GUELPH, Ont. – The Waterloo Warriors faced a challenging start to their 2024 women's soccer season, falling 4-0 to the Guelph Gryphons on Thursday night at the Gryphon Soccer Complex.
The Warriors began with promising efforts, including a shot from Taite Sinkeldam (Guelph/) saved by Guelph's goalkeeper Spano. However, Guelph quickly took control. Olivia Brown scored the first goal in the 13th minute, followed by two goals from Olivia Rizakos in the 17th and 20th minutes, giving Guelph a 3-0 lead by halftime.
Waterloo made a key substitution with Delaney McLeod (Grimsby/) taking over as goalkeeper. Despite a few chances, including shots by Ceci Mejia (Stouffville/) and Jenny Ha (Kitchener/), the Warriors struggled to break through Guelph's defense. The Gryphons extended their lead with a penalty kick goal by Isabella Trepanier in the 52nd minute.
Despite efforts to close the gap, including corner kicks by Sinkeldam, the game ended with a 4-0 scoreline.
The Warriors will now look to regroup and prepare for their home opener.