After a disappointing loss in the season opener, the Niagara Knights women's soccer program (2-1, 3rd OCAA West) bounced back in a double-header weekend defeating both the St. Clair Saints (1-2, 4th OCAA West) and the Lambton Lions (0-3, 5th OCAA West).
In the first game against the Saints it was team captain Kara Latham (Welland) who opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Latham fired a beautiful strike that fooled St. Clair goalkeeper Madison Kaldenbach as it whistled past her into the top left corner of the net.
Just before the whistle blew for half Niagara rookie Sophia Al-Kayed (St. Catharines) scored her much anticipated first goal in a Knights uniform, and first of her young OCAA career. The first-year player was one of Niagara's top recruits over the summer, and figures to be a huge part of an offensive overhaul that pairs herself and other top recruit, Katelyn Mix (Gilford), with Michelle Maecker (Fonthill). Maecker was Niagara's top scorer last year burying six goals en route to being named the OCAA West Rookie of the Year. As they build chemistry with one another, the newly built three-headed attack will continue to be a cause for concern for opponent's defenders all season long.
Niagara goalkeeper Alexis Hebert (Waterdown) was fantastic in the 2-0 victory, stopping all eight shots the found their way to the net.
It didn't take long for the Knights to continue their strong weekend in the second game as rookie Madison Crowe-O'Brien (Campden) scored her first OCAA goal in the 6th minute of the contest. The aforementioned Mix topped off a weekend of firsts, notching the first goal of her OCAA career in the 36th minute to give the Knights a 2-0 that they would not relinquish.
Hebert was solid once again for Niagara, stopping all three shots that she faced, earning her second shutout of the season.
"I'm very proud to have earned the two shutouts this weekend, but that's all thanks to my teammates and my defensive line for really limiting our opponents," said Hebert about her performance. "I'm excited to see what the rest of the season holds for us as we are a much stronger team than before.
Niagara head coach Robert Lalama was extremely happy with the way his team performed on their road trip.
"We are so proud of the team," said Lalama. "It was a tough weekend; the ladies worked hard dealing with a long road trip and very hot temperatures. We get an off day [on Monday] and then we will begin to prepare for Fanshawe"
The back-to-back victories were a huge step in the right direction for a Knights' program that is looking to get back into the OCAA Championship at the end of the season. If the Knights want to keep their winning streak going when they face a tough Fanshawe Falcons (3-0, 1st OCAA West) team in their next match, they will need to rely on veteran leadership to keep them composed. Latham, who was named team captain prior to the season starting, is ready for that challenge.
"It's been an honour to not only be named captain but to be the leader of the team," said Latham. "The coaching staff having the trust in me to gel the team together and lead them to victory is a good feeling. Captain is a big role and I think it's important to have someone the girls can count on to talk to and to support them on and off the field."
Already having played 30% of their season games, Latham believes that the Knights have progressed a lot since the beginning of pre-season practices.
"From day one of practicing with each other, I felt like we have been with each other for years," said Latham. "From every practice, to every game, I've seen the chemistry build between us and realize we're all here for the same goal. I have confidence in each girl on this team. Having a squad that is in it together and wanting to succeed together will lead us to victory."
The Niagara Knights women's soccer program host the Fanshawe Falcons on Wednesday, September 19th at 4pm. The game will be played at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Rd) in Welland.
