In a championship final befitting the harsh Canadian elements, the York Lions defeated the Mount Royal Cougars 1-0 in extra time to claim the Sam Davidson Memorial Trophy at a snow-swept Varsity Stadium on Sunday.
The game’s only goal came from the spot in the 115th minute, as Championship MVP Christian Zeppieri calmly converted a penalty kick for his fourth goal of the tournament, breaking a tense deadlock and sending the Lions into rapturous celebration.
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. Clear-cut chances were at a premium throughout regulation, with both goalkeepers standing tall.
York’s Michael Williams earned a six-save shutout, his most critical stops coming in the second half and first overtime period to keep the Cougars at bay. At the other end, Mount Royal’s Sjard Strauss was equally brilliant, making eight saves, including a denial of a Zeppieri penalty kick in the 58th minute.
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)