TORONTO, Ont. – In a matchup of two of the top men's soccer programs in Canada, the No. 6-ranked Guelph Gryphons and No. 2-ranked York Lions lived up to the hype. In the end, five goals were split 3-2, with York coming from behind to earn all three points in a tightly contested matchup between two of the OUA's perennial powers. After falling behind early in the first half, the Gryphons would answer back with a goal from fifth-year defender
Conor O'Callaghan. Early in the 2nd half, the Gryphons would strike again when All-Canadian striker
Jace Kotsopoulos would pounce on a loose ball off a corner, blasting his 2nd goal of the season into the roof of the net from in close to put the visiting Gryphons ahead 2-1. For Kotsopoulos, it was his third goal of the season.
The Gryphons would hold onto that lead until late in regulation, but the Lions would equalize after being awarded a penalty, with Cristian Cavallin converting from the spot to tie the match at 2-2. Less than five minutes later, the Lions would score the winner with Maurizio Ragone's first goal of the season.
Turning point
With the match tied at 2-2 late in regulation, the Lions were able to take advantage of a Gryphon turnover in midfield. York midfielder Cristian Cavallini played a long ball into Maurizio Ragone, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike which Gryphon keeper Erik Hermanns was unable to get a hand on at his near post. The Gryphons, who scored late against Western in their previous match to salvage a draw, pushed forward in the final minutes of play and put some pressure on the York back line, but ultimately were unable to find the equalizer.
The Record
Guelph is 1-1-1.
Next up
Laurier, Sunday, Sept. 2, 3:15pm @ the Gryphon Soccer Complex
