The Niagara Knights women's soccer program (1-0, 1st OCAA Central) opened their 2016 OCAA season with a decisive 5-0 victory over the visiting George Brown Huskies (0-1, 5th OCAA Central). With the victory the Knights set program records for goals in a game (5) and margin of victory (5).
The Knights got off to a tremendous start with the first goal of the young season coming off the foot of rookie Kara Latham (Welland) in the 12th minute. Latham found herself with plenty of time, burying it from just beyond the six-yard box. From there Niagara would control play for the majority of the contest, but it was the set piece offence that was the difference.
Veterans Julia Pantusa (Niagara Falls) and Alex Pasco (Niagara Falls), and newcomer Katie Clarke-Robinson (St. Catharines) all contributed goals on the back end of wonderfully placed corner kicks from Emily Babcock (Caledon). In goal Brittany Haanappel (Niagara Falls) recorded a pair of saves in the clean sheet victory.
Head Coach Frank DeChellis was pleased with the victory, but stressed that there is still plenty of work to do this season. "Five goals by four different players is a tremendous team building moment," said DeChellis, "However, we will have to earn every point this season and we are ready for the challenge."
The Knights will return to action on Wednesday, September 14th at 4pm when they welcome the University of Toronto Mississauga Eagles to Youngs Sportsplex.
