Saturday, September 6th saw The Niagara College men's soccer program open their 2014 season in impressive fashion, defeating the visiting Redeemer Royals 2-0 in front of a large home crowd at Youngs' SportsPlex in Welland.
The Knights controlled the match, from the opening kick-off, utilizing their experience and skill level to dictate play throughout the match.
Fourth year Niagara Falls native Anthony Stranges opened the scoring for the Knights, converting on a loose ball just inside the penalty area during the match's 21st minute. Stranges is in his first year with the Niagara College men's soccer program. He spent his previous three seasons competing as a member of the Lambton Lions.
Striker Keith Makubuya recorded the Knights other goal in the contest. The third year St. Catharines native headed a strike from 12 yards out over Royals goalkeeper Matt Koning. Makubuya was also playing in his first match in a Knights' uniform after spending the previous two seasons competing for Toronto FC in the MLS.
"Our men's program picked up where it left off last year" said Knights head coach Frank DeChellis. "Our players have a lot of trust on that field for each other, and the chemistry was good right from the opening whistle."
Also turning in a strong performance for the Knights was second year striker Kyle Sheppard. The Brampton native was dangerous throughout the match for the Knights, and was instrumental in helping to set up both goals.
"I thought Kyle gave us his best ever performance" added DeChellis. He continued "His attitude and work rate on and off the ball give us another dimension that only makes our team more enjoyable to work with."
Up next for the Knights is road matchup versus the two time defending OCAA Champion Humber Hawks on Wednesday, September 10th. The Knights defeated the Hawks during the two teams last meeting on September 14th, 2013. The Knights edged out a thrilling 1-0 victory, handing the Hawks their only loss in an otherwise perfect 2013 season.
