Heartbreaking loss in national semifinal for Women's Soccer
By: Stefan Gerardi
Humber Athletics Communications
SAINT-LAMBERT, Qc. – Humber women's soccer has had their CCAA gold medal hopes extinguished after losing to the Champlain Saint-Lambert Cavaliers, 0-0 (4-3 PK). The matchup was tight throughout 90 minutes of regulation, with neither team able to bury a goal. Surprise starting goalkeeper Isabella Fiorini kept the Hawks in the game; however, the provincial champions from Ontario could not oust the CCAA tournament hosts in penalty kicks.
Match Recap
After Hawks starting goalkeeper Isabella Bernardi suffered an injury during warm-ups, Isabella Fiorini was given the nod to guard Humber's goal. Fiorini started a single game during the regular season in which she posted a clean sheet and made one save. Fiorini knew, though, that regular season play cannot be compared to the intensity of nationals, especially in a game where the winner would be granted a spot in the gold medal match.
The cool breeze from the nearby St. Lawrence River, complimented by the warm Quebec air, made playing conditions favourable for the squads ready to take the pitch. The mighty Humber Hawks were looking to advance to their first CCAA gold medal match in program history, while the Champlain Saint-Lambert Cavaliers wanted to defend their home turf in front of an array of Cavalier fans.
The match kicked off with both sides struggling to control possession and produce continuous offensive pressure. In the 13th minute, Kaitlynn Russell had a distinctive look in tight to notch the match's first goal to no avail. Meanwhile, Isabella Fiorini had to be sharp to turn away Saint-Lambert's bursts of offensive surges throughout the half.
As both teams settled into the rhythm of the match, the physicality between the two determined squads started to pick up. Tight defence led to hard tackles, which forced the match's referee to blow her whistle and confer multiple fouls upon players from both sides. While the chippy nature of the first half gave the teams energy, the lack of offence sent the match to halftime knotted in a scoreless draw.
The beginning of the second half was nearly identical to that of the first. While the halftime break refreshed both teams, they could not put on any sustained pressure, with much of the play being at midfield. The 61st minute, however, saw Kaitlynn Russell get her second opportunity at goal and undoubtedly the Hawks' best scoring chance. The Mississauga native blew by Saint-Lambert's defence but could not beat the Cavaliers' keeper, and the game remained goalless.
The Hawks began to put an offensive surge on the Cavaliers as they had three chances to take the lead after the 73rd minute. Humber had two corner opportunities that could not be capitalized on and a good look from a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box. Elisa Oliveira stepped up to take the shot but sailed the ball over the target. Humber would have other chances in tight with the net but could not put the ball behind Saint-Lambert's keeper before the referee signalled the end of regulation time.
With shades of pink from the sunset now below the horizon, the thrilling semifinal matchup between Humber and Saint-Lambert was headed to penalty kicks to crown a victor. The Hawks knew they had to stay focused and bury the ball if they wanted a chance to battle for their first CCAA National Championship.
Humber's Elisa Oliveira opened penalty kicks, just missing the top left corner of the target; however, a massive save from Isabella Fiorini kept the Hawks in the game. Kaitlynn Russell labelled the top right corner for Humber, but Saint-Lambert responded with their own goal. The score read 3-3 after five shooters a side, and the penalty kick contest was going to be decided in sudden death. After Emily Robitaille missed the target high, the Cavaliers punched their ticket to the gold medal game with a penalty kick that found the back of the net.
Even though she recorded a loss, keeper Isabella Fiorini was lights-out for the Hawks and the story of the match. She arrived at the pitch not knowing she would play, giving her team a chance to win with all-star calibre goalkeeping. The entire Hawks squad played to the best of their abilities, and they will get a chance to win their fourth CCAA bronze medal in program history with two more victories.
Humber Highlights
- This matchup marked Humber's first against Saint-Lambert, and the Hawks' all-time record against CCAA hosts is now 2-3.
- The Hawks fall to 2-7 in CCAA tournament games that reached penalty kicks.
- Thursday afternoon's semifinal marked the Hawks' 30th game at nationals in program history. Humber's all-time record at the CCAA tournament is now 12-18.
What's Next?
Humber will face the VIU Mariners in the bronze medal semifinal. Kick-off is slated for 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, and the winner will advance to the CCAA bronze medal match.
