Wednesday, September 13th saw the Niagara College men's soccer program pick up their first win of the season as the team blanked the visiting Mohawk Mountaineers 2-0 at Youngs SportsPlex in Welland.
The Knights controlled the match from the opening kick, but truly found their rhythm in the second half. The two teams were locked 0-0 into the 75th minute, when veteran fourth year midfielder Jordi Amores (Niagara Falls) converted on a free kick from just outside the Mountaineer penalty area.
The Knights continued to press late in the match until striker Marc-Andre Boucher (Niagara Falls) converted on a spectacular cross by second year midfielder Jake Therrien (Welland).
The Knights directed a total of 19 shots toward the Mohawk goal, including 12 in the second half.
"Our midfield were very involved tonight" said sixth year head coach Frank DeChellis. "It was the theme at training Tuesday and the team was ready to use them more tonight. Tyler Stranges, Jake Therrien and Jordi Amores were always ready in possession and did good things with the ball."
Veteran fourth year goalkeeper Sam Robson (Milton) recorded the clean sheet for the Knights. Robson was seldom tested in the match, a feat aided by the veteran Niagara defensive backline.
"Our back four have been solid, conceding only 1 goal in 2 matches" continued DeChellis. "Quinton Leone has been a leader for us in the back since he was a rookie back in 2015. He has the right combination of common sense, emotional investment and technique to help him do his job properly. As a centre back you need to be fearless and courageous and that's Quinton."
Leone is a third year veteran out of A.N Myer Secondary School in Niagara Falls. The protection security and investigations student felt the Knights "came out hungry" against the Mountainners. He continued "after a shocking loss to Fanshawe to kick off the season, we wanted to make sure that everyone was on the same page. Tonight's team performance was strictly business. We got the result we wanted and we have to build off it."
The win moves the Knights to 1-1 on the season. Up next the team will travel to Windsor to take on the St. Clair Saints on Sunday, September 17th at 4:00pm. The Saints are off to a blistering 2-0 start that has seen the side cruise to back-to-back 3-0 shutout victories. The Saints are currently ranked fifth in the weekly OCAA power rankings.
