GUELPH, Ont. – With the 2021 OUA regular season winding down, the Guelph Gryphons returned to their home pitch Friday night seeking a big three points. Playing host to the Brock Badgers, the Gryphons found a way to secure those three points with a 1-0 victory at the Gryphon Soccer Complex thanks to a second-half strike from Sydney Johnson.
Using a very strong 90-minute performance, the Gryphons were able to apply much of the pressure throughout the match which helped guide them to the one goal victory.
"There is so much parody in our division so you have to prepare for every game like it's a playoff game," said Gryphon's Head Coach Shayne Campbell. "We prepared really hard over the last week for the match and overall I was really pleased with our performance, especially against Brock's counter-attack."
From the beginning, the Gryphons were able to hold majority of the possession and create majority of the game's chances. Although neither side was able to put a goal on the board in the opening 45-minutes, Guelph did manage 10 shots in the first-half, with six of those winding up on target. For the Gryphons, their offensive push did not sacrifice any quality play in their defensive zone. Holding the Badgers largely to the outside, Brock only managed 2 shots in the first-half, with just one needing to be handled by Gryphon's keeper Brooke Davidson.
As the second-half got underway, it was more of the same for Guelph as they continued to pepper the visitors. Less than ten minutes into the half, Guelph's offensive pressure would pay off. After receiving the ball at the top right corner of the Badger's box in the 54th minute from Sydney Vanderhoef, Sydney Johnson unleashed a wonderful curling strike into the side of the Brock goal to put the Gryphons up 1-0.
"We knew that we wanted to get Sydney the ball at her feet because she is so good technically with the way that she maneuvers," Campbell said. "She is such a technically gifted player and has been working for a long time. To take a moment like that, I am just so very happy for her."
Playing with the lead, Guelph managed to keep the pressure on Brock and prevent the Badgers from creating many opportunities to tie the match. In fact, the Gryphs did not surrender a single shot attempt to the Badgers in the second-half.
Now with a record of 4-1-2, the Gryphons move into a tie with the Laurier Golden Hawks for first place in the West Division.
Guelph will return to the pitch on Sunday when they head to St. Catharines to once again battle the Brock Badgers.
