Men's soccer upset CIS champs
By Chris Kerr
Sports Editor
September 23, 2009
 The Lancers Men’s soccer team showed again this weekend why they are the hungriest team in the Ontario University Athletics league.
The two-game trip involved a tie against the Guelph Gryphons, followed by an underdog win against the second-ranked York University Lions.
The Gryphons had a perfect 2-0-0 record going into the Sept. 19 game against the Lancers.
Gryphon goalie, Adam Jovanovic had clearly met his match in Lancer goal-keeper Dan Mendonca.
Mendonca bravely ran out of his net numerous times to charge a Guelph player one on one, leaving his net wide open.
This is a risky feat on Mendonca’s part, being that he suffered a mild injury in the last game when he charged and connected with a Waterloo player.
Mendonca’s unbreakable stance and Lancer midfielder Duop Wur’s aggressive game caused a scoreless first half.
With 20 minutes left in the second half, a suspenseful save was made by Mendonca when Guelph’s Colin Aubrey nailed a near-perfect shot to the top of the net, only to have it deflected off the cross-bar by Mendonca.
Though the Lancers failed to put the ball in the back of the net, the forwards dominated ball possession throughout the match.
By the end of the game it was obvious that both teams’ defense were evenly matched and the relentless efforts by the players kept the game a tie.
The next day, the Lancers traveled to Toronto to play the 2009 CIS champions York University Lions, and beat them with 4-3 upset.
The Lancers struck for their first goal within the first minute with a perfect strike by Mike Watson.
York answered back one minute later to tie the game at 1-1.
Lancers standout recruit Arlo Hemkes, known as the “Flying Dutchman” to his teammates, sniped a free kick from 40 yards out putting his team in the lead.
The Lions again responded with a quick comeback goal.
Lancers forward Ryan Wise then netted an impressive improvised finish near the 35th minute.
Watson would later net a must needed insurance goal just before half-time, putting the Lancers up 4-2 at the break.
In the second half, the Lancers showed their true colours as they battled hard and defended their goal.
Coach Hart’s squad was air tight throughout the game, but a few minutes before regulation time ended, the Lions added another goal, although it was not enough to overcome the rock solid Lancers.
Mike Watson played an amazing game against York as he was a menacing force, scoring two goals including the game-winner.
With this victory, the Lancers move to a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 2 ties.
This game was the best to date, and demonstrates the true potential and hunger of the Windsor Lancers Men’s soccer team.
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