Prior to the start of the season, Lancer head coach Mendonca stated that the boys were "buzzing" to get back onto the pitch, and it certainly seemed that way in the program's seaon opener Wednesday against the Guelph Gryphons. After a two year hiatus the men's soccer team was able to pull a 1-1 draw against a tough Guelph Gryphons squad on a very rainy night at Alumni Stadium.
 
STATS
The Lancer goal scorer in today's game was Tanner Page, a man Coach Mendonca described as "lighting in a bottle", which was certainly evident in this performance. The Lancers took 8 shots, 5 of which were on target. The Gryphons were able to take 17 shots, putting nine of those on target. This was a fouled-filled game with each team collecting 9.
 
GAME FLOW
Both teams were on the attack in the first half. Guelph took a string of shots to open the game, however, some great play by highly touted goalkeeper Kaneen Fells and Lancer backline prevented the Gryphons from scoring. Windsor's stellar play would continue, despite a goal by Guelph's Lucas Doros in the 20th minute.
 
It would take the Lancers 23 minutes to get their first shot on goal, but it was worth the wait as Tanner Price scored an absolute beauty to open the season. The half would go on to end in a 1-1 draw after some great chances for both squads.
 
The second half of the game was largely played in the midfield, reducing the number of chances that were seen in the previous half.
 
Nathan Clemmings and Kyle Buren kept the box clear of any danger, while Page and Jonathan Agapito applied pressure up top. Windsor closed out the game with a free kick outside the 18 yard box but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, ending the game in a 1-1 draw.
 
UP NEXT
Windsor will look to steal the next game from the Gryphons on Sunday afternoon on the road. The two teams battle it out again at 4:15pm in Guelph. Stay tuned to goLancers.ca for more information.
 
Be sure to follow the Lancer soccer program on social media at @lancersoccer_ and the Windsor Lancers at @WindsorLancers on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.