NORTH YORK, Ont. - After starting their season on a dramatic high note, the Golden Hawks were soundly grounded on Sunday afternoon by the York Lions, 5-1.
The Golden Hawks were, naturally, brimming with confidence after a last-minute win over Brock on Friday and looking for an upset over last year's OUA finalist Lions - which would have been their first victory against York since September 2006.
Unfortunately, the good vibes were snuffed out, with York instead recording its largest margin of victory over Laurier since a 9-3 win at University Stadium in 2019.
Things got off on the wrong foot for the Golden Hawks just six minutes in, when York's Yigal Burk opened the scoring with a breakaway goal.
Shortly after, Christian Zeppieri also found the back of the net to double the home side's lead.
Laurier found a response in the 22nd minute thanks to
Joseph Carabetta converting a breakaway chance of his own, after being sprung just outside the 18-yard box and chipping the ball over the Lions 'keeper to cut the deficit in half.
Having lit a spark for the purple and gold, the team continued to push back further.
In doing so, Laurier goalkeeper
David Carano also put on an inspiring performance, laying everything on the line to keep the team in the game.
Doing so quite literally was defender
Alexander Wiktorek, who was taken off late in the first half due to injury. He did not return.
Wiktorek, and some other key defenders, were missed when York's Ryan Robinson scored late in the second half, restoring York's two-goal lead.
In the 85th minute of play, the game was all but on ice when the official awarded York a penalty shot. Christian Zeppieri converted to make it 4-1.
Shortly after, a Lions passing sequence led to their fifth goal of the match to round out the scoring.
The defeat continued the long run of futility for Laurier against the Lions, with York now going undefeated in 26 straight meetings against the Golden Hawks. Since the turn of the millennium, the purple and gold have a 3-27-8 record against York.
Top Performers
Laurier Golden Hawks
#22 -
Joseph Carabetta
Carabetta was energetic and hungry throughout the entire game. He put Laurier on the board while also contributing offensively and defensively.
York Lions
#22 - Alesia Carbone
Carbone was excellent in goal. Not tested very often, but when tested Carbone performed without question. Making some outstanding saves, he was a definite backbone for his team.
Up Next
In their lone game for the week, Laurier (1-1) will host the Algoma Thunderbirds (0-1-1) for their home opener on Sunday, September 8 at 3:15 pm.
Admission to the match at Ansley Alumni Field is free. Fans can also follow the live updates at @WLUAthletics on X.
Gallery: (9-1-2024) Golden Hawks at York Lions
