September 13, 2019…WELLAND – The Niagara College women's soccer team (1-0) dropped a 2-0 decision to the visiting Mohawk Mountaineers (1-0) this evening in the Knights second home game of the season.
The first 45 minutes saw a tight possession game from both teams in a windy evening at Youngs Sportsplex. Mohawk would be the first to strike at the 43-minute mark, with Daniela Cardillo (3rd year, Oakville) capitalizing on a header from long cross to end the half leading 1-0.
Things didn't improve for the Knights in the second half, with starting goaltender Taylor Major (4th year, Stoney Creek) leaving the game with an injury. The Mountaineers would continue lead through the second half after the Knights were given a penalty kick opportunity at the 65- minute mark. Mohawk goaltender Sabrina Mariani (3rd year, Guelph) would come up big for the Mountaineers, keeping the score in their favour at 1-0.
Mohawk would add one more late in the half over keeper Sierra Naccarato (1st year, Milton) with 15 minutes left in regulation time.
Niagara would make a final push towards the final minutes of play in the Mohawk end, but time wasn't on their side as the Mountaineers protected their lead to go on to a 2-0 win.
"We didn't get going tonight and that's credit to Mohawk," said Lalama.
"When we lost our starting keeper to injury, and then failed to score on the penalty shot, it was clear it wasn't going to be our night. We'll get back to work Monday and be ready for Lambton next weekend."
With the loss the Knights sit at 1-1 to head into their first road game of the season September 21st at Lambton College.
