For the second consecutive season, the Niagara College men's soccer program will compete in the OCAA playoffs. The team wrapped up their 2014 regular season on October 2nd with an impressive 3-1 come-from-behind victory over the visiting Mohawk Mountaineers.
The win moved the Knights to 5-3 on the year, and marks the first time in Niagara College men's soccer history that the team has won five games in a season.
Up next for the Knights is a home playoff match on October 11th against the visiting Redeemer Royals at Youngs SportsPlex in Welland, Ontario. Kickoff is set for 4:00pm.
The Knights are undefeated at home in 2014. The team shut out the Royals by a score of 2-0 in the two teams' season opening match on September 6th. Forward Keith Makubuya and midfielder Anthony Stranges were the goal scorers for the Knights in the contest.
"Anybody who takes Redeemer lightly should not be competing in this league as a player or coach" said Niagara College men's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis. "We handled Redeemer's challenge very well last match, but that was eight games ago. We need to play our best, as the Royals are a quality opponent."
Possessing their most talented roster in recent memories, the Knights are led up front by a trio of experienced and talented strikers.
Team co-captain Carlos Williams (St. Catharines) leads the team in scoring with four goals in seven matches. Williams was named Niagara College athlete of the week on September 29th for his game winning goal during the Knights 2-1 road victory over the Lambton Lions.
Second-year dual sport Athlete Andy Hein (Omemee) has enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Knights. Hein, who also competes as a member of the Niagara College cross-country program has notched three goals in seven matches.
Rounding out the Knights three pronged attack is St. Catharines native Keith Makubuya (St. Catharines). The former Toronto FC forward has been dominant at times for the Knights. He has recorded three goals in seven matches, and during the Knights regular season finale, he setup all three of the team's goals.
Coach DeChellis continued "our training for this week has certain themes aimed at cleaning up some loose ends that we have. Everybody is eager to get on the field again."
The winner of Saturday's matchup will be tasked with facing the CCAA's top-ranked Algonquin Thunder with a road goal in Ottawa.
Saturday's home playoff match features FREE ADMISSION. Kickoff is set for 4:00pm at Youngs SportsPlex located at 570 River Road, Welland.
