PREVIEW: Women’s Soccer kicks off OCAA postseason against Cambrian

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

ETOBICOKE – Humber women's soccer (5-2-3, 3^rd West) will begin its OCAA playoff journey on Wednesday, Oct. 15, hosting the Cambrian Golden Shield (4-6, 6^th East) in the qualifying match at Vaughan Grove Park. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.

After claiming back-to-back OCAA silver medals, the Hawks are determined to reclaim the top of the provincial podium and capture their ninth OCAA title and first since the 2022 season.

With a youthful roster that features 10 rookie players, Humber is hoping that a balance between experience and emergent talent can be the biggest storyline of the season. The Hawks are banking on that chemistry to fuel another deep playoff run.

Defensively, Humber was among the province's most solid units, finishing with the fourth-best goals-against record in the OCAA, allowing just six goals in 10 matches. On the offensive flank, the Hawks showed depth across the lineup, as eight different players found the back of the net for a total of 17 goals this season.

Midfielder Elisa Oliveira will be a key playmaker to watch. The creative engine of Humber's midfield, Oliveira tied Catarina Medeiros for second-most career assists in program history with 11.

2025 highlights 

• Eight different Hawks found the back of the net during the regular season. Mia Lavorato, Kaylese Callender and Chantel Spalla shared the team lead with three goals each.
• Five players tied for points with six each: Callender, Lavorato, Spalla, Elisa Oliveira and Mikayla Orrico.
• Oliveira led Humber in assists with four, and in doing so, tied Catarina Medeiros for second-most career assists in program history (11).
• In goal, Isabella Bernardi led the OCAA with just one goal allowed across seven matches (a 0.29 goals-against average) while ranking third in save percentage (.917).
• Angela Volpe topped the team in saves with 24.
• As a unit, Humber ranked seventh in goals scored (17) and eighth in assists (8) across the province.
• Defensively, the Hawks ranked fourth in the OCAA, conceding only six goals in 10 matches.
• Discipline will be key entering the postseason as Humber finished second in the province in yellow cards (11).

Scouting the Cambrian Golden Shield

The Cambrian Golden Shield enters the playoffs with their most challenging campaign since 2022.

For Humber, Cambrian could be a favourable matchup to open the postseason. The Hawks ranked sixth in the OCAA in shots per game (15.4), and that attacking pressure may test a Golden Shield defence that allowed 23 goals, which is the sixth-most in the province. Cambrian also struggled to recover after conceding early, failing to win any match this season after allowing the first goal.

Still, the Golden Shield has shown resilience thanks to Olivia Skinkle, the goalkeeper who ranked second in the province with 99 saves, averaging nearly 10 per match.

Offensively, Humber's backline will need to stay sharp against two threats. Delaney Elliott led Cambrian with five goals, while Lauren Kennedy followed closely with four goals and 10 points.

This meeting carries some recent history as the two sides last clashed in the 2022 quarter-final, where Humber advanced with a tight 1-0 victory. Expect Cambrian to bring a motivated side looking to return the favour.

At the helm

Head coach Jose Caro enters his fourth season at the helm. In his debut year, Caro became the first coach in program history to win an OCAA championship in his inaugural season, and he has guided the team to the podium every year since.

Caro owns a 10-2 postseason record and is hoping that his reputation for tactical adjustments in knockout matches can be a game-changer for Humber.

As a player, Caro helped Humber men's soccer capture back-to-back national titles in 2012 and 2013.

By the numbers 

• Humber is undefeated in the OCAA qualifying round, holding a 9-0 record, outscoring its opponents 37-4 during that span.
• The Hawks are seeking their ninth OCAA title and first since 2022.
• A championship this season would tie Humber with Fanshawe for the most in OCAA women's soccer history.
• The Hawks hold a 64-22 all-time OCAA postseason record.
• Humber boasts an 11-2 record against Cambrian.
• The teams will meet for the sixth time in OCAA playoff history, with Humber leading 3-2.
• The Hawks are chasing their ninth straight provincial medal, which would mark the longest streak in program history.

Postseason schedule

• Qualifying round: Humber vs. Cambrian Golden Shield on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 12 p.m.
• Quarterfinals: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. TBD.
• The OCAA Final Four will be hosted by the highest remaining seed after the quarterfinals, with matches running from Oct. 23 to 26.

Watch live 

All Humber Hawks home matches will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network. Away games can be streamed live on OCAA Live. Follow @HumberHawks on Instagram and Humber Varsity on Facebook for scores and updates.