The Niagara College men's soccer program extended their winning streak to two games after defeating the visiting George Brown Huskies 2-1 at Youngs SportsPlex. The win moves the Knights to 2-1 on the season into second place in the highly competitive OCAA central division.
The Knights opened the match in a frenzy, controlling from the opening whistle and directing several quality scoring chances towards the Huskies goal.
The 18th minute saw the Knights break the game open on a header by third year forward Andy Hein (Omemee). The Broadcasting student and member of the Knights cross country and curling teams converted off a hard work crossing pass by reigning Niagara College athlete of the week Connor Diacur. The goal, Hein's first of the season, gives him four career tallies and moves him into fifth all-time in team scoring.
After their opening goal the Knights seemed to relax in terms of system and execution. The Huskies began to apply pressure and momentum shifted in Gearge Brown's favour. The Huskies tied the match in the 36th minute on a goal by the team's leading scorer Daniel Cunha.
"George Brown came into today looking to absorb the pressure we applied and counter attack when they had the chance" said Knights men's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis. "Kudos to them for their execution. We applied a lot of pressure early on and had a number of missed chances. Their goal to draw even really changed the face of the game."
With the match tied 1-1 at the half, the second frame saw both teams trade significant advantages in terms of possession and momentum. Starting goal keepers Aris Efstathiadis (George Brown) and Jordan Provenzano (Niagara) each made sensational saves preserving the deadlock.
During the 88th minute Hein found some open field after streaking up the left sideline into the Huskies' 18 yard box. Efstathiadis challenged Hein in a 1v1 situation and was issued a yellow card in the penalty area for an illegal tackle. Fourth year striker Keith Makubuya (St. Catharines) was tasked to take the ensuing penalty kick and made no mistake in burying the eventual game winner in the lower left corner. The goal was Mukubuya's second of the 2015 season, and fourth career tally.
"Team captains Andy Hein an Keith Makubuya took the bull by the horns today" added DeChellis. "Their goals led the team to a hard fought 2-1 victory, and both helped set up each other's tallies."
"It was a grind it out type of win" said Makubuya after the match. "George Brown played very well, and I felt we were very fortunate to come away with three points."
The red hot Knights will have little time to enjoy the victory as the team will play host to the Seneca Sting (1-2, 4th Central) on Saturday, September 24th at 4:00 pm at Youngs SportsPlex.
"Today was a hard fought game by both teams" added Hein. "Bottom line, we got the win and we are looking forward to improving on certain area of our game in our next match."
