Women's Soccer drops fourth consecutive match

By: Thiago Neuenschwander
Humber Athletics Communications

WINDSOR - In an intense match at Acumen Stadium, the Humber Hawks were defeated by the St. Clair Saints by 2-1, marking their fourth consecutive loss in the 2024 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) season. Despite a promising performance in the second half, the Hawks could not avoid a decisive goal in the final minutes that sealed the team's fate in the game. They will host the Lambton Lions next Saturday (Sep 27th) at the Ontario Soccer Centre, seeking their first win in the competition.

From the first minutes of the match, the home team looked more organized on the field. With good ball control and effective passing, it didn't take long for the Saints to have their first opportunity to score. In the 6th minute, after a beautiful combination play at the edge of the area, midfielder Alexa Mognon hit the crossbar of goalkeeper Ryley Stewart. This was the first scare of the afternoon for Jose Caro's squad.

Struggling to maintain possession, the Hawks tried to exploit the speed of forward Kaylese Callender on the left side. However, their attempts did not result in clear scoring chances. Unable to impose difficulties on the opponent, they constantly surrendered the ball, which cost them dearly. In the 14th minute, the Hawks' defence cleared a cross from the right, but the ball fell to midfielder Brianna Kinsley-Clough, who from outside the area sent a shot into the corner to open the scoring at Acumen Stadium.

The goal calmed the Windsor team, which continued to press and create good chances. Soon after, in the 16th minute, a long ball from the defence found number 10 Alexa Mognon, who went in alone from the left but tried to chip the ball over the Hawks' goal. The attempt, however, went wide. In the 26th minute, the Saints had another chance to extend their lead. Victoria Walsh received a pass on the left and nearly put the ball out of the goalkeeper's reach. The goal was saved on the line by defender Doreen Anane-Bediakoh.

Under pressure in defence, the Hawks could only generate some danger through counterattacks. In the 32nd minute, Kaylese Callender, the team's most lucid player in the match, received the ball on the right and shot over the goal. Three minutes later came the best chance for an equalizer. After recovering a ball in midfield, Kaitlynn Russell made a perfect pass through the Saints' defence, but forward Rosie Nichols poorly executed the shot and wasted the opportunity.

After the break, the home team seemed determined to maintain dominance, but that was not exactly what happened. After two good chances, Saints forward Victoria Walsh missed, and the Hawks began to take control of the match. With stronger marking and better ball possession, Jose Caro's team created a constant danger to the opponent's goal. In the 54th minute, Kaitlynn Russell threaded her way through the opponent's defence and shot wide. Two minutes later, Micayla Santaguida hit the crossbar with a long-distance shot. Callender and Gatti also posed threats with outside shots.

After persistent efforts, the reward came. In the 70th minute, following a free-kick, the ball fell to Kaitlynn Russell, who shot into the right corner to equalize the score. This was a more than deserved result given their dominance in the second half. Right after the goal, the Hawks had a chance to take the lead with Callender, who made a good shot but was denied by a fine intervention from goalkeeper Lilly Estephan.

Just as the Hawks seemed poised to secure their first victory of the season, disaster struck. A long pass from the Saints' defence created confusion between goalkeeper Angela Volpi, who replaced Stewart, and defender Alyssa Fraga. Caught in indecision, the two players watched Saints' number 4, Sierra Lapos, capitalize on the error, tapping the ball into the net to restore the lead. It was a bitter blow for the Hawks. A huge disappointment in Windsor.

With little time left to equalize again, the Hawks could not beat the clock and had no further opportunities. In the 90th minute, Victoria Walsh nearly extended the lead for the Saints, who secured their fourth victory in five games. Meanwhile, with four losses in four games, the Humber Hawks languish at the bottom of the OCAA's Western Division.

What's Next?

The Humber Hawks will host the Lambton Lions (0-5, 10th West) next Sept. 27th at the Ontario Soccer Centre, seeking their first win of the season.