Julian Orlando 
Student Journalist

In their first regular season home game since 2019, Mohawk women's soccer dropped a 4-1 contest to the Niagara Knights on Tuesday, Sept. 21. While missing three key players due to injury, the Mountaineers displayed a high level of competition.

Paul Giannini, head coach of the Mountaineers women's team, was impressed by his group's effort despite being shorthanded.

"Injuries can be tough especially with a small roster, and when you start playing players out of position, it changes the flow of the game, it changes everything," Giannini said. "Having key players in key positions is very important for us, so when we lose that, it is hard"

Niagara controlled possession for most of the first half, which generated nine scoring opportunities and led to an early 2-0 advantage. Both goals were scored by Terin Hultink.

In the second half, the Mountaineers began to take advantage of some possession time, but it was the Knights who would add to their lead.

In the 63rd minute, first-year Taylor Lee would get the Mountaineers on the board cutting the deficit to 3-1.

It was however, the Knights who would prevail by adding a late goal to their lead. Sydney Sica and Rylan Greatrix were the other two goal scorers for Niagara.

Giannini did see improvements from his team compared to their previous match this past Saturday and expects that it will be reflected on the scoreboard soon.

"This match was better than the last game because we had more scoring opportunities," Giannini said. "We just need to finish the chances we create."

Up next, the Mountaineers (0-2) will play host to the Redeemer Royals (0-2) at Dave Mantel Field on Saturday, Sept. 25. The match kicks-off at 4 p.m.