GUELPH, Ont. – In a re-match of the 2021 OUA Men's Soccer Championship final, the Guelph Gryphons played host to the York Lions on Friday night at the Gryphon Soccer Complex. The Gryphons, ranked No. 5 in the country in the latest polls, jumped out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a beautiful free kick from outside the 18-yard box from standout midfielder,
Jack Sears, in the 13th minute of play. The Lions, ranked No. 2 in the latest U SPORTS polls, would be reduced to 10-men following a red card to Joey Mac in the 62nd minute. In the 77th minute, the Gryphons were able to extend their lead to 2-0 after Sears set up
Owen McKee for his 4th goal of the season. But the visiting Lions would fight back late, getting a goal from Isaac Bradbury in the 84th minute to trim the deficit to 2-1. Less than 5 minutes later, the Gryphons would be called for a hand ball inside their own 18-yard box, giving York an opportunity to level things up on a penalty. Mudaser Muhtaj would make no mistake from the spot, as the Lions would salvage a draw in Guelph. The Gryphons, 3-0-3 on the season (wins-losses-draws) remain undefeated, and also become the first team this season to take points off of York, who now sit at 4-0-1 on the season. The two teams will meet again on Sunday afternoon in Toronto, with kickoff set for 3:15pm.
