2022 Season Preview: Men's Soccer

Humber men's soccers title defence begins Sept. 10 on the road at Fanshawe College. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.

2021 Highlights

• The Hawks captured the program's eighth national title – the sixth since 2012.
• Humber legend Marcos Nunes concluded his career with 43 career goals – tied for the most in program history.
• Nunes and keeper Karman Singh joined legends Eugenio Garro and Gerardo Magno as four-time national champions with the soccer program.
• Luca Gasparotto was named the 22nd CCAA All-Canadian in program history.
• Freshman keeper Holger Xhameta recorded four clean sheets in six postseason matches.
• Freshman Karamvir Mehmi was the OCAA Golden Boot recipient, recording nine tallies in five matches.

At the Helm

Legendary head coach Michael Aquino returns for his ninth season after tying Hall of Famer Mike Katz for most national titles at Humber for a team sport coach. Coach Aquino and Hawks captured the program's fifth national title last season, making him the most accomplished head coach in CCAA men's soccer history. Through eight seasons, he owns a 99-8-8 (896) record, including a brilliant 40-4 record in postseason play.

Hall of Famer Jason Mesa returns for his 16th season with Alessandro Sabatini (9th season) and Dominic Ientile (4th season) on Coach Aquino's staff.

Fresh Faces

With the loss of multiple key pieces from the 2021 season, nine players will be donning the navy and gold for the first time this season:

1. Kadell Thomas, Forward, Brampton – signed a professional contract with Forge FC of the CPL in 2019, recording the first tally in Forge FC history.
2. Alex Meczarski, Defence, Richmond Hill – appeared in 49 regular-season caps with Ryerson from 2016-19, recording four tallies and two assists as a defender.
3. Kofi Awuah, Midfield, Toronto – appeared in 24 caps with the Lewis & Clark Pioneers (NJCAA DI) from 2020-21, recording two tallies and nine assists.
4. Isaiah Noel, Defence, Toronto – making first postsecondary appearance.
5. Noah Pereira, Midfield, Toronto – making first postsecondary appearance.
6. Danny Medeiros, Midfield, Milton – making first postsecondary appearance.
7. Santiago Muniz, Midfield, Toronto – making first postsecondary appearance.
8. Cameron Heslop, Midfield, Scotland – making first postsecondary appearance.
9. Noah Macintyre, Midfield, Mississauga – making first postsecondary appearance. 

Ranked

Last season, Humber earned the CCAA top ranking for the seventh consecutive season.

Who's Next?

The Hawks lost their top-five goal scorers from last season, who recorded 22 of Humber's 33 tallies on the season. The return of Damion Kaye and Aziah Reid with the addition of Kadell Thomas alongside playmaker Abdul-Azeez Babawale should help fill the scoring void for Humber. Senior Federico Leal sits 15th all-time on Humber's career points list, entering his final season with 15 goals and three assists.

Season Opener

The Hawks have won ten consecutive season openers, dating back to the 2011 season. All-time, Humber is 26-2-3 to begin the season.

Last Hooray

Osman Hussein, Federico Leal, Luca Uccello, and Alex Meczarski will compete in their final year of eligibility.

All in the Family

On Sept. 23, the 2021 squad will receive their CCAA championship ring during Family Night at the North Campus Gym.

No Place Like Home

The 2022 OCAA Provincial tournament returns to Humber from Oct. 26-29. The Hawks will be in search of their fourth consecutive provincial title and own a 12-2 (.857) record in the postseason at home.

Watch Live

Every Humber home game will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network. For Humber athletics updates, follow @HumberHawks on Instagram and Twitter.