WATERLOO, Ont. - A new season began on the newly reopened Alumni Field for the Golden Hawks on Friday. They marked the occasion with an impressive performance against the York Lions, one of the best teams in the country. The result was a 1-1 draw, which gave the Golden Hawks its first point in 10 straight matches against the Lions, dating back to October 1, 2015.

You'd never have guessed that York was ranked #1 in the U SPORTS through most of 2022 from the way they were completely dominated the first half. The Golden Hawks were all over the Lions, recording five shots before opening the score just 12 minutes in. 

Three of those came off the foot of Joshua Du Toit, and it was his beautiful cross into the box that Sam Ghouli booted home to put Laurier up 1-0. 

The Golden Hawks continued to control possession through most of the half, but a few nice saves by Lions' goalkeeper Alessio Carbone kept it a one-goal game. 

Much like the women's match preceding it, this one was somewhat of a tale of two halves. York looked much livelier after the break, and the game took on a more back-and-forth flow. 

Around the 70' the Lions began to pour on the pressure offensively, until finally being awarded a free kick in the 75'. Laurier keeper David Carano got a hand on Christian Zeppieri's shot, but not enough to keep it out of the back of the net. 

"We did drop off a bit during the second part of the second half," said Golden Hawks head coach Mario Halapir, "but then at the end we showed we had a little bit of courage again." 

Leading that charge was Leonardo Takahashi. Starting plays in his own territory, weaving through defenders, and creating chances at the other end, the second-year midfielder was the team's engine late in the game. 

He almost won it, too, on a powerful strike from nearly forty yards out that Carbone made an incredible save on in the 87'.  

While Halapir would have preferred a win, he leaves the pitch satisfied with his team's play and with a positive outlook on the rest of the season. 

"A first game on Alumni Field and getting a point against York, I think it's exceptional. I think the boys were excellent today." 

"Every game is going to be a battle... We believe in our team this year and I think we are capable of it – whether we have the maturity to produce that every time, time will tell." 

TOP PERFORMERS 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

A sophomore slump doesn't seem to be in the cards for Leonardo Takahashi, as the team's 2022 rookie of the year picked up right where he left off last season. 

"Leo, to me was the outstanding man of the match," said Halapir. "I mean, the amount of space that he covered and the job that he did, it takes an incredible competitive spirit that he always shows." 

York Lions 

Christian Zeppieri's penalty kick equalizer felt almost inevitable, as he had chance after chance in the second half. 

UP NEXT 

The Golden Hawks will take on the Lions again in the second half of this home-and-home series on Sunday, September 3 at 3 p.m. in Toronto.  

The key to victory, says Takahashi: "I think in the second half we kind of shut off. So, we've just got to stay focused the whole game, and then we'll be good." 

The game will be broadcast live on OUA.tv.