The No. 4 nationally ranked York University Lions women's soccer team defeated the Guelph Gryphons by a score of 2-0 with two goals from Nour Ghoneim on Saturday (Oct. 4) at York  Stadium.
 
In the first half of play, Ghoneim (Aurora, Ont.) opened up the scoring in the 24^th minute with an assist by Charlene D'Mello (Mississauga, Ont.). D'Mello's cross allowed Ghoneim to break through the defensive line and swiftly pass the ball to the back of the net.
 
Ghoneim scored her second goal in the 38^th minute, assisted by a cheeky chip from Sarah Wong (Toronto). Ghoneim now has a total of 16 goals in only 11 games, putting her third in the OUA.
 
Lions' defenders Shannon Wood (Brampton, Ont.), Tomika McIntosh (Bradford, Ont.), Peyton Lozzi (King City, Ont.) and Taylor Lyons (Brampton, Ont.) played an exceptional tactical game by pushing the defensive line forward, up the wings, to create several chances for the Lions' attackers. The defenders were also able to hustle backwards to deny the Gryphons of any goals.
 
The Lions' quick passing and fearless attacking allowed them to swiftly maneuver around the Gryphons. However, the Gryphons rapidly intercepted many York passes and picked up several deflections, making the Lions' win difficult to hold on to.
 
Guelph's goalkeeper, Elizabeth Brenneman, played an excellent game, making eight phenomenal saves and denying the Lions 12 shots on net. She made an excellent save in the 86^th minute of play, denying Francesca Pedulla (Richmond Hill, Ont.) of scoring a third goal for the Lions.
 
Her counterpart at the other end of the pitch, Courtney Davis (Cambridge, Ont.), worked very hard this game to finish with a shutout, denying any rogue balls slip past her grasp.
 
With the win, the Lions moved back into first place in the OUA West standings with a record of 10-1-1. Next up is a game against the McMaster Marauders on Sunday (Oct. 5) at 1pm in Hamilton, Ont.