Men’s Soccer Win on Penalty Kicks, Advance to National Semifinal

OSHAWA – Another season, another quarter-final penalty kick victory for the top-ranked Humber men's soccer team.

 The Hawks maintained their championship aspirations by beating the Champlain Cavaliers on penalty kicks (4-1) after a 3-3 draw Wednesday morning.

Humber dominated the first 15 minutes of play, scoring two quick goals to open the match. From the wing, Max Ferrari made a beautiful cross into the box finding Nicholas Machado, who recorded his second career CCAA tally in the fifth minute.

Less than seven minutes later, Damion Kaye blew by two defenders to find Max Ferrari who blasted a shot from the top of the box into the back of the net.

Champlain got on the board in the 29th minute, after a miscommunication on a corner kick led to an own goal.

As the half was coming to a close, freshman Damion Kaye had a brilliant first touch that led to a breakaway. After beating the keeper, Kaye's shot was kept out of the net by a sliding Champlain defender, keeping the Cavaliers in the match.

After Champlain tied the match in the 53rd minute, Damion Kaye set up another tally, this time finding Uday Arora at the top of the box, giving Humber back the lead.

Less than four minutes later, the Cavaliers recorded the equalizer off of a header in the box.

With time running out and penalty kicks on the horizon, Humber had one last chance to win the match. A corner kick from Federico Leal found the head of Cody Green, but the senior's attempt went a touch high, hitting the crossbar and forcing penalty kicks.

In penalties, Tristan Gayle, Michael Fayehun, Cody Green, and Federico Leal all converted as Humber went four-for-four on attempts. Keeper Nicholas Frenati had another brilliant performance, guessing correctly on all three shots and making two big saves.

After the match, Frenati was named man of the match for Humber.

Humber Highlights

• The Hawks improve to 5-3 all-time in penalty kicks at nationals – including five straight victories.
• Humber improves to 12-1 all-time in the CCAA quarter-finals.
• The Hawks extend their CCAA win streak to 17 consecutive victories.
• Keeper Nicholas Frenati recorded his first career win at nationals.
• Coach Aquino improves to 13-0 on the national stage.

What's Next?
Humber will face VIU in the semifinal round on Nov. 7. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Scouting VIU

• VIU is the PACWEST wild card entry and led by Player of the Year Shun Takano.
• VIU beat Lethbridge in the quarter-finals, 2-1.
• VIU has three national titles, the last coming in 2017.
• Humber is 1-0 all-time against the Mariners. The last time these two teams met, the Hawks won (7-6) in penalty kicks in the 2012 championship match. Keeper Eugenio Garro was named Championship MVP and Matthew Rios and Marcos Nunes were named to the all-tournament team.