The Niagara Knights women's soccer program (1-1-2, 4th OCAA Central) earned a scoreless draw against the visiting Sheridan Bruins (2-0-2, 2nd OCAA Central) on Sunday evening in Welland. Unable to find the scoresheet themselves, the Knights held the high-powered Bruins scoreless for the first time this season.
Brittany Haanappel (Niagara Falls) recorded her second clean sheet of the season, recording six saves in the draw. Entering the contest, Sheridan had recorded 12 goals in just three previous matches, including a seven goal outburst in their last time out.
It was an evenly matched contest throughout, but the Knights were afforded a number of chances that did not come to fruition. Alex Pasco (Niagara Falls) nearly scored a dazzling over the head goal in the second half that just slipped past the post from the top of the box. Emily Babcock (Caledon) also had a number of tremendous set piece opportunities that were turned aside by the Sheridan keeper.
On the back end Shannon Halliday (Welland) and Marissa Caldaroni (Niagara Falls) both provided a strong 90 minutes to shut down the potent attack of the Bruins. Caldaroni returned to form after battling lower body injuries throughout the early stages of the season. Her complete game on Sunday night provided a boost to an already competent Knights back line.
Knights Head Coach Frank DeChellis is extremely pleased with the progress his young squad has made through the first half of the regular season. "Shannon Halliday and Julia Pantusa (Niagara Falls) both gave us strong and mature 90-minutes tonight and set the tone for the rest of our squad to elevate their play," said DeChellis. "Brittany's clean sheet is a feather in her cap for what she has been doing on the back end of the field this year."
The Knights next match comes on September 29th as they travel to Toronto to take on the George Brown Huskies (1-4, 5th OCAA Central), whom Niagara defeated 5-0 in their season opening match on home turf. They will then return home on October 1st as they welcome the top ranked Humber Hawks (3-0-1, 1st OCAA Central) for an afternoon date at Youngs Sportsplex. Kickoff is scheduled for 2pm. Admission is free for all spectators.
