November 7, 2025
Zeppieri's penalty propels 10-man Lions to U SPORTS final
Team Stats
Scoring Summary
1st
- 15:30 -
Christian Zeppieri
(York)
2nd
- 55:04 -
Team
(York)
Game Leaders
Team Stats
| Game Statistics | York | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 7 (3) | 17 (9) |
| Saves | 9 | 1 |
| Fouls | 11 | 10 |
| Corner Kicks | 0 | 4 |
| Offsides | 0 | 1 |
The York Lions, playing down a man for the entire second half, delivered a gutsy defensive performance to upset the Montréal Carabins 2-0 on Friday in the first semifinal of the U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Championship at Varsity Stadium.
Christian Zeppieri’s first-half penalty kick and a second-half own goal were the difference as the OUA finalists advanced to the national title game despite being shown two red cards and playing a significant portion of the match short-handed.
The game’s complexion changed dramatically just before halftime. Zeppieri converted a penalty in the 16th minute to give York a 1-0 lead. The Lions doubled their lead in the 56th minute when a Montréal defender inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
York’s task became even more difficult in the 71st minute when substitute Dante Carraro was shown a straight red, forcing the Lions to see out the game with only ten players.
The Lions’ defence, anchored by a spectacular performance from goalkeeper Michael Williams, held firm against a relentless Carabins attack. Williams made nine saves to earn the clean sheet, including several key stops in the first half to preserve the lead.
Montréal, the champions of the RSEQ, outshot York 17-7 but could not solve Williams. Calin Calaidjoglu led the Carabins’ offence with six shots, four of which were on target.
The victory sends the York Lions to the national championship game on Sunday afternoon, where they will await the winner of the second semifinal. Montreal will play for a bronze medal earlier on Sunday.