The 2016-17 season kicked off this past weekend at home with the Algoma Thunderbirds men's soccer team taking on two-time defending CIS Champions, the York Lions.

Despite being shut out on both Saturday and Sunday, the squad show great improvement defensively from their previous seasons. On Saturday, the team opened the season with a 7-0 loss to the red and white Lions, followed by a 4-0 decision on Sunday. The team allowed three less goals to the CIS Champions than the 2015-16 season and nine less than the 2014-15 season. Offensively, the squad struggled against the dominant Lions, only managing five shots on goal all weekend.

Andrew Johnstone had his debut in net, with 12 saves for the Thunderbirds on Sunday.

Ryan Tefler led York in goals, earning a hat trick over the weekend.

Algoma heads to London, Ontario for Labour Day weekend, where they take on the Western Mustangs on Saturday and Sunday. Game times are 3:00pm on Saturday and 2:00pm on Sunday.