For the first time in 2019, the Lambton Lions Men’s Soccer program will be on the road. On Saturday afternoon, the Lions will take aim at their first win in more than two seasons when they face the Sheridan Bruins in their home opener.

The Lions and Bruins both come into Saturday’s tilt with 0-1-0 records after season opening losses, and both will be looking for bounce-back performances as the 2019 season continues to unfold.

Lambton’s season opener against the Condors was a tale of two halves. The first half was one to forget for the Lions, as they trailed 3-0 after the first 45 minutes. Conestoga found the back of the net just two minutes into the game, and they added another pair of goals before the half was out.

In the second frame, the Lions found their legs and momentum shifted early on. A goal from striker Dwayne Lambert-Cadore (3^rd Year, Etobicoke) in the 48^th minute got the Lions on the board, and the momentum was at their backs. Juan Galindo Jr. (2^nd Year, Seville, Spain) found the bottom corner of the net on a free kick from just outside the box to bring the Lions within a goal with just over 20 minutes to play.

That was as close as Lambton would get down the stretch, and the Condors held on for a 3-2 victory.

Goalkeeper Ky Duong (1^st Year, Sarnia) made nine saves to keep the Lions within striking distance. Those nine saves included a timely save on a free kick in the closing minutes to keep Lambton within a goal.

Despite the loss, spirits are high for the Lions heading into their first road contest of the season.

“We will come out strong and full of energy,” said striker Aaran Pollock (3^rd Year, Sarnia). “We’ve had a lot of good training sessions this week, and I can tell the guys want to play, and play for a win.”

“I’m excited to see how far we’ve come since our first game.”

As for the Bruins, hey are coming off a season-opening loss to the nationally-ranked Fanshawe Falcons on the road, 2-1. The Bruins fell behind 2-0 after the opening 45 minutes, but they did their best to fight back in the second half. Sheridan found the back of the net in the 77^th minute to cut their deficit in half.

The last time the Bruins and Lions met on the turf was back in the 2014-15 season. Sheridan flexed their offensive muscle in a 7-1 rout of Lambton. On Saturday, the Lions will look to even the score on the Bruins’ home field and spoil their home opener in the process.

Saturday’s game marks the first of two straight away from home for the Lions. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.