Entering the season with high expectations, the Niagara Knights men's soccer program (7-2-1, 2nd OCAA West) set a team record for wins. The Knights recorded their seventh victory with a 2-0 defeat of the visiting St. Clair Saints (5-5, 4th OCAA West).
Although the Knights entered the contest with second place in the OCAA West division secured, the Saints were battling were third place and the chance to host a OCAA Crossover game in Windsor. Combined with the fact that St. Clair were riding a 3-game winning streak, it was an early dagger that would set the tone for the afternoon. Following a handball in the box by the visitors in the matches early stages, Niagara would find themselves at the penalty spot.
Rookie Oti Frigole (St. Catharines), who last week broke the Knights single season scoring record, would make no mistake. He powered home a tremendous free kick just under the bar to provide the home team with a 1-0 lead in the games 6th minute. It would be Frigole again in the 21st minute that would put home a ball with some nifty footwork following a series of spot-on passes by the Knights to move the ball up the field. The 2-0 lead would not be relinquished as Romario James (Bahamas) would make 7 saves to secure his third clean sheet of the season.
Despite the early jump in the game, Head Coach Frank DeChellis believes his team had more to give in the early stages of the match. "I wasn't happy with the first half tonight. We were a little sloppy and slow to get into the game," noted the Knights coach. With many alumni in attendnace, the Knights play would improve following the halftime break.
"We had alot of players step up against a desperate St. Clair team after halftime," added DeChellis. "I have to single out the play of Jacob Therrien (Welland), Harrison Fyke (Ridgeway), and Anu Makinwa (Brampton). Those three played with an energy level that forced their teammates to get on board and finish the job."
Now the focus will shift to the playoffs, as the Knights will welcome the Seneca Sting (3-3-3, 4th OCAA East) to Welland in an OCAA Crossover matchup. The Sting hold the all-time advantage over Niagara, with a 2-1-1 record, dating back to the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
With the history book being thrown out the window, DeChellis understands the challenge ahead. "The real work starts now," said the veteran head coach. "The rookies have learned alot up to this point in the season, but they are about to experience playoff soccer, which is a completely different animal."
The Knights have traditionally found success in the OCAA Crossover games, having won the opening game of the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. They are also seeking their fourth consecutive appearance at the OCAA Championships, with this year's edition taking place at George Brown College on October 25th-27th.
The Knights will now host an OCAA Crossover game on Saturday, October 20th at 3:30pm against the 4th seed in the OCAA East Division. The game will take place at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Road) and admission is free for all spectators.
Records
Single Season Goals: Oti Frigole - 11
Most Wins - Single Season: 7
Clean Sheets - Single Season: 4
Fewest Goals Allowed: 11 (2013, 2016)
Fewest Losses: 2 (2017)
Largest Margin of Victory: 4 (4th time in program history)
