The Guelph Gryphons men's soccer team closed out Saturday (Sept. 29) with a 1-1 tie against the visiting Windsor Lancers at the Gryphon Soccer Complex.
 
This game puts the Gryphons at a 3-4-1 standing while the Lancers move to 4-3-2 in the 2012 OUA season.
 
Throughout the first half, possession was tossed evenly between teams and with great awareness and dexterity by Gryphon keeper Chad Paparoni(Burlington, Ont.), the Gryphons were able to keep the Lancers at bay.  The Windsor keeper, Dejo Olagbeji was also instrumental in the disruption of the multitude of Gryphon attacks throughout the game.  The two keepers would combine to round out the half tied at 0.

Despite the excellent communication and footwork between teams, the scoreless game served only to fan the flame of frustration on the field.  As the level of tension and physicality rose, fouls and free kicks became the theme of the day. Guelph's Brenden Springer (Burlington, Ont.) was able to bury his own rebound off a penalty kick in the 60th minute to give Guelph a 1-0 lead.
 
Determined to pierce the Gryphon defence, the Lancers finally proved successful in the 72^nd minute as Brett Holmberg was able to trickle in the final goal of the day to tie the game at one. 
 
The majority of Lancer attacks were kept at bay largely thanks to great defensive contribution from rookie defenseman Justin Springer (Burlington, Ont.), Marc Bijman (Brantford, Ont.), Neil McLoughlin (Mississauga, Ont.) and Paul Manchisi (Oakville, Ont.).  Meanwhile rookies Jared Agyemang (Brampton, Ont.) and Connor Elliott(Ottawa) also played vital roles.
 
The Gryphons look to replicate their previous success against the Western Mustangs tomorrow (Sept 30) at the Gryphon Soccer Complex.  The game is scheduled for 3:15 pm.