Saturday, September 28th saw the Niagara College women's soccer program fall to 1-4-1 on the season after a 6-0 defeat to the undefeated Fanshawe Falcons (3-0-2). The loss moves the Knights into seventh place in the OCAA West Division, three points out of the sixth and final playoff spot.
Niagara College women's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis called the Falcons "the best and most complete team" his Knights have faced all season.
The young Knights team opened the match well, carrying a 0-0 tie through the first 30 minutes. DeChellis felt that at that point his team "took their foot off the gas, and the result was our goal being heavily pressured."
The Falcons scored goals in the 31st and 35th minutes taking a 2-0 lead into the half.
The Knights responded with two solid scoring chances, but Fanshawe defenders cleared both balls off the goal line keeping the Falcons shutout intact.
The second half saw the Falcons tally goals in quick succession in the 48th and 51st minutes, and the 81st and 85th minutes to secure the 6-0 victory.
Coach DeChellis hopes that his young players will walk away from the match having learned something from the experience and skill demonstrated by the Falcons.
"This year, our program needs to take points from those at our level and compete and acclimatize against the teams that have had more success. When we step in and win balls, we can compete with teams."
The Knights will play their final two matches of the regular season at home on Friday, October 2nd (Sheridan) and Sunday, October 4th (Lambton). With the team sitting on the outside of the OCAA playoff picture, the Knights will need a pair of strong performances to advance to the 2013 post season.
Kick off for Friday's match versus Sheridan is set for 3:00pm at Youngs Sportsplex.
