Oliveira scores golazo as No. 8 Women’s Soccer blanks Fanshawe
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fanshawe (, 1-1-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Humber (, 2-0-1) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications
VAUGHAN – No. 8 Humber women's soccer (2-0-1, 1st West) gave its home crowd plenty to cheer about in their home opener, capturing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over the Fanshawe Falcons (1-1, 4th West) on Wednesday evening at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre. Midfield engine Elisa Oliveira showcased her class with a brilliant trivela into the top right shelf.
Match Recap
The Hawks were back at their home turf for their 2025 OCAA home opener. Despite being just the third game of the season, it already carried the weight of a crucial opportunity to build momentum. After opening last year with four consecutive losses, Humber was determined to take a different path this season. Leading the West division with a 1-0-1 record, this matchup against the Fanshawe Falcons felt like the perfect chance for head coach Jose Caro's squad to set their sights on a successful campaign.
Under the lights at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre, Humber and Fanshawe got off to a cautious start. Neither side wanted to risk conceding early, and much of the play stayed stalled in midfield through the opening minutes.
The breakthrough came at the 24-minute mark. Second-year midfielder Melina Acosta spotted Kaylese Callender making a run through the middle. Callender fought off her defender and, with impressive footspeed, drove into the box. Facing the keeper one-on-one, she placed her shot to the bottom left corner, and the ball clipped the post before rippling the back of the net.
The Falcons pushed for a response, pressing down the left side through Lily Ryder, but Humber's defence held firm. Centre backs Doreen Anane-Bediakoh and Tierra Bennett put on a clinic in composure and positioning.
Just before halftime, the Hawks doubled their lead in spectacular fashion. At 39 minutes, Chantel Spalla's shot inside the box was blocked, and the rebound fell to Elisa Oliviera in the penalty arc. The number 10 showed her class with a stunning trivela strike that soared into the top right shelf. A true golazo that sent Humber into the break up 2-0.
In the second half, the battle for midfield control continued. On one side, Humber focused on maintaining possession and managing the clock, while Fanshawe searched for a way back into the match.
At the 56th minute, Humber's Angela Volpe made a sprawling save to preserve the Hawks' two-goal lead after a sloppy clearance left the defence exposed. Callender responded right away at the other end, cutting inside past two defenders before forcing a diving stop from Fanshawe's Ava Rogers.
From there, the Falcons dominated the play, keeping Humber on the back foot. At times, all 11 Hawks were behind the halfway line as they battled against the clock. Fanshawe nearly pulled one back in the 78th minute when a powerful strike shook the crossbar.
But Humber's defence was impenetrable. The Hawks absorbed the pressure and captured a 2-0 victory, extending their win streak to two matches.
Second-year player Kaylese Callender was named the Player of the Game, scoring the first goal at home for Humber in the 2025 season.
Humber Highlights
- Humber improves to 16-7-8 all-time against Fanshawe.
- The Hawks boast a 21-3-5 all-time record in OCAA home openers.
- This was Elisa Oliveira's first goal of the season.
- Kaylese Callender and Mikayla Orrico lead Humber in scoring this season with two goals each.
What's Next?
The Hawks now gear up for their away game in Cambridge, Ont., as they take on the No. 13 Conestoga Condors (0-1, 6th West) on Saturday, Sept. 13. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
