On the eve of the regular season, excitement is abound for the Niagara Knights men's soccer program. However, when the opening whistle sounds on Friday night it will be all business. Niagara welcomes the George Brown Huskies to Youngs Sportsplex at 6pm to open the 2016-17 OCAA regular season.
After recording their first winning record in program history during the 2014 campaign, the Knights took a step back last season recording only three victories in 10 games after shifting to the tough OCAA Central Division. However, their 3-5-2 record was enough to qualify for a postseason berth, where they recorded a playoff victory for the third consecutive season. Having dropped their final two playoff games at the OCAA Championship last season, the Knights are now looking to take the next step and make a significant impact during the playoff season.
Entering the regular season Niagara is coming off a gold medal performance at the Redeemer Royals pre-season tournament on September 2nd and 3rd. The Knights earned round robin victories with 3-0 and 2-1 victories of the Centennial Colts and host Royals, respectively. In the final Niagara scored a convincing 5-1 victory over Fleming College to capture the tournament championship in their last tune up of the exhibition season.
Delving into the Knights lineup, what's old is new again. Returning to the mix after time away are diminutive midfielders Jordi Amores (Niagara Falls), Shaq Gordon (Brampton), and Mike Vitaterna (Niagara Falls). The trio will be joined by a mix of newcomers and veterans. Striker Keith Makubuya (St. Catharines), midfielders Alex Latham (Welland) and Connor Diacur (St. Catharines), and defender Andrew Currie (Woodstock) all return with the postseason on the mind. They will also welcome in newcomers David Fimiak (St. Catharines), Joel Marinas (Niagara Falls), Aaron VanVelzen (St. Catharines) and Tyler Stranges (Welland) into the fold. In between the pipes Fiore Costa (Niagara Costa) will join returning keeper Sam Robson (Milton) as the men protecting the woodwork.
This season will also feature some familial connections for the Knights. Returning player Rudi Marinas (Niagara Falls) will be joined by brother Joel. Alex Latham will also see younger sister Kara in action this year, as the highly touted recruit joins Knights women's soccer program.
"We are confident in this squad, front to back," said Head Coach Frank DeChellis of this year's edition of the Knights. "Some quality players were not successful in securing roster spots, which is a testament to our depth this year."
Playing in the deep Central Division it will be important to get a head up on the competition early. Finishing only one spot ahead of George Brown last season, earning the division's final playoff spot in the process, an early victory over the Huskies would go a long way in ensuring the Knights reach their goal of the playoffs and beyond. Some home cooking may be just what the Knights need against the Huskies. Entering their fourth season calling Youngs Sportsplex home, the Knights have amassed a 7-3-3 record in 13 appearances on the friendly turf.
"The good news for us this year is that we are stronger than last year," said DeChellis. "However, the bad news is that our entire division is strong, every year, without exception. As coaches we are driven by the fact that there is no room for error during the season."
In addition to the Huskies, the division features the past two CCAA National Champions in the Sheridan Bruins and Humber Hawks, the upstart UTM Eagles and the troublesome Seneca Sting. Humber, the defending champions, are coming off of an undefeated season and will no doubt be the team to beat in the OCAA. Sheridan finished second in the division last season, with one of their three losses coming at the hands of the Knights in Welland. UTM, George Brown, and Seneca each finished last season with a pair of victories, and will all be looking to climb the standings to catch the Knights.
It won't take long for the division to sort itself out. Beginning with George Brown, the Knights will take on each of their five divisional opponents in the season's first 16 days. Niagara's veteran lineup understands the grind of the regular season and the importance to getting the season off to a good start. They are ready to take the next step. The only thing left to do is play the games.
The Knights open the 2016-17 OCAA regular season on Friday, September 9th at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Road, Welland) with a doubleheader against the George Brown Huskies. The women kick it off at 4pm, followed by the men at 6pm. Admission is free for all spectators.
