For a second consecutive year, the George Brown Huskies men's soccer team will be heading to the 2022 OCAA Men's Soccer Provincial Championship after defeating the Niagara College Knights in an East/West crossover match on Saturday October 22, 2022.
After a reshuffling in the East Division standings, the 3rd place Huskies (7-2-1) found themselves matched up against the 6th place Niagara Knights (3-7). The Knights got the better of the Huskies when they played one another in an exhibition match to start the 2022 season, so George Brown was looking to counter here when it matters most.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The Huskies got on the board in the 22nd minute after the Knights received a red card for a dangerous play in the penalty area. Huskies veteran midfielder Mark Do Coito (2nd Year) confidently stepped up and netted his first goal of the game. In the 34th minute, the Huskies were awarded another penalty kick when Abubaker Hussein (2nd Year) was pulled down in the penalty area. Mashhood Rehman (3rd Year) stepped up to the penalty spot and launched a laser that Knights goalkeeper Vinson Notarianni was able to push aside. But, Huskies Do Coito was left unmarked and was able to send the uncontested rebound through the keeper's legs to put George Brown ahead 2-0. The Knights managed to get on the board in the 38th minute after the Huskies turned the ball over giving Niagara an opportunity to counter attack, making it 2-1 heading into the half.
The second half saw the Huskies continue to put pressure on the Knights. In total, George Brown managed to get off 27 shots with 17 hitting the target while Niagara managed to get a total of only three shots on goal. George Brown had nine corner kicks and the Knights had none. George Brown's goalkeeper Anthony Cerminara (1st Year) saw a total of three shots on goal and made 15 saves on the way to the Huskies victory. Neither side would add another goal in the second half, even though but both had their chance to add or extend to the lead.
UP NEXT: The Huskies now head to the 2022 OCAA Men's Soccer Provincial Championship hosted by Humber College from October 26-29. They will play Conestoga College in the quarterfinals at 3:00 pm on Wednesday October 26 to open up their tournament. For all championship information and to watch LIVE, visit the 2022 OCAA Men's Soccer Championship Website.
