Loses 5-1 to Western on Sunday – finishes 3rd in OUA West.
In what was their second to last regular-season home game of the 2013 season, the Guelph men’s soccer team pulled off a 1-1 tie against the Laurier Golden Hawk’s, pushing their record to 8-2-5 on the year with one regular season game left to play, and guaranteeing a playoff appearance for the Gryphon’s in the coming weeks. The Saturday, Oct. 19 match was dominated by heavy rain and wind, with temperatures at the Gryphon Soccer Complex dropping to a chilly 6 degrees Celsius at one point, which, coupled with the constant fall of rain, seemed to wear down on the players on both teams and lessen the amount of offensive chances as the game carried on. Guelph was able to strike early, as midfielder Ethan Danelli decked around the Laurier goaltender in the 8th minute to give the Gryphon’s the early 1-0 lead and give the home fans, many of whom were shivering in their boots due to the cold weather, something to cheer about. The Gryphon lead lasted until the 39th minute, when Laurier striker Adrian Bucksam scored off his own rebound to tie the game at 1-1. Both teams played solid defensively in the first half, with Guelph defender Justin Springer having a particularly strong game, using his height to his advantage with plenty of strong defensive headers that broke up many possible Laurier scoring chances.
As the second half began the weather conditions worsened, much to the chagrin of the players and fans of both teams. As noted earlier, the conditions seemed to factor into the match as the game wore on, with the play being centered much more so in the middle of the field, and the offensive chances becoming less frequent as the players battled against each other and the elements. Both teams did have their chances though, as Gryphon goaltender Niklas Wetterling made some key saves and may have also been helped by the wind as Laurier sailed the ball just wide of the net in the 79th minute. Guelph’s best opportunity came in the 83rd minute, when striker Jamie Wilcock had a glorious opportunity in the Laurier box, only to be turned aside by the Golden Hawk netminder to preserve the 1-1 tie. With the tie, the Gryphon’s secured a home playoff game on Wednesday, Oct. 23, hoping that the regular season success they have had at home this year will follow them into the playoffs.
Update: Guelph dropped their Sunday match versus the Western Mustangs 5-1. The Gryphons finished the season with an 8-3-5 record, good enough for third spot in the OUA West and a home playoff game versus the Laurier Golden Hawks on Wednesday Oct. 23. Check Gryphons.ca for all playoff games and times.