GUELPH, Ont. – They are two teams that know each other well. And in most matchups between the Guelph Gryphons and Western Mustangs, there isn't much that separates them. That remained true as the Gryphons and Mustangs, playing for the first time since their OUA final match last fall, drew 0-0 Sunday afternoon at the Gryphon

Soccer Complex.
 

In an early-season meeting between two of the OUA West's better sides, there was understandable caution. Chances were at a premium as both the hosts and visitors kept their defensive shape throughout the match.
 
Guelph's best chance came about 30 minutes into the first half when second-year striker Sydney Johnson had an excellent opportunity from inside the area but her shot attempt dragged wide of the Western net. The Gryphons would finish the opening 45 with three shots, one of which hit the target.

Newcomer Jenna Holtz did have another strong game in the Guelph midfield. The fourth-year player from Tacoma, Washington, who also played at NCAA Division 1 school Santa Clara, was dominant in a defensive midfield role.

Veteran goalkeeper Libby Brenneman turned away Western's lone shot on target for her second clean sheet of the weekend.
 

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Turning point
There was no particular standout moment that preserved the scoreless draw in what was a competitive but uneventful matchup between the two OUA finalists.
 
Gryphon Take
"The competition is fierce in a match like that and the margins are very thin. It looked like it was going to come down to a mistake by either side for a goal to happen. But both teams protected the back end well and it was a strong midfield battle. You want to push on and get something out of it but at this stage of the year, you do what you need to do. We had some looks but we just didn't have a ton of chances." – head coach Shayne Campbell
 
The Record
Guelph is 1-0-1.
 
Next up
@ York, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 6 pm