The Niagara College men's soccer program (0-1) opened the 2013 season with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Redeemer University College Royals (1-1). Redeemer scored the game winning goal in the 84th minute to secure the victory.
The Knights opened the match strong, controlling play and taking an early 1-0 lead on a free kick goal in the 22nd minute by first-year forward Kyle Sheppard. The Brampton native is a graduate of Cardinal Newman high school, and is currently enrolled in the Business Administration program at Niagara College.
The Knights early momentum appeared to be derailed by a 15-minute weather delay due to lightening be sighted in the area. When the teams returned to the field, the Royals began to assert themselves on the pitch.
Knights' head coach Frank DeChellis commented "our players lost focus at times, and you just can't do that at this level."
The Royals tied the match in the 32nd minute on a strike by forward Lewis Tuninga, and the two teams entered the half tied 1-1.
Early in the second half, Niagara College midfielder Erik Greiner got tangled up with a Royals player and was assessed his second yellow card of the match. As a result, Greiner was automatically ejected from the game, and the Knights were forced to play the remainder of the contest with 10 players on the pitch.
Royals' midfielder Josh Elgeti would eventually score the game winner in the 84th minute to give the Royals a hard fought come from behind victory.
DeChellis continued "I give Redeemer full credit for the win, they play hard and make it very tough. Moving forward we need to play entertaining and enjoyable football that fits with the personality of this team."
The young Knights' next match is set for Saturday, September 14th at 5:00pm versus the Humber Hawks at Youngs Sportsplex. DeChellis added "I'm really looking forward to Saturday against Humber. I want to see this group take on the defending national champions."
All Niagara College home soccer matches feature free admission. For more information please visit www.goknights.ca.