Women's Soccer draws with Redeemer on grad night
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Redeemer (7-1-1, 7-1-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Humber (3-5-1, 3-5-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
By: William Shoukri
Humber Athletics Communications
VAUGHAN - Humber women's (3-5-1, 7th West) tied No. 15 (7-1-1, 1st West) on Tuesday at Ontario Soccer Centre, 0-0. It was a defensive game that ended in some late-game heroics from Humber keeper Angela Volpe, as well as the goalpost. Volpe had three saves in this one, two of which came in the final minutes of play.
It was seniors' night at the Ontario Soccer Centre. Humber honoured five players: Kaitlynn Russell, Cassy Ettore, Emily Robitaille, Rose Policelli, and Isabella Fiorini. The graduating class of players is leaving with some hardware; the list includes two All-Canadians, two CCAA National Scholars, and three All-Stars. All graduating players are provincial champions.
Match Recap
It was an underdog matchup for Humber under the chilly lights at Ontario Soccer Centre. Facing the best team in the division, Humber knew it would be a mountain to climb. It was a solid start for the Hawks; the team would have to focus on both stifling Redeemer's offences while solving one of the best defences in the league. Humber didn't stand a chance in a shootout; it would have to be a low-scoring affair.
The first half promised exactly that; the game was equal at zero after 45 minutes. The teams combined for just four attempts, splitting the chances 2-2. Hayley Lewis and Kaitlynn Russell stood out for the Hawks, with both players showing skill and control through the midfield.
It was a good half overall for the Hawks, even if they didn't manage anything too dangerous. They did a great job shutting down Redeemer and had to feel good coming into the break; they were ready to spoil another top team's day. Humber upset St. Clair (6-2, 2nd West) in their last game at home, and they were looking to create another.
After the break, Humber dominated the possession statistics. Though they failed to score for most of the half, they were in control the entire time. Redeemer was unable to take possession past midfield for the vast majority of the second half of the match.
Seniors Cassey Ettore and Kaitlynn Russell were leading the way. Though the temperature was getting low, both players were red hot. To the Royals' credit, their defensive line did an admirable job of preventing Humber from capitalizing on their best chances. The pressure they put on the forwards was impressive, and it was one of the big reasons this game stayed tied at zero for so long.
As the clock approached the 90th minute, Redeemer turned the pressure on. Humber had won the possession for most of the half, but the Royals now created the best chances in the final minutes.
In the 87th minute, Redeemer would smash the post on a ripper of a strike from outside the box. Just a minute later, Humber keeper Angela Volpe would make a clutch save. In the 90th minute, a Redeemer forward would miss a gaping empty net, instead kicking right to Volpe for an easy stop. Humber escaped four possible heart-breakers in the final ten minutes of play, allowing them to come down the field for one last possession deep into injury time.
Unfortunately, the whistle was blown before Humber made it, leaving things in a 0-0 deadlock.
Humber Highlights
- This is the fourth consecutive game that Angela Volpe has allowed one goal or less. The Hawks are 2-1-1 in that span.
- Kaitlynn Russell is one goal away from passing Keyla Moreno to take second place on Humber's all-time goal list.
What's Next?
Humber will face Fanshawe College (3-5, 8th West) in London on Saturday, October 12. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
