The York University women's soccer team tied 1-1 with the Guelph Gryphons in game number three of the 2018 season Wednesday night at Alumni Field.
 
Neither team scored in the first half of the game, as Guelph controlled the play but the Lions were able to defend well against their nine shots in the first half.
 
Several Lions stood out defensively and contributed to their strong defense in the first half. Midfielder, Catherine Umolac managed to block many of Guelphs' shots, while Teni Odetoyinbo, the Lions' strong and versatile defender, was also able to ensure Guelph's attempts remained away from York's net.
 
Goalkeeper Tamara Orlando also had a strong half and was noticeably strong throughout the game as she saved six shots that were put up against her in the first half and three more in the second.  
 
Guelph, who were the OUA gold medalists last season, had five corner shots, four of them in the last three minutes of the first half. However, Orlando, the fifth-year goalkeeper, held strong and the Lions and the Gryphons ended the half without a goal on either side.
 
Torrential showers welcomed the players at the start of the second half.
 
Both teams had scoring chances against the other as they resumed the game. The game's first goal came in the 69th minute when Lions rookie midfielder Kalifornia Mitchell changed the course of the game and gave York a 1-0 lead.  
 
Mitchell's goal changed the level of aggression between the Lions and the Gryphons, as the game's pace picked up. The Lions began playing with much more cohesion and aggression in the remaining minutes of the game.
 
Midfielder Kendra Saxton also played her part in defending the Lions against the Gryphons as Guelph attempted to get on the board following York's goal. At the 77th minute, Guelph's Victoria Mitchell managed to score within the box, tying the game at one.
 
The Lions and the Gryphons battled throughout the remainder of the game to try to get another goal on the board. York's Sia Papadopoulos attempted to score twice in the remainder of the game and midfielder Jotam Chouhan also had a scoring chance but the game ended in a 1-1 tie.  
 
The York Lions will face Laurier Golden Hawks next when they travel to Waterloo on Friday, Aug. 31. The game kicks off at 1pm.