Spalla nets winner as No. 15 Women's Soccer blanks Mohawk
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mohawk (3-2-1, 3-2-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Humber (4-1-2, 4-1-2) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications
VAUGHAN – No. 15 Humber women's soccer (4-1-2, 1st West) defeated the Mohawk Mountaineers (3-2-1, 4th West) 1-0 on Wednesday evening at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre. With the win, the Hawks extended their unbeaten run against Mohawk in the 21st century to 23 straight, with the last loss dating back to 1999.
Match Recap
The Humber Hawks and the Mohawk Mountaineers squared off in a pivotal match at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre. With both teams holding similar records, a win had the potential to push either side up the OCAA West division standings. For Mohawk, the challenge was even greater. The Hawks had not lost to them in the 21st century, with the Mountaineers chasing their first victory over Humber since 1999.
Head coach Jose Caro's squad started well, focusing on possession and building attacks through ball movement and involvement. But the Hawks struggled to break through as Mohawk clogged the defensive zone with three central backs.
Coach Caro shuffled his lineup with seven first-half substitutions in an effort to spark momentum, but the opening 45 minutes ended scoreless. Humber came closest to breaking the deadlock, recording four shots on target to Mohawk's one, but neither side could find the back of the net before halftime.
The Hawks came out of the break with renewed energy to press for the opening goal. Early chances from Chantel Spalla and Kaylese Callender made it clear Humber was pushing for more than just a draw.
At 57 minutes, Spalla finally broke through. A sloppy pass in the Mountaineers' defensive zone fell kindly to the veteran's feet. The goalkeeper stopped the first shot, but Spalla buried the rebound to give Humber a 1-0 lead.
The Hawks did not sit on their lead and continued to pressure for a second tally. Humber created several chances to extend their lead. Still, Mohawk's Victoria Kerr stood tall, including a sprawling save on an Elisa Oliveira free kick that was headed for the top-right shelf.
The final whistle confirmed Humber's 1-0 victory, lifting the Hawks to the top of the OCAA West division standings.
Fifth-year player Chantel Spalla was named the Player of the Game, scoring her second goal of the season.
Humber Highlights
- The Hawks improve to 23-7-7 all-time against the Mountaineers.
- Humber is unbeaten against Mohawk since 1999, improving to 17 wins and six draws during that span.
- This was Isabella Bernardi's second clean sheet of the season and the 11th of her career.
- This marked Humber's 15th clean-sheet victory over Mohawk all-time.
What's Next?
Humber returns to action on Wednesday, Oct. 1, when they host the Redeemer Royals (0-3-1, 8th West). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., with live coverage available on the Hawks Sports Network.
