GUELPH, Ont. - Playing in their final home game of the 2019 OUA regular season, the Guelph Gryphons battled through late adversity to earn a 1-1 draw against the McMaster Marauders Friday night at the Gryphon Soccer Complex. After surrendering a late goal, the Gryphons managed to come right back and tie the game to earn a single point and solidify their spot as the 2nd seed in the West and earn a bye.

From start to finish, the two teams played a very exciting match for everyone in attendance with plenty of battles, and multiple opportunities going in each direction. Throughout the first half, neither team was able to break through though. 

Once the second 45 minutes began, the match became non-stop action. In the 61st minute, the Gryphons managed a glorious opportunity which saw a bouncing ball wind up on the foot of Youssef Zaghloul who struck it just wide of the target. Shortly after that, McMaster ran the ball the opposite direction working in towards the Guelph box and in the 73rd minute, a penalty kick was awarded to the Marauders. After striking the ball the visitors began to celebrate a goal, but confusion quickly came over the crowd at the Gryphon Soccer Complex as the ball did not remain in the net. The officials then came together and ruled the ball went through the net, awarding McMaster a 1-0 lead. 

For the Gryphons though, the confusion seemed to work as a spark. The home side began to attack the Marauders with run after run and it finally paid off in the 80th minute. Evan Dick ran the ball down the left side, then crossed it in to the box and Jonathon Amoo headed the ball home to tie the score 1-1. With the game then knotted up, the Gryphons continued to put plenty of pressure on, but were unable to come up with the go ahead tally.

"I thought it was an excellent game throughout," said Gryphon's Head Coach Keith Mason. "I thought both teams played very well in the match, but I did think we were the better team in the second half. 

"After (McMaster) scored their goal, our team showed amazing character. The players were upset with the situation and after that we forced McMaster to hold on for a point, and we nearly could have gotten all three at the end."

With their playoff spot now determined, the Gryphons will round out their regular season schedule on Sunday when they head to Waterloo to battle the Warriors. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:15pm.