Sting Shutout Knights

October is here and emotions were high between the Seneca Sting and Niagara Knights. Playing their rescheduled match following a rainout on September 17, the Sting scored midway through the second half to defeat the Knights 1-0.

In what would be a tightly contested battle, the start was nearly disasterous for the Sting. A pass to goalkeeper Kaitlyn James was intercepted by a Knights striker. James charged the play and was able to deflect away the scoring opportunity in just the second minute of the match.

The Sting looked to finally break the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Nicole Berardi drove down the right side of the field into the Knights' penalty area. Berardi sent a pass to the far side of the box to Cassie White, who sent a left foot just wide of the goal.

In the 66th minute, Andrea Runco looked to open the scoring, sending a shot towards the Knights' goal which curled just wide of the far left post.

Moments later, the Sting finally broke through. A centering pass found an unguarded Haley Pozzo wide open in front of goalkeeper Brittany Haanapel. Pozzo unselfishly passed the ball to Rachel Dorland, who netted her second goal of the season.

The Knights picked up their speed late, but following a free kick which sailed well over the net, were unable to break through the Sting defense.

James and Sarah-Anisha Van Wart Bradbury shared the shutout for the Sting with each playing one half.

With the win, the Sting moved to 3-0-2 on the season and into a tie for second place in the OCAA Central Division with the Sheridan Bruins. The Knights fell to 2-3-2 and dropped into fourth place.