Second-half surge powers No. 2 Men’s Soccer to home opener win
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fanshawe (0-2-0, 0-2-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Humber (3-0-0, 3-0-0) | 0 | 3 | 3 |
By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications
VAUGHAN – No. 2 Humber men's soccer (3-0, 1st West) kicked off Humber Athletics' first home opener of the season across all sports, treating the home crowd to a commanding 3-0 victory against the Fanshawe Falcons (0-2, 8th West) on Wednesday evening at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre. Fourth-year player Luca Pinto was decisive in changing the match's momentum in the second half.
Match Recap
It was a special day at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre as the reigning provincial and national champions, Humber Hawks, returned to the arms of their home crowd for the first time since 2024. The match also marked Jason Mesa's first home game as head coach. The Hawks entered the match with a 2-0 record, including an unstoppable 10-0 win over the Lambton Lions. This time, they welcomed the Fanshawe Falcons.
Right from kickoff, the Hawks pressed high, pushing the Falcons' back line and looking to force turnovers. Fanshawe, however, weathered the pressure and produced the first chances of the match. A shot from inside the penalty area sailed over the crossbar in the opening minute, and Humber goalkeeper Danial Sanei was called into action shortly after.
The home team struggled to create meaningful chances, with a midfield that had been key to last season's success unable to connect defence and attack. With neither team finding rhythm, possession changed sides frequently in a flat first half. Fanshawe looked the sharper of the two, creating the more dangerous opportunities while the Hawks failed to threaten.
At halftime, Director of Athletics Ray Chateau walked to the center circle alongside Humber legend and Hall of Famer Germain Sanchez. Over two decades, Sanchez guided the Hawks into a national powerhouse, and at the break, Humber officially retired his jersey in recognition of his lasting impact.
Knowing his squad needed a spark, Mesa brought in fresh legs early in the second half. The changes paid off as the Hawks began to control possession and push forward with more intensity.
At 59 minutes, Tariq Joseph sliced through the Falcons' defence with a diagonal pass from the right side of Humber's defence to Luca Pinto on the left flank. The 2024 OCAA Defensive Player of the Year drove into the box and crossed through the goalmouth. The ball beat the keeper, but with no Humber player on the end of it, Fanshawe cleared the danger.
Minutes later, Joseph and Pinto combined again to break the deadlock. Pinto sprang Joseph into the 18-yard box, and the third-year forward stayed calm, cutting inside to beat a defender before slotting the home opener in the 66th minute.
The Hawks pressed their advantage immediately. Just two minutes later, rookie Allister Johnson was brought down in the box by a late challenge. Pinto converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for his first goal of the season and a 2-0 Humber lead.
Second-year standout Cristiano Candelaresi then added the finishing touch. After driving into the box with a high-energy effort from the right side, his first shot was blocked, but he succeeded on the rebound and hammered it in for his fifth goal in just three matches.
From there, the Hawks controlled the match's tempo and closed out a confident 3-0 win in their home opener against the Fanshawe Falcons.
Luca Pinto was named the Player of the Game, being decisive in the second half to change the match's momentum.
Humber Highlights
- The Hawks improve to 27-7-5 all-time against the Falcons.
- Humber holds a 30-2-4 all-time record in OCAA home openers.
- Humber has not lost in an OCAA home opener since the 1996 season.
- Cristiano Candelaresi ranks second in the OCAA scoring race with five goals.
What's Next?
Humber now heads back to the road, visiting the No. 13 Conestoga Condors (1-0, 2nd West) on Saturday, Sept. 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
