The Guelph Gryphons men's soccer team rebounded tonight (Sept. 7) with an impressive 5-1 victory over the visiting UOIT Ridgebacks.
 
This victory thrusts the Gryphons into a 2-1 standing in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) while dropping the Ridgebacks to a 0-3 start.
 
Following some excellent touches in the Gryphon end, Robbie Murphy received a beautiful lead pass to hammer home an early Guelph lead in the third minute of regulation.  Fantastic communication amongst the defensive unit kept UOIT chances to a minimum while maximizing Gryphon possession.
 
This allowed for another spectacular lead pass from Brendan Springer to give Mike Bijman the goal to extend the lead in the 31^st to 2-0.  Great pressure from Timothy Flynn, Drew Gowan and Jared Agyemang gave Guelph countless opportunities in the Ridgeback box to round out the half.
 
To begin the second half, a slightly vicious tackle was recorded in the Guelph box that led to a UOIT penalty kick in the 47^th minute to cut the lead to one.  Justin Gordon was credited with the goal for UOIT.
 
The Gryphons were quick to retaliate with another brilliant lead pass by Mike Bijman to give Robbie Murphy his second in the 56^th to build a 3-1 lead.  A mere three minutes from his second, saw Robbie Murphy net his first hat-trick of the season by scoring outside the Ridgeback box in the 59^th.
 
Following the Gryphons' fourth goal, tensions began to flare as the physical play elevated on both sides.  Yet despite the heightened emotions, UOIT was unable to stop Robbie Murphy from scoring his fourth goal (fifth of the season) on a breathtaking cross from Connor Elliot in the 71^st.  
 
Tonight's victory gives the Gryphons the statement they need as they begin a long journey on the road.  They will start things off next Saturday(Sept. 15) as they visit the McMaster Marauders who remain 1-0 in the regular season.  The game is scheduled to take place at 3:15 at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton, Ont.