Saturday, September 14th saw the Niagara College men's soccer program defeat the defending national champion Humber Hawks by a final score of 1-0. Forward Carlos Williams scored the game winner in the 86th minute, and the Knights were able to hold off the three time defending OCAA champion Hawks to secure the victory. The win marks the first time the Niagara College men's soccer program has ever defeated a team from Humber.
Niagara College men's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis commented "Saturday's match was an exciting two-way battle for 90 minutes. Fans were really treated to a technical, athletic, and emotional game."
The two teams traded scoring chances all match, but goalkeepers Eugino Garro of Humber and Niagara College's Jordan Provenzano proved up to the task. Both players recorded multiple difficult saves throughout the contest.
Spectators at the match were treated to a technical and skilled display of OCAA men's soccer with both teams playing outstanding team defense. The game also featured some emotional and physical play. Match officials issued nine total disciplinary cards, including a red card to Humber forward Shezan Singh mid-way through the second half.
The Knights utilized the man advantage for the duration of the contest, and in the 86th broke the deadlock.
An outstanding individual effort by second-year forward Austin MacDonell led to the goal. The Welland native utilized his speed to break free down the leftside wing. He then sent a perfectly placed cross to the feet of fellow forward Carlos Williams.
Williams, a first-year Protection, Security, and Investigations student from St. Catharines took full advantage of the pass and scored the goal that would prove to be the game winner.
After the match Williams commented "we knew we couldn't make any mistakes playing against the defending national champions. We looked out for one another and got the win through our proper support positioning and team communication."
The Knights coaching staff spoke highly of the team defense the Knights showed in preserving the shutout. Assistant Coach Luciano Berardocco added "we put in a full team effort today. We played our system, and our team defending was the best I've ever seen."
In just his second start at the OCAA level, Niagara Falls native Jordan Provenzano earned the shutout for the Knights. The Electrical Engineering Technology student received high marks from DeChellis. "Jordan was strong in goal for us today. He made some great saves, but his real strength doesn't come through the highlight reel stuff, but in how calmly and proficiently he handles himself on the field over the full 90 minutes."
Provenzano was named Niagara College male athlete of the week for his performance.
After dropping their season opener to the Redeemer Royals on September 11th, the Knights will look to build on the victory over the Hawks. The team will travel to Kitchener to take on the Conestoga Condors on Thursday, September 19th at 5:00pm.
