Saturday, September 9th saw the Niagara College men's soccer program open the 2017 season with a tough 1-0 road loss to the reigning OCAA West Division Champion Fanshawe Falcons. The Knights travelled to the affair riding high after an impressive 7-1 pre-season, but the team never found their rhythm against the talented Falcons' side.
"The guys are disappointed with their performance and the result today, and I'm glad that they are" said Knights men's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis after the season opening loss.
Veteran Knights keeper Sam Robson was outstanding in the contest. The fourth year Milton native recorded nine saves on ten shots on target, surrendering just one goal in the 17th minute of the foot of Falcons midfielder Daniel Amaya Romero. "Our goalkeeping was good enough to win that game" said DeChellis of Robson's performance in the match.
Also turning in a strong performance for the Knights was second year defender Tyler Stranges. The second year standout logged a full 90 minutes and was named Niagara College male athlete of the week for his performance.
The Knights will face the Mohawk Mountaineers in their home field debut on Wednesday, September 13th at Youngs SportsPlex. Kick-off is set for 6:00pm. The two teams met once during the pre-season at the Redeemer Royals invitational tournament in a match that saw the Knights walk away with a 2-1 victory.
