Posted: Oct 28, 2023

Women's Soccer captures OCAA silver medal

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

VAUGHAN – No. 12 Humber women's soccer captured the OCAA silver medal Saturday afternoon, falling to the No. 2 Seneca Sting at the Ontario Soccer Centre, 3-1. Emily Robitaille scored the lone Hawks' tally early in the game.

Match Recap

The Hawks knew they would be in for the hardest match of the season against the second-ranked soccer program in the country, the Seneca Sting. Dominating the East Conference, the Sting not only dictated the results, but also the stats, having the top goal scorers during regular season.

The Sting's dominance though, did not scare the defending champions as they came out strong early in the game. Coach Caro clearly set his team to push strong and pressure Seneca right at their defensive zone, the Sting could not build up their game as the Hawks were hungry for the first tally.

The Hawks' effort would be rewarded at 19 minutes. Following a corner kick, Emily Robitaille would get a rebound inside the 18-yard box; the second-year player would hammer a crazy rocket to the back of the net, putting Humber early in the lead, 1-0.

The Hawks' tally seemed to have shaken up the Sting. Seneca started having more ball possession but still could not build their offensive game.

A questionable fault from 25 yards would change the game scenario for the Sting. Jessica Shears would receive a pass right next to the penalty box and smashed a long shot. The ball seemed to be an easy save for Humber's Isabella Bernardi, but it was deflected on its way and ended into the back of the net.

Seneca would not stop there. At 43 minutes, Kayla Uddenberg battled for the ball right next to the 18-yard box and unloaded a long shot that would sail over Bernardi's reach. The match that seemed to be in Humber's control, shifted its way drastically and quickly.

The referee would call the break with no added time with Seneca up 2-1.

The second half started with both teams feeling each other out. Seneca did not back off and kept creating offensive opportunities, the Hawks, on the other side, were playing easy and smart, as the last thing they wanted it was the Sting to score the third tally.

The Hawks were struggling to find a solution to Seneca's solid defence, and, at 75 minutes, it would get even more challenging. Emily Robitaille would receive her second yellow card, putting Humber one player down.

Right after Robitaille was sent off, the Sting would push stronger offensively. After Bernardi dived to stop a cross inside the goal area, Yoana Peralta Fernandez would get the deflection and calmly drove the third tally for Seneca.

In a rematch of the 2022-23 OCAA final, the Humber Hawks captured the provincial silver medal.