WELLAND – No comeback this time around.
Under the lights on Friday night at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland, the Lambton Men’s Soccer team suffered their first loss of the 2022 season, dropping a 3-1 decision to the host Niagara Knights.
The loss drops Lambton’s record to 1-1-0 in the early stages of the season.
For the second game in a row, the Lions found themselves behind early on. Despite some early pressure on offense, the Lions were unable to get one past the Niagara keeper, and the Knights responded with an early goal of their own in the fifth minute to get on the board first.
Despite conceding an early marker, the Lions continued to apply pressure on offense. They were rewarded in the 20th minute, as Ayo Osho (Nigeria) took the ball at the top of the box, made a move to his right and sent a low screamer into the bottom left corner of the net for his second of the season.
Through the first 20+ minutes on Friday night, the game looked eerily like the season opener against Mohawk. The Lions gave up the first goal, only for Osho to knot things up before the break. The Lions added two goals in the second half to take the win over the Mountaineers, and they were looking to replicate that result on Friday night.
However, the Knights had different ideas. Less than five minutes following Osho’s goal, the Knights retook their one-goal lead after they were awarded a penalty kick. Lambton keeper Ky Duong (Sarnia, Ont.) guessed right on the penalty kick, but the ball ricocheted off his hands and found its way over the line.
Niagara would add a third goal midway through the second half for some insurance, and they held on for the 3-1 win, their first of the season.
Despite some early offensive pressure in the first half, the Lions couldn’t get much going in the second half. In total, the Lions sent just eight shots towards the Niagara net in comparison to 17 for the Knights.
Friday night marked the season debut for two Lambton veterans. Captain Andrew Moxley (Sarnia, Ont.) and striker Kasen Sebben (Sarnia, Ont.) made their 2022 debuts after both missing the season opener.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Lions going forward. It’s a quick turnaround for the Lions as they are set to host the reigning CCAA National Champions on Sunday afternoon at the Lambton College Soccer Field.
Kickoff between the Lions and visiting Humber Hawks is set for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.