U Sports continues to not only promote their Athletes but also promote the schools that they come from from various provinces which only adds to the talent level of today’s athletes.
This past weekend saw a game played in what some consider possibly some of Canada’s harshest weather conditions at the In a championship final befitting the harsh Canadian elements, the Sam Davidson Memorial Trophy at Varsity Stadium.
The match saw the York Lions defeated the Mount Royal Cougars 1-0 in extra time to claim the championship with the game’s only goal that came in the 115th minute.
The win saw Championship MVP Christian Zeppieri convert a penalty kick for his fourth goal of the tournament for the extended championship win in a contest that saw both “keepers” play exceptional.
The match was a gruelling war of attrition, with both sides battling not only each other but also a slick, snow-covered pitch that made passing and possession a constant challenge.
York’s Michael Williams finished with a six-save shutout with most coming in the second half and first overtime period that saw Mount Royal’s Sjard Strauss managing eight impressive saves, including a penalty in the 58th minute from Zeppieri.
The Cougars, in their third-ever national tournament appearance, defended resolutely and had their moments on the counter-attack, but were ultimately unable to solve Williams.
The silver medal finish still marks the best-ever performance for the Mount Royal program.
After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer and a first 15-minute overtime period that yielded few clear chances, the breakthrough finally came in the second overtime frame.
A handball in the box gave York a golden opportunity, and Zeppieri made no mistake with his second attempt from the spot, sending Strauss the wrong way to secure York’s sixth national men’s soccer championship.
2025 U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Championship Award Winners
Championship All-Star Team
- Goalkeeper: Michael Williams (York)
- Defence: Alex Kemsley (Mount Royal)
- Defence: Eric Lajeunesse (UBC)
- Defence: Ruben Koudelka (Mount Royal)
- Midfield: Calin Calaidjoglu (Montréal)
- Midfield: Christian Zeppieri (York)
- Midfield: Matthew Fischer (York)
- Midfield: Michael Osorio (Toronto)
- Forward: Alexandre Marcoux (UQTR)
- Forward: Maxime Filion (Montréal)
- Forward: Chanan Chanda (Mount Royal)
R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award: UBC Thunderbirds
Championship MVP: Christian Zeppieri (York)
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