The Niagara Knights women's soccer team (3-5-2, 4th OCAA Central) will travel to Sudbury on Saturday to open the playoffs against the Cambrian Golden Shield (10-2-0, 2nd OCAA East). It is the second consecutive playoff berth for the Knights, who are seeking the first postseason victory in program history.
There is plenty of optimism from the Niagara camp in advance of the road trip. Looking back at the regular season, it was one of the most successful in program's eight year history. The Knights matched their all-time low in goals against, surrendering only 13 tallies in 10 games this season. They tie the program record set back 2010 when the team only played eight regular season game.
Offensively it was the second best season in Knights history with 16 goals, falling just short of last year's record total of 18. Different from past seasons was the contribution from a multi-pronged attack. Alex Pasco (Niagara Falls) and Julia Pantusa (Niagara Falls) recorded six and five goals, which are the second and third best offensive seasons in Knights history.
A playoff victory would be a first in Knights program history, and provide their first appearance at the OCAA Championship. However, it will be a tough OCAA crossover game for the Knights to open the playoff schedule. Niagara will need to put together a full 90 minutes in order to defeat a high powered Cambrian squad.
The Golden Shield feature the OCAA's all-time leading scorer in Tiffany Johnson, who set the career mark of 62 goals, with an astounding 28 coming this season alone. Head Coach Frank DeChellis is aware of the challenge, but believes his team is up to the task of limiting the offensive output of Johnson. "In our division we face quality strikes every week," said DeChellis. "Our midfielders and defenders are battle ready and up to the task."
Although playoff qualification was an expectation heading into the season, the Knights are not ready to settle on just an appearance in the playoffs. Despite having a young roster, it was a mix of youthful exuberance and veteran leadership that propelled the Knights throughout the regular season. While players like Kara Latham (Welland) have stepped up all season with terrific play, DeChellis will rely on his leaders that are driven to experience playoff success.
Last season the Knights fell to a veteran St. Clair Saints team in the opening round of the playoffs, surrendering a pair of goals in the game's final moments to suffer defeat. "Our veteran players were on the field last year for our disappointing 3-1 playoff defeat against St. Clair," said DeChellis. "They now know how to succeed in stressful situations." Among the players the Knights will rely are on goalkeeper Brittany Haanappel (Niagara Falls), defender Shannon Halliday (Welland), and forward Julia Pantusa.
Although they know it will be a tough task playing on the road, on an unfamiliar field, against one of the province's top offensive teams, the Knights are confident they can come away with an upset and advance to the 2016 OCAA Championship at St. Clair College. "We have the players to accomplish our goals, it's just a matter of getting the right combination to suit our opponent, their grass field, and what will likely be a cold and windy day," said DeChellis. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30pm on Saturday, October 22nd at Cambrian College's Campus Field.
