Waterloo opened the scoring in the 12th minute, the Lancers created several chances throughout the remainder of the opening half but were unable to find the equalizer. The Warriors added a second goal early in the second half before Windsor responded with a goal from Wilchrist Abdo, but Waterloo held on for the 2-1 victory.
GAME FLOW
Waterloo came out with early pressure, hitting the crossbar just two minutes into the match before Nicholas Zanin made a save on a header from Elliott Dell in the opening five minutes. The Warriors continued to threaten and broke through in the 12th minute when Kyler Monterroso scored the opening goal, assisted by Adam Shaikh.
Windsor responded by creating a number of chances of its own. Matthew Chimienti, Emrah Hrustanovic and Ciaran O'Connor each forced saves from Waterloo goalkeeper Lorin-Alexander Lopez, which followed by a Lancers effort in front of goal that was denied by a defensive save. Ryan Hickson also tested Lopez twice late in the half, but Waterloo carried its one goal advantage into halftime.
The Warriors extended their lead in the 56th minute when Noah Medeiros scored to make it 2-0, but Windsor answered just under eight minutes later. Wilchrist Abdo found the back of the net in the 64th minute to cut the Waterloo lead to 2-1 and give the Lancers renewed momentum.
The Lancers continued to press for the equalizer, with Issam Hassoun, O'Connor and Ottavio Liburdi all creating opportunities in the second half. Hickson also forced another save from Lopez immediately following Abdo's goal. Windsor continued to generate chances through the final minutes, but the Warriors goalkeeper came up with several key stops to preserve the victory.
STATS
Wilchrist Abdo scored Windsor's lone goal of the night, recording his first marker of the 2026 OUA season.
Ciaran O'Connor led the Lancers with four shots and three of them on goal, while Ryan Hickson recorded three shots, all of which were on target. Issam Hassoun added three shots, including one on goal.
Windsor outshot Waterloo 15-13 overall and held a 12-8 advantage in shots on goal. The Lancers earned two corner kicks compared to 10 for the Warriors.
Nicholas Zanin made six saves for Windsor while playing all 90 minutes, making several important stops throughout the match to keep them in the contest. Waterloo goalkeeper Lorin-Alexander Lopez turned aside 11 Windsor shots to earn the victory. Waterloo's Kyler Monterroso opened the scoring and added an assist on the night, while Noah Medeiros scored the Warriors second goal.
UP NEXT
The Lancers will face the Brock Badgers on Sunday, September 6 at 6:15pm in St. Catharines, Ont. The game can be streamed online at oua.tv.
