Octobber 7th, 2019 ... Welland - In what was one of their two road games left this season, the Niagara College men's soccer team were edged out 2-1 by the Sheridan Bruins Saturday afternoon. 

Things were going the right direction for the Knights when James D'Aunnunzio (2nd year, Niagara Falls) got the Knights on the board first to make it 1-0 at the 25 minute mark of the game. Niagara would carry that lead into the second half, keeping the Bruins at bay.

Sheridan kept Knights keeper Romario James busy, facing 12 shots in the second half. The Bruins finally solved James in the 72 minute mark, on a penalty shot goal by Dante Ruddock, making a 1-1 game. unfortunately for the Knights, Sheridan's Jevonte Layne would find the back of the net in the 86th minute, ultimately netting the game winner to go on to a 2-1 victory. 

Plagued with injuries heading into Saturday's match-up, head coach Frank DeChellis was able to give his first year players a a chance to showcase their skills and show their team they have what it takes to play against a perennial national contender. 

"We weren't sure what to expect missing our two tallest players against a very tall and talented Sheridan squad," said DeChellis.

"The storm that we weathered in the second half was epic as they were all over us and we had no answer for their height on crosses. Romario was busy and gave us his best game so far this season and the guys fed off that.  We had them 1-0 up to the 75th and frustrating the heck out of them, but conceded an unfortunate penalty kick that let them back in the game."

"Even though we haven't officially made the playoffs, we are in playoff mode as we must win the last two matches to see post-season action."

With the loss, the Knights now sit at 1-6 with just two games remaining before the post season. 

DeChellis and his squad will now travel to Conestoga College (3-4) this Thursday in their last road game of the season.