No. 6 Women’s Soccer remains undefeated on homestand

By: Stefan Gerardi
Humber Athletics Communications

VAUGHAN – No. 6 Humber Hawks women's soccer team (6-0-1, 1^st West) defeated the Lambton Lions (0-4-2, 9^th West) 6-0. In game three of their four-game homestand, the Hawks controlled the play for most of the 90-minute battle and entertained their fans with an explosive offensive performance. Hawks captain, Kaitlynn Russell, added to her team-leading point total with two assists, while Chantal Spalla and Catarina Medeiros continue their dominant goal-scoring seasons. In total, seven Humber Hawks picked up at least one point on the afternoon. 

Match Recap

After an exciting match on Saturday afternoon, Humber was ready to defend its home turf at the Ontario Soccer Centre again. Humber fans were bundled up on a sunny yet brisk day to watch their squad battle the Lambton Lions for their sixth win of the season. 

Although the temperature was cold, the Hawks' offence was heating up on their home field. The first 15 minutes saw Humber with multiple glorious opportunities in close to pot their first goal of the game. The Hawks had two free kicks just outside the box, along with a goal called back due to an offside. The Hawks were pressing while Lambton was kept on their heels, setting the tone for the remainder of the first half. 

The Hawks persistent offensive pressure paid off in the 29th minute as two Mississauga natives connected to put Humber up 1-0. Red hot Kaitlynn Russell picked up an assist as first-year Chantel Spalla found the back of the net on a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box. Russell's assist gives her 16 points on the season, while Spalla's goal is her fourth tally of the 2022 campaign. 

The first half ended with the Hawks leading by a goal. Humber's fiery offence put on a show for their fans in the half by posting 23 shot attempts, with 12 coming on target and nine corner kick opportunities. The Lions' less than impressive effort in the half saw them have one shot attempt coming on net; however, their goalkeeper, Rianne Neill, was a bright spot as she made 11 saves in the first half. 

The Hawks' momentum continued in the second half, with three goals coming in five minutes. The 56th minute saw Antonia Gatti label a rocket by the Lions' keeper for her first career goal in her third season with the Hawks. Three minutes later, Toronto native Krystina Carvalho potted her second of the season on a goal in tight with the net. Not even two minutes later, Catarina Medeiros would pick up her third tally of the weekend and fourth of the year off a header from a corner. Medeiros, times two, and Kaitlynn Russell would pick up assists on the goals. 

The Hawks took a commanding five-goal lead on Krystina Carvalho's second of the afternoon in the 67th minute. She curled the ball on target from the corner flag, which a Lions' defender would deflect into the back of the net. 

The Hawks didn't stop there. Midfielder Emma Genova would go bar down in the 70th minute off a cross from defender Hayley Lewis for Humber's touchdown goal. Genova's goal was her first of the season, while Lewis' assist was her third point of the campaign. This would be the last scoring play of the match. 

The Hawks finished the game posting 43 shots, with 24 coming on target and 13 corner opportunities. Hawks first-year goalkeeper, Isabella Bernardi, picked up her fifth win and fourth clean sheet of the season. She made two saves. 

Humber Highlights

• Mississauga natives combined for four points (one goal, three assists) in today's matchup against Lambton.
• Humber improves to 16-2-2 all-time against the Lions.
• The Hawks have outscored opponents 10-1 in three games at home this season and 21-2 overall in seven matches this year.
• The Hawks' six goals versus Lambton were their most in a single game this season.
• Kaitlynn Russell's 17th point moves her into fifth place on the OCAA points leaderboard this season.
• The Hawks remain undefeated in 20 of their last 21 matches at home. 

What's next?

No. 6 Humber will continue its four-game homestand on Wednesday with a matchup against the Conestoga Condors (1-3-2, 6th West). Kick-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.