After an entertaining 3-3 draw in Guelph on Friday, the York University Lions took on the Gryphons once again on a rainy Sunday afternoon. York was looking to continue their unbeaten run as we approach the midway point of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• York started the game calm and composed on possession with Guelph sitting back and slowly applying the pressure. Unfortunately a passing mishap by the Lions forced a turnover and led to a dangerous opportunity for Guelph
• The Gryphons pressing paid off in the 2nd minute of the game as Olivia Brown was able to convert a chance from outside the box, giving Guelph a 1-0 lead
• It didn't take long for the home side to respond. A precisely-crafted long range curler by midfielder Jotam Chouhan found the back of the net after York's aggressive pressing won them a free kick. That goal tied things at 1-1 early on. 
• As the match progressed, Guelph began to control the play, as the Gryphons enjoyed most of the possession, desperately looking for an opening. However the tight defensive organization by York kept them off the board.
• In the 29th minute, a rough challenge in the midfield forced Lions Left Back Guiliana Paolella to leave the game with an injury. Joselyn Gagliardi took her place  
• The rough physicality shown by both teams resulted in another injury as York midfielder Kalifornia Mitchell received a challenge in the defensive half. Fortunately for the Lions, she was able to continue 
• In the 36th minute, a long throw in the attacking half resulted in a great chance for York, as Mitchell's curled shot was just wide off the mark 
• In the 39th, Lions keeper Patricia Vrysellas made two great saves as Guelph looked to bounce back, making two successive attacks through the left flank 
• The Lions took the lead in the dying seconds of the first half. A well placed corner kick from Mitchell found the feet of Jotam Chouhan, and she made no mistake, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead at the break 
• In the 54th minute, the Lions avoided another injury scare, as Nia Fleming-Thompson went down at the start of a York counter attack. Fortunately she was able to stay in the game.
• In the 59th minute, Chouhan hurled an absolute rocket from a long distance free kick which hit the crossbar and went out of play.
• In the 68th minute of play, Guelph tied the game off a corner kick. The ball fell into a hoard of players inside York's 16 yard box and Tessa Ladhani was the one to level the game at 2.
• The best chance for York in the second half came in the 76th minute, Fleming moved in on goal and just missed the target following a beautifully-lofted through ball.
• York's loss of focus late punished them as Guelph made several direct attacks, with one resulting in a penalty. Gryphons midfielder Sydney Vanderhoef calmly converted the penalty, giving Guelph a 3-2 lead in the waning minutes
• Reminiscent of the Friday night late-game heartbreak, York had found themselves in trouble and desperately looking for a goal. However, they were unable to equalize late, and fell 3-2 to the Gryphons, ending their unbeaten streak at five to start the season.

LOOKING AHEAD:

The Lions will look to get back on the winning track next weekend when they host the Algoma Thunderbirds at York Lions Stadium on Oct. 1 and 2, with both games beginning at 1:00 pm.