York University Women's Soccer traveled to North Newton, Kan. on Wednesday, Sept. 27th to take on the Bethel Threshers, in what was anticipated to be a close encounter. That's what transpired on the scoreboard too, but York dominated Bethel in shots 24-12, and 12-6 in shots on target.

The Panthers seized control of the game in the opening minutes, dominating possession and playing in Thresher territory for large periods of the first half. York created many chances but were unable to convert them, so the game remained scoreless at half-time.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first: York controlling territory and possession, with Bethel looking to be a threat on the counter-attack. The Panthers squandered a multitude of chances in the opening period of the second half, with McKenzie Stricker coming closest to breaking the deadlock with a towering header that crashed off the Thresher post to keep the game tied.

The woodwork would eventually help York open the scoring in the 69th minute. Cleo Paris drove into the Bethel area and unleashed a thunderous effort that cannoned off of the crossbar and looped up into the air. Gracie Reynolds watched the ball drop and controlled a left-foot volley into the bottom corner to finally give York a deserved lead.

That lead was short-lived however. The Panthers failed to clear a Bethel attack and the ensuing cross was deemed to have hit a hand, giving the Threshers a penalty and an opportunity to tie the game. Bethel converted the spot-kick and the scores were tied once again.

York regrouped and rallied to regain control of the game in the closing stages, and they were rewarded with the game-winning goal in the 80th minute. A superb pirouette by Sofia Villa Monterd led to her slipping a perfectly-weighted through ball for Cleo Paris, who took one touch to control before dispatching a calm finish into the bottom left corner for a 2-1 lead.

The Panthers managed the final minutes well, and were able to see out the victory that moves them to 2-2-1 in KCAC play. Up next for York is a home contest against Avila on Saturday, September 30th at 1pm at the Cornerstone Soccer Complex.