The York University Lions soccer teams made the trek to Guelph to battle the Gryphons at the Gryphon Soccer Complex on Friday night. Both teams looked to continue their unbeaten streaks against 3-0 Gryphons sides. The York women's team was shooting for its third win of the season, which would exceed their victory total of two from 2023.

Women's Match:

The women's team went up against a Gryphons squad that was undefeated, beat the Algoma Thunderbirds 12-0 last Friday, and has outscored the opposition by a combined score of 18-1 in their first three games.  

The Lions were seeking a strong and fast start in this one, and they received that jolt in momentum from Nia Fleming-Thompson, who added to her amazing campaign with a goal in the ninth minute for her fifth goal in as many matches since returning to York, to give the Lions an early 1-0 lead.  Then, another breakout Lion, Sabrina Fabiano, doubled the lead in the 24th minute to give York a 2-0 advantage. They limited the Gryphons to one shot attempt in the first half while piling on five of their own, and maintained their 2-0 lead heading to the break. 

The second half brought more of the same defensive dominance from the Lions. Guelph couldn't connect on any of their three shot attempts after the break, which included a save from York goalkeeper Charlotte Phillips in the 57th 58th minute. The Lions walked away with the 2-0 victory, improved their record to 3-0-2 on the season and sit just two points back of Western for top spot in the OUA West.

Men's Match:  

The men's team looked to build upon a tough road victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Sunday, and remain undefeated. The Gryphons also entered this game unbeaten as both teams sought to keep pace with the Western Mustangs atop the OUA West.  

Just like the women's team, the men's team got off to a fast start against Guelph. In the eighth minute, Ryan Robinson scored the game's first marker, giving York a 1-0 lead. Yigal Burk made the match 2-0 in the Lion's favour with his goal in the 13th minute. While the Lions were aggressive, attempting five shots in the opening half, the Gryphons couldn't capitalize on four corner kicks. Lions goalkeeper Alessio Carbone had two saves in the first half as York entered the break with a 2-0 lead. 

The Lions maintained their aggression on defence in the second half, holding Guelph to one shot attempt and few scoring chances. York, meanwhile, added on with a tally by Christian Zeppieri in the 65th minute, concluding the scoring and giving the Lions a 3-0 victory.

LOOKING AHEAD: 

The Gryphons won't have to wait long for an opportunity to avenge their defeat, as the two teams will face off on Monday, September 16th at York Lions Stadium. Kickoff of the women's game is at 6:00 pm, and the men's match at 8:15 pm.