Wednesday, October 2nd saw the Niagara College men's soccer program wrap the 2014 regular season with an impressive 3-1 home victory over the visiting Mohawk Mountaineers. The victory moves the Knights to 5-3 on the season (4-0 at home) and into 2nd place in the competitive OCAA West Division. It also marks the first 5 win season in school history.
Having already clinched an OCAA playoff spot, the Knights opened the game slowly, allowing Mohawk to generate multiple solid scoring opportunities before Mountaineers striker Anthony Halm broke the deadlock in the 37th minute.
The Knights looked like a different team in the second half, controlling the play throughout. Veteran midfielder Jordi Amores (St. Catharines) drew the Knights even in the 57th minute finishing a strong drive through two Mohawk defenders.
The Knights continued to generate offensive chances until late in the match when second year striker Andy Hein (Omemee) converted off a beautiful cross from third-year forward Keith Makubuya (St. Catharines).
Team Captain Carlos Williams (St. Catharines) sealed the deal for the Knights in the 92nd minute notching his team leading fourth goal of the season.
All three Knights goals involved Keith Makubuya in a playmaker role.
"Our program grew up a little tonight", stated head coach Frank DeChellis. "We were under pressure to win to have a possible shot at third, we needed to work around four guys who had two yellow card. We were getting frustrated at missing early chances and had to come back from 1-0 for the first time this season. Combined, those stressors took us out of our comfort zone for 90 minutes and that's when you learn the most."
Despite finishing the season as the winningest team in school history, the moment was bittersweet for 5th year Knight Mike Norsworthy, who played in his last regular season match.
"Mike started with former coach Anthony Ventresca and has put up with me the last three years", said coach DeChellis. "I am not an easy coach to be a goalkeeper for, but Mike has been a class act and very respectful. He is an honest man, talented athlete, serious student and loyal friend. Niagara College could not ask for a better ambassador. I hope we can close out Mike's career with an OCAA medal."
The Knights will now await the results of the St. Clair Saints next two games to determine playoff seeding for the 2014 OCAA men's soccer playoff qualifying matches.
