Callender nets three as Women's Soccer secures first win of the season

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

VAUGHAN – Despite the cloudy weather, Humber women's soccer (1-4, 9^th West) finally found some light, securing their first win of the season, a dominant 7-0 victory against the Lambton Lions (0-6, 8^th West) on Saturday afternoon at the Ontario Soccer Centre. Second-year player Kaylese Callender recorded a hat trick, while goalkeeper Ryley Stewart captured the first clean sheet of her Humber career.

Match Recap

It was a pivotal Saturday afternoon at the Ontario Soccer Centre, with the Hawks arriving in Vaughan at 0-4 — their worst start since the program started in 1996. With only eight teams securing playoff spots and the Hawks clinging to ninth place, every win was crucial for any hope of a late-season comeback. Lambton, sitting just ahead of them in the standings, made this matchup all the more critical for Humber's playoff aspirations.

The Hawks Sports Network broadcasting team barely had time to share some interesting information about the match, as the Hawks would score within 30 seconds into the game. Only three Humber players touched the ball after the kickoff before putting it in the back of the net. Second-year player Kaylese Callender showed explosive speed on the left side, surpassing Lambton's right back before entering the penalty area. Callender spotted the keeper positioned by the left post and calmly drove a curved shot into the top right corner of the net.

Despite the early tally, the Lions' five-player defensive line had the Hawks struggling to find good opportunities to increase the lead. Humber kept pressuring Lambton right at their defensive zone and a good triangular play between Callender, Kaitlynn Russell and Chantel Spalla would open up space on the left side. Callender would dribble past the keeper and find Rosie Nichols, who just had to tap it in. However, the line referee would raise the flag to call it offside.

The Hawks' high pressure would finally be rewarded right after 19 minutes. Senior midfielder Antonia Gatti saw Callender flying on the left side and found a line-breaking pass to put Callender in a one-on-one with the keeper. Lambton's Lauren Goldsack saved the first shot, but Callender got the rebound and hammered off the crossbar to increase the lead to two.

With the scoreboard reading Humber up 2-0, more space opened up for the Hawks to dictate the game. Fourth-year player Cassy Ettore would ask for the ball as she advanced on the right side. Russell sprang Ettore, who made no mistake, banging a crossed shot off the left post, scoring her first goal of the season.

At 37 minutes, Doreen Anane-Bediakoh found Callender with a pass coming all the way from the midfield line. The second-year player drove an undefended shot to the top-right shelf of the net, scoring the first hat-trick of her Humber career.

The Hawks still had time for a fifth tally right before the referee blew the whistle at 44 minutes. Goldsack made a sprawling save after Ettore's shot, but Nichols got the rebound and tapped the ball to the back of the net. 

After a dominant first half, shooting 22 shots, 13 on target, the Hawks returned to the pitch for the final 45 minutes. Despite the four-goal lead, coach Caro did not allow Humber to sit back in the defensive zone. "Stay high, stay high," Caro repeatedly yelled from the bench. The Hawks would follow their coach's commands and, after a misunderstanding between Lambton's central back and goalkeeper, Nichols effortlessly tapped it in for her second goal of the match five minutes into the second half.

Just four minutes later, first-year player Alyssa Fraga, who was reciting Humber's defence-attack transitions, passed to Isabella Chiappeta, who unloaded a rocket from 30 yards that sailed just over the keeper's fingers. The Hawks had a dominant 7-0 lead by 55 minutes.

Humber controlled ball possession throughout the rest of the match and continued to drive shots on target, but Goldsack made impressive saves to stop the Hawks from increasing the lead. The referee would blow his whistle right at the 90-minute mark, concretizing Humber's 7-0 victory — their first win of the season.

Second-year forward Kaylese Callender was named the player of the game, recording the first hat trick of her Humber career.

Humber Highlights

• The Hawks improve to 18-2-2 all-time against Lambton.
• Kaylese Callender's hat trick was the first of her Humber career.
• Callender now leads Humber with three goals on the season.
• Goalkeeper Ryley Stewart recorded her first career clean sheet.
• The Hawks shot a season-high 26 shots on target.

What's Next?

The Hawks will look to get their second win of the season as they host the No. 15 St. Clair Saints (5-1, 2^nd West) tomorrow, Sept. 29. Kickoff is scheduled for noon and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.