Julian Orlando
Student Journalist
Mountaineers men's soccer put on a dominating performance on Tuesday, Sept. 21, defeating the Niagara Knights 5-1.
It was the men's home opener and their first victory of the 2021/22 season after dropping a close match at Sheridan this past Saturday.
Despite the 0-1 start to the year, the Mountaineers continue to be a strong offensive squad as they have now scored nine goals in their first two contests.
Mohawk carried their momentum from the Sheridan game into Tuesday night, according to first-year Garen Blake.
"We kept the same intensity from our previous game and brought it back here," Blake said. "We played tough from the start to the 90th minute, and that is why we got the result we got today."
The scoring began in the 17th minute as Mountaineers forward Michael Gavrilos found the back of the net. With under 10 minutes left in the first half, the Knights were able to tie it 1-1 thanks to Christian Buccella.
In the second half it was all Mountaineers, as they played organized and focused soccer and increased their intensity on the defensive end.
Only two minutes into the second half, Grant Slater gave the Mountaineers a 2-1 lead on a free kick just outside the Knights box.
Morsal Zakholy would make it 3-1 in the 76th minute, and Aleksa Markovic would add the final two Mohawk goals in the last 10 minutes of the match.
The win was Mohawk head coach Jordan Brown's first victory in the OCAA.
"I'm very happy with the team. The guys deserve it after Saturday's match where they put in lots of work," Brown said. "The guys have shown they are a force in this OCAA league already."
Mohawk is 1-1 on the season and will host the Redeemer Royals (0-1) next on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at Dave Mantel Field.
