Young is the new old when it comes to the Niagara Knights women's soccer program in 2016. After graduating 12 athletes from last season's squad, the youth movement is prevalent on this year's edition of the Knights. 10 rookies will get their first taste of OCAA action when the George Brown Huskies visit Youngs Sportsplex on Friday night.
The Knights are coming off of their most successful season to date, recording a 4-3-3 record in 2015 and reaching the playoffs for just the second time in program history. Despite the 12 graduates there is optimism in the Knights camp heading into the 2016 campaign. Veterans Alex Pasco (Niagara Falls), Shannon Halliday (Welland), and Brittany Haanappel (Niagara Falls) will be leaned upon to provide leadership and guidance for this young Knights squad on and off the pitch.
Alongside the veterans, a strong core of incoming players such as Kara Latham (Welland), Rachel Bennett (Niagara Falls), and Samantha Macsai (Port Colborne) will be leaned on to make an immediate impact on the field. Emily Babcock (Caledon) and Julia Pantusa (Niagara Falls) will provide effective service on set pieces throughout the season. Providing the bulk of the goalkeeping be Haanapel and newcomer Morgan German (Niagara Falls).
"Our mix of youth and veterans will prove to be interesting and rewarding, yet we are confident we will see the post season again," said Head Coach Frank DeChellis. "The incoming players have shown very well during training camp and pre-season play."
Although they experienced regular season success last year, Niagara will be looking to make a statement in the playoffs. Last season's playoffs ended with a 3-1 road loss against the St. Clair Saints, who went on to capture the OCAA Bronze Medal. They enter the regular season on a high note, having captured the bronze medal at the Redeemer Royals pre-season tournament just last weekend. Wins of 3-2 and 3-1 over the Centennial Colts and Conestoga Condors sandwiched a 2-0 loss to the host Royals in the weekend matches.
This season the Knights will once again compete in one of the OCAA's toughest divisions. In 2015 four teams recorded winning records. Alongside Niagara, who finished fourth, the Humber Hawks, Sheridan Bruins, and Seneca Sting all recorded records above .500 last season. The Knights home opener opponent, George Brown, finished play with only a single victory last year but are sure to see improvement this year. Rounding out the division were the UTM Eagles, who enter their second season in the OCAA in 2016.
With four playoff spots up for grabs in the division, the young Knights squad will need to keep the Huskies and Eagles behind them in the standings. Coincidentally the first two visitors to Youngs Sportsplex this year will be the squads from George Brown and UTM. With last year's playoff berth in the rear view mirror Niagara's veterans will be leaned upon early in the season to guide the Knights to an all-important pair of victories in their quest for the playoffs this season.
The Knights open the 2016-17 OCAA regular season on Friday, September 9th at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Road, Welland) with a doubleheader against the George Brown Huskies. The women kick it off at 4pm, followed by the men at 6pm. Admission is free for all spectators.
