No. 12 Women's Soccer books spot in OCAA final

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

VAUGHAN – It was a cloudy day at the Ontario Soccer Centre on Friday as No. 12 Humber women's soccer downed No. 8 Durham Lords (10-1-2) in the semifinal, 2-1. Kaitlynn Russell scored the game-winner in the 77th minute, booking Humber's spot in the OCAA gold medal match tomorrow.

Match Recap

The Hawks (10-0-3) knew they would be in for a challenge against Durham, who were on a nine-match win streak. The match started with both teams feeling each other out, with Coach Caro's team trying to keep possession in the midfield in this must-win game. 

Humber would have to fight to break Durham's solid defence. Right before 15 minutes, Catarina Medeiros would find Chantel Spalla on the right side of the penalty box. The third-year forward would battle against two Durham defenders before finding space to advance and unload a rocket to the bottom-left corner of the net. Spalla's second goal of the season would put the Haws up 1-0 early in the game. 

Cara Serapiglia and Micayla Santaguida were locked in in the midfield, pacing Humber's defensive attack transitions while getting crucial tackles to stop Durham's offensive opportunities, allowing no danger to Isabella Bernardi's net in the first half. The referee would blow the whistle to call the break, with Humber having a one-goal lead. 

The Lords came out strong in the second half, not allowing the Hawks to breathe. It would not take two minutes for Durham to tie the match up. 

In a free kick near midfield, Durham's Shelby Khan would cross into the box. Humber's defence was expecting a deflection that did not happen, and, in an unexpected play, the cross would end in the back of the net. It was the second straight match where the Hawks struggled on a long set piece near half.

The Hawks struggled to find their game after the Lords' tally, with Sage Thomas-Roberts pushing strong in the right-wing using her explosive footspeed while Humber's attackers were not seeing the ball to put the Hawks back in the game. 

The Hawks would find what they needed in the 77th minute. Cara Serapiglia would find a line-breaking pass between Durham's defenders, threading the space beautifully to Kaitlynn Russell's left foot. The west division player of the year made no mistake with the ball, driving her shot to the back of the net in a one-on-one with the keeper. 

Humber would lock down defensively to stay with the one-goal lead.

Chantel Spalla was named the player of the match for Humber.

Humber Highlights

• Humber improves to 19-1 all-time at home during the OCAA postseason.
• Kaitlynn Russell moves into a tie with Hall of Famer Connie Tamburello for fifth all-time at Humber with eight OCAA postseason tallies.
• The Hawks improve to 7-5 all-time against Durham. 
• Isabella Bernardi recorded her seventh career postseason victory, moving into a tie for third all-time at Humber.

What's Next?

It will be a rematch of the 2022 title game when No. 12 Humber faces No. 2 Seneca in the gold medal match on October 28 at the Ontario Soccer Centre. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.