Lauren Frasca (Welland) played hero for the Niagara Knights women's soccer program (3-2, 3rd OCAA West) as they defeated the Redeemer Royals (1-4, 5th OCAA West) on the road this past Saturday, September 22nd. Frasca dribbled her way through the entire Royals' defense line in injury time of the 90th minute before setting up a perfect cross at the feet of Michelle Maecker (Fonthill) who buried the eventual game-winner.
The Knights played most of the match with a 1-0 lead after Knights' rookie Katelyn Mix (Gilford) scored her 2nd goal of the season in the 34th minute. It would remain a 1-0 game until the unthinkable happened.
The Royals found the equalizing goal courtesy of Elliana Reitsma in the 85th minute off of a perfectly executed free-kick, knotting the game at one goal each.
While most of the Redeemer crowd were still celebrating the team's late goal, it was then that Frasca and Maecker connected to steal the game back. The Knights would travel home with a 2-1 victory, and an important three points in the standings.
"I thought the women played so well today," said Knights head coach Rob Lalama. "Despite not having captain Kara Latham (Welland) in the lineup, we moved the ball well and we communicated well. We made a mistake on the Redeemer free kick and it cost us."
The Knights will get Latham back in their next matchup against the Lambton Lions (0-5, 6th OCAA West) who was out against Redeemer after being issued a one-game suspension for receiving three yellow cards on the season.
The Lions have managed just three goals this season while conceding 34, so the Knights will look to earn another three points and increase their chances of securing a spot in the OCAA Championship.
The Niagara Knights will host the Lambton Lions at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Road, Welland) on Wednesday, September 26th starting at 4pm.
