Women’s soccer team downs Condors 4-0

The Humber Hawks women’s soccer team swooped to an easy 4-0 victory against the Conestoga Condors at the Vaughan Grove Park on Oct. 8.

Before kick-off, Humber held its Senior Day celebration for their graduating players. Fifth-year forward Chantel Spalla and third-year goalkeeper Isabella Bernardi were celebrated for their time spent with the team.

Major playoff implications are on the line with Humber sitting in third in the Western Conference at 4-2-2 and Conestoga in fifth in the conference at 4-3-1.

“Our training session was focused on making sure that we go back to having effort and intensity in our game. They're excited to play and get going and get a win," head coach Jose Caro said.

They lost 1-0 to Redeemer Royals on Oct. 1, which did not affect Humber in the standings, but the Hawks were ready to take on the Condors after a full week of practice and relaxation.

Humber Hawks improved to 5-2-2 and stayed at third in the conference with this win. This was the perfect recovery after the Redeemer loss and a previous 0-0 draw against Conestoga, who is now 4-4-1 and still in fifth in the conference.

“The bounce back from a tie is amazing for sure, considering we won 4-0 from our previous 0-0,” Spalla said. “We shut them down early on in the game, which was huge and continued bringing goals even in the second half. We used what Conestoga did last game to our advantage."

The coach said the team focused on using the midfield to generate opportunities for Humber's attackers.

“We got to make sure we shift our team side to side and try to find those spaces in between our midfielders that can receive and create chances for our strikers and take some shots on net,” Caro said.

After the whistle blew, both sides traded midfield possessions for the first 15 minutes.

In the 17th minute, forward Kaylese Callender intercepted deep in Conestoga’s half. She then dribbled past the goalkeeper, leading to an open tap-in and an early 1-0 lead for the Hawks.

Less than 10 minutes later, Humber doubled its lead with some offensive pressure and a beautiful lead pass from midfielder Elisa Oliveira that split two defenders and found captain Chantel Spalla, who buried it in the bottom right corner.

The Hawks kept up the pressure until halftime.

Humber made it 3-0 two minutes into the second half. Midfielder Mikayla Orrico put some fancy footwork on display down the left wing and put a left-footed shot to the top left corner, deflecting off Conestoga goalkeeper Skylar Morales.

The Hawks’ pressure and 3-0 lead made Conestoga uncomfortable and it just could not get into any rhythm. After the fourth and final goal in the 75th minute, scored with a precise cross from midfielder Sofia Aguiar to goal scorer Mia Lavorato, the game was all but done.

Before the final whistle, two coaches from the Conestoga bench were given red cards for foul language and complaining towards the referee.

The key to the Hawks' win was maintaining intensity, calmness and positivity throughout the game. Each player who stepped on the field fought for each other and really earned Humber their win, Spalla said.

With one game left before the playoffs, building off a huge win like this is key to keeping momentum going into the playoffs.

“I think it’s motivating for a lot of our girls and gives them reassurance that for the next game they can get out there and perform and get the three points and go into the playoffs on a high,” Caro said.