HAWKS OPEN SEASON WITH SOLID 2-0 SHUTOUT OF NIAGARA
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Humber () | 0 | 2 | 2 |
|
Niagara () | 0 | 0 | 0 |
By: Eugenio Garro
WELLAND, Ontario: The Humber Hawks men's soccer team opened their 2015 outdoor campaign in Welland against Niagara College Saturday afternoon.
Last season ended in heartbreak for the Hawks as they were chasing their fifth consecutive OCAA Provincial title and third straight CCAA National Championship. The team lost in the provincial finals late in extra time to the Algonquin Thunder; the team the Hawks defeated just a year earlier in the provincial finals.
Coming into their 2015 season opener against Niagara, the Hawks know what is at stake and know how important it is to get the year started off with a victory. Statistics were in Humber's favour coming into the match having only lost to Niagara once back in 2013; Humber went onto win the national championship later that season. In the only meeting between the two teams last season the Hawks dominated in a 6-1 win.
The weather much like the women's game prior to this match didn't let up. Strong cold winds and the rain made it difficult at times but the teams adjusted to the weather quickly.
The first half saw the Hawks dominate possession while playing tight defense allowing only one shot on goal. Despite their strong play Humber had no goals to show for it having hit one crossbar and one shot cleared off the goal line.
It was 0-0 at halftime but it didn't stay that way for long once the second half started.
Hawks striker #5 Le Rohne Young finished off a mad scramble in the box putting the Hawks up 1-0. A short time later midfielder #15 Jesse Assing secured the victory by putting in a rebound to make it 2-0 which would later be the final.
What was most important for the Hawks was their defensive play as a team. Defensively the team was solid and did a great job holding Niagara's attack. It was the team's great defensive play which helped goalkeeper Eugenio Garro earn the shutout.
The Hawks send their best wishes to assistant coach Jason Mesa along with four of their teammates as they were unable to make the trip to Niagara due to the Ontario Cup Finals.
The men's next game comes next Sunday as they travel to take on the Seneca Sting. Kickoff is at 5:15 PM E.T.
