The York University Lions women's soccer team hosted the undefeated Guelph Gryphons in a rare Monday evening affair at York Lions Stadium. The Gyphons entered the match 5-0-1 and sitting atop the OUA West standings and, as of Monday afternoon, ranked seventh in the nation. 

The Lions, 2-2-2 and in sixth place in the West, came in off a 2–1 win over Waterloo but faced a tough task against the division leaders. Last September on this very pitch, York fell 1–0 to Guelph.

The Gryphons struck early, taking a 1–0 lead just five minutes in when Talia Hamilton of Ottawa, Ont., scored her first of the season on a header off a corner from Olivia Rizakos. Guelph doubled their lead at the 20th minute as Olivia Brown, a fifth-year striker from Guelph, netted her third of the season, once again assisted by Rizakos.

Down 2–0, the Lions clawed back before halftime. In the 38th minute, fourth-year midfielder Samantha Banfield capitalized after Joanna Abdelmalak's effort was stopped, pouncing on the rebound and burying her second of the year to give York life.

The Lions carried that momentum into the second half. In the 51st minute, fifth-year veteran Vanessa Reda scored her first of the season on a free kick to level the match at 2–2. Then, in the 72nd minute, Alexandra Quaidoo found the back of the net, assisted by Abdelmalak, to give York a 3–2 lead. From there, it was defence first for the Lions Guelph pressed hard for the equalizer, but York goalkeeper Rumaysa Khan stood tall, making five crucial saves to preserve the victory.

The 3–2 result marked a statement win for the Lions, handing the Gryphons their first loss of the season and showcasing York's ability to rise against the OUA's best.

LOOKING AHEAD: 

After this phenomenal come-from-behind victory over the division leaders, York hits the road to face the Western Mustangs on Friday, September 26 at 6:00 pm in the first of a home-and-home series. The game will be streamed live and free of charge on OUA.tv.