The Brock Badgers put in a strong effort but fell to the No. 7 ranked York Lions 2-1 in Toronto on Sunday (Oct. 22) afternoon. Despite the loss, the Badgers claim the No. 2 seed in the OUA West Division and earn a bye into the quarter-finals.

"Getting the second seed is a massive result and I'm really proud of the team," said head coach Aleks Balta. "Having the rest to the weekend could be the difference between moving on and ending your season. Hosting next Saturday is an amazing opportunity. Regardless of opponent, it will be tough, but we're relishing the moment."

Both teams came out looking to attack knowing the importance of this final regular season contest. The two goalies had to make saves early on to keep the score tied at 0-0. 

In the 13th minute, Conrad Czarnecki scored his second goal in his second-straight game. Despite the York protest, the head referee ruled the ball went past the goal line, giving the Badgers the 1-0 lead.  

York scored the equalizer 24 minutes later as Agostino Principato scored his first of the year. Goalkeeper Taylor Miskolczi had to make a few keys saves in the final minutes of the first half to keep things even at one. 

Principato was at it again in the second half, assisting on a goal from Tyler Attardo to give the Lions their first lead of the game. 

Jake Kelly had a great chance right at the end, but the ball trickled wide. Shortly after the final whistle blew, and the Lions earned first place in the West Division with the win. 

Miskolczi kept the Badgers in the contest throughout the game, notching a game-high 13 saves.  

Kelly and Lucas Medeiros received yellow cards in the contest for the Badgers. 

Up next, the Badgers have earned a bye to the OUA quarter-finals and will host the contest on Saturday, October 28. The location and time are still to be determined based on the results of the first round of the OUA playoffs on Wednesday, October 25.

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