In soccer, you have to deal with the challenges presented by opponents. Going into Saturday's showdown with Southwestern College, the York University Women's Soccer team knew that they would need to prepare for a fight.

Southwestern plays a smashmouth style of soccer; it's direct, fast, physical, and frantic. In the opening exchanges, the Panthers struggled to hold their own. The Moundbuilders opened up York down their left side using raw pace and power, and with only six minutes played, the Panthers found themselves a goal down.

As the half wore on, York was able to get a foothold in the game. To do that against teams like Southwestern, they needed to win some 50-50 balls and fight in every phase of play. The Panthers began to win some duels but always faced the threat of the long, direct style of Southwestern. Some of the players responsible for helping the Panthers win headers and tackles in the first half were McKenzie Stricker, Gracie Reynolds, and Sofia Villa Monterd. York went in at half-time with the score at 0-1.

The Panthers regrouped and came out with a new energy at the beginning of the second period. Not only were they winning possession, but they were using it to build attacks and mount a threat to the Southwestern goal. 

Southwestern were under pressure early, and York was able to force the mistake that led to the equalizing goal in the third minute of the second half. A high bouncing ball caused havoc in the Moundbuilder box. As the ball looped over the goalkeeper, Cleo

Paris kept the play alive by squaring the ball across an empty goal, and Marilyn Silos was on hand to slide in her first ever collegiate goal!

The second half was a punishing affair, with many heavy, and sometimes late, tackles inflicted on the Panthers. Despite the barrage, York's defense, from front to back, held strong. The players dug deep to grind out a road tie that earned them another point in their quest for the KCAC playoffs.

Despite being outshot overall 12-7, York and Southwestern tied 6-6 in shots on target. Harumi Cornejo was credited with 5 saves in the game.

The Panthers return home for their final two KCAC games. Up first is Tabor College on Wednesday October 25th, with kickoff set for 3:30pm at the York Soccer Complex.