HUMBER EYES RARE THREE-PEAT

The Humber Hawks have dominated OCAA men's soccer for nearly half a decade.

Humber has not only won four straight OCAA titles, the Hawks are also the two-time defending national champions.

Only one other program has won more than four straight OCAA men's soccer championships (Algonquin's six from 2004 through 2009), while just one school has celebrated a three-peat nationally (Seneca's reign from 1984 to 1986).

Humber begins its quest for a third straight national title Sept. 7 at Fanshawe. Incidentally, Fanshawe joined Humber in the OCAA's final four last season.

PRESSURE'S OFF SHERIDAN?

The Sheridan Bruins have advanced to the OCAA's final four tournament in each of the past four seasons. In each of these tournaments, Sheridan has succumbed to arch rival Humber, and with it lost an opportunity to represent OCAA at nationals.

This season, the Bruins have secured a national invite before even stepping on the pitch. Sheridan plays host to the CCAA championship this November at its Trafalgar Campus.

The Bruins will be joined by the OCAA champion at the tournament, or, in the case that Sheridan wins an elusive provincial title, the OCAA silver medalist. Sheridan last won an OCAA men's soccer title in 1992.

HUMBER OF THE EAST

The Algonquin Thunder are the three-time defending OCAA east champions, having not lost a regular season game since 2010.

After a pair of heartbreaking quarter-final losses, the Thunder secured its first podium finish since 2009, and enter this season as the defending OCAA silver medalists.

Algonquin's last defeat (outside of post-season play) came against crosstown rival La Cité. The Thunder lost 2-1 on Oct. 13, 2010.

AU REVOIR, COYOTES

La Cité has cancelled its outdoor soccer programs for the upcoming season, and as a result, teams in the OCAA's east region will play one less regular season game.

Clubs in the east have a seven-game schedule, while the west remains at eight games.

ADVANTAGE, NIAGARA

The Niagara Knights will have home field advantage in this year's OCAA semifinals and medal matches. Now they just have to make sure they get there.

Niagara will host the OCAA men's soccer championship Oct. 24-25. Unlike nationals, however, Niagara is not guaranteed a spot, and will have to win its way into the final four.

The Knights had a 3-3-2 regular season record last season, winning their OCAA qualifier 2-1 in overtime at St. Clair before losing at Algonquin 3-1 in the quarter-finals. Niagara has never won an OCAA men's soccer medal.

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications