The Niagara Knights men's soccer team (2-3-1, 4th OCAA Central) lost a closely contested match to the visiting Humber Hawks (6-0, 1st OCAA Central) on October 1st. The visiting Hawks scored the match's only goal to maintain their perfect record, and head back to Toronto with a 1-0 victory.
It was an evenly matched contest for the Knight against the nations number one ranked team.. Against Humber, the Knights gave up the only goal in the 56th minute on the back end of Hawks corner kick. Despite a number of great opportunities, Niagara's strikers were held in check by Humber keeper Karman Singh.
Fiore Costa (Niagara Falls) was stellar for the Knights, recording eight saves in a losing effort. For the most part the Knights back line, led by Quinton Leone (Niagara), were able to hold the powerful Hawks squad at bay. Thus far in the season the Knights are the only team to limit the Hawks to less than four goals, giving up only a trio of markers in their two matchups this year.
Head Coach Frank DeChellis was pleased with the performance of the Knights, but noted that they still had items to address before their next matches. "We did a lot of things well," said DeChellis, "But a few aspects of our game were exposed and we will address that this week."
Niagara now turns their attention to the Seneca Sting (0-5, 5th OCAA Central), as they head into a home-and-home series with the Sting. Sitting only three points behind the Sheridan Bruings (3-2-1, 3rd OCAA Central) in the standings the Knights will ened a pair of strong performances if they want to leapfrog their divisional opponents. This season the Sting have surrendered 15 goals while only scoring once. If the Knights defensive prowess remains stout through 90 minutes tonight, they will put themselves in a tremendous position to gain points and advance themselves in the table.
Despite their record, DeChelils and the Knights are not taking their matches against Seneca lightly. "We are a little surprised how they are making out so far this year," said DeChellis of his next opponent. "However, they are well coached and we know the trend will not last long."
Following tonight's match the Knights will return home on Friday, October 7th for the second half of the home-and-home series against Seneca. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm at Youngs Sportsplex. Admission is free for all spectators.
