Both men’s and women’s Gryphons soccer teams defeat the Western Mustangs over weekend

Charles Bryer

The men’s and women’s soccer teams were in action on Sunday Sept. 25. The men’s team was matched against the undefeated heavyweights of their league, the Western Mustangs.  Given Guelph’s record preceding the match they were no doubt the underdogs.  However, on Sunday the teams were evenly matched contrary to what the records showed.  The game was deadlocked until the 65 minute, when Gryphons’ player Tim Flyn capitalized on an opportunity by driving a low shot into the Mustangs’ net.  The final minutes of the game were intense, as the Gryphons stood sturdy defensively.  They managed to dominate by keeping possession of the ball and limited the Mustangs’ opportunities to net an equalizer. 

Coach Keith Mason was proud of his team’s performance.  Because the Western Mustangs are ranked fifth in the country, this game was a big test for the Gryphons.

“The boys knew they had a tough game coming in, but we also knew we had the players to pull out a win,” Mason recounted. “Our team defended well and attacked well, especially in the second half and deserved today’s win.”

 

The women’s soccer team also played the Western Mustangs.  Like the men’s team they also won, 1-0.  The Gryphons started slow, but managed to hold off the energized Mustangs team.  It was not until the second half that the Gryphons gathered some momentum.  In the early parts of the second half, the Mustangs’ defense was solid, limiting scoring opportunities. Persistence proved invaluable for the Gryphons as their offensive skills continued to create opportunities to net the game’s first goal.  The only goal of the game was finally scored, and deservedly so, by Rachel Rennick. Despite what the goal sheet suggests, the Gryphons dominated the field of play both offensively and defensively as the Mustangs were limited to just two shots on goal in the second half. 

Victoria Martin

Coach Randy Ragan was happy with the performance of the team. With modest goals of reaching the play-offs this season, the win put the Gryphon’s into that integral play-off spot. 

“Our goal from here is to not lose that (the play-off spot),” stated Ragan.  “It was an important match for the team and it was a decisive win.”

The matches for both the men’s and women’s teams were great confidence boosters looking ahead. The next double header in Guelph is on Oct. 2 when the women’s and men’s teams host Laurier at 1p.m. and 3:15p.m. respectively at the new Athletic Field Multiplex.

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