YORK - Fans were treated to a beautiful game Friday afternoon with two stellar teams battling for 90 minutes on the soccer field. York University came away with a thrilling 2-0 defeat of the 14th-ranked Eagles of Oklahoma Wesleyan. It was the first time the Panthers have defeated the Eagles since 2008. 

York knew they had a tough task ahead of them as they hosted their ranked opponent, but they were not deterred one bit as they controlled the narrative for most of the match. Both teams showed their talents on Friday with smooth passing and phenomenal off-the-ball movement to find the open space. But this year it was the Panthers who were able to find the back of the net while holding the opponents to nil.

The game was knotted at 0-0 until less than two minutes before intermission before the Panthers were able to strike. Tamas Sebestyen controlled the ball just beyond midfield and slid a pass toward the right corner of the field that was placed perfectly for Nathan Lira to run onto. He one-touched the ball toward the end line and then sent a cross back across the goal where Johan Rodriguez was found jumping above the defenders and headed the ball toward the goal. The header was perfectly placed to go against the goalkeeper's momentum into the back of the net. The Panthers went ecstatic in celebration and had plenty of fan support as well in their celebration. The Eagles were stunned but were not shaken. They battled the final 90 seconds looking for an equalizer but were unable to do so before the horn sounded.

The second half had a fiery Eagles team attacking right out of the gates. Matej Hron made a strong save and a few Eagles' shots were off target. No bigger save was had than Hron's in the 59th minute. With the Panthers clinging to a 1-0 lead the Eagles crossed the ball into the six-yard box where an OKWU attacker was standing. He took the shot but Hron made an incredible stop with his leg and pounced on the ball. Seven minutes later York picked up an insurance goal.

Otavio Avila took a free kick from about 25 yards out. His shot hit off of the crossbar and back into play. That is where Matias Madriaga was anticipating the ball and he placed it perfectly into the back of the net as the Panthers were celebrating once again.

York created several other opportunities throughout the game but the Eagle's goalkeeper Ilija Catic was strong in goal. 

On paper, the Panthers looked more dominant than the game appeared from the sideline. York created more opportunities but a strong and experienced OKWU team didn't back down. York held a 17-8 advantage in shots.

Rodriguez led the Panthers with four shots total, three of which were on goal. 

The win was the Panthers' first conference win of the season and York looks to build upon the momentum as they travel to McPherson College on Wednesday, September 28.