HAWKS CLAIM FIRST NATIONAL TITLE
Over two decades of rich soccer tradition has made Humber College a household name within the Canadian soccer circuit. In 1995, the men’s soccer program captured its first national title after blanking the Mount Royal Cougars 2-0.
On day two, we take a look back at the match that propelled Humber soccer into the national spotlight.
November 16, 1995
by Robert Amoroso
A celebration erupted on a soccer pitch in Alberta after the Humber Hawks defeated Mount Royal 2-0 and were crowned National College Champions.
"Going in number one, we had to come out the same," said the Hawks rookie defender Antonio DiSanto. "We are the best in Canada."
For the second consecutive year, the rivalry between Humber and Mount Royal occupied centre stage. Last year in Montreal, the Hawks lost to the Mount Royal Cougars by a score of 2-0.
Hawk players, including Rob Ursino and Eric Ranaldo, used the phrase "Revenge is sweet," to describe the win.
"This is the best tournament I have ever participated in," said Germain Sanchez, the Hawks coach. "Very high calibre, the most successful tournament for Humber on the field."
"Once I won the Nationals, that was it. Nothing compared to winning the Nationals," said Adam Morandini the Hawks goalkeeper.
Previous to the Hawks win, a game plan was developed to gain insight into the opposition's style.
"Assistant coach Vito Colangelo scouted the Mount Royal team. We knew their strong points and weaknesses," said Humber coach Sanchez.
Despite pre-game planning, a minor problem arose. Early Saturday morning, Humber was dealt some bad news. Forward Steve Spizzirri was unable to play after coming down with the flu.
Goalkeeper Morandini said the other players were able to step in and do the job lo make up for Spizzirri's absence.
Before the tournament, the All-Canadian awards were presented to Phil Caporrella and Morandini, and the coaching excellence award was presented to Sanchez of the Humber Hawks.
Mount Royal clinched the silver medal and the bronze medal went to the University College of Fraser Valley.
| THE 1995 SQUAD | |
| 12 | Phil Caporrella |
| 10 | Frank Spadafina |
| 22 | Dino Spizzirri |
| 4 | Luigi Della Rovere |
| 16 | Steve Spizzirri |
| 13 | Marco Frasca |
| 15 | Andrew D'Amica |
| 7 | Eric Ranaldo |
| 19 | Adam Morandini |
| 11 | Tony Donia |
| 3 | Antonio DiSanto |
| 9 | Rob Ursino |
| 5 | Franco Vaiano |
| 18 | John Horwood |
| 21 | Rob Pietrkiewicz |
| 6 | Alfredo Saba |
| 20 | Saverio Michielli |
| 14 | Adriano Lombardi |
| 8 | Walter Martins |
| 17 | Allan Gonzalez |
| 2 | Jason Seifert |
| 1 | Aido Aiudi |
| Asst. Coach | Vito Colangelo |
| Head Coach | Germain Sanchez |
