With the Humber Men’s Outdoor Soccer season just around the corner, the Humber Hawks’ roster is starting to take shape. With just six returning players this season, Hawks’ coaches have the tough task of building a team that is sure to be young and hungry.
In total, 145 students tried out for the 2008/2009 edition of the Humber Hawks Men’s Outdoor Soccer Team, with only a maximum of 12 spots available. The 145 students were cut down to 19 just in time for an exhibition game against the Centennial Colts on Sept. 5 at the Humber Valley Field. The Hawks sat their six returning players, leaving the 19 hopefuls in tough against the Colts’ first team.
The Hawks battled through rainy conditions and a strong Colts team to draw a 1-1 tie. Hawk hopeful Mike Trichillo scored Humber’s lone goal in what was a game full of excellent defensive plays.
The Colts opened their season with a 4-0 win, giving Hawk fans hope that their team will be competitive this season.
The Hawks were set to open their season on Sept. 12, with their first team being finalized no later than Sept. 10.
Jason Oades, who was hopeful he would make the final cut, thought the tryout process was well done.
“Our tryout exhibition game against Centennial College was a good way to see who stood out in game situations and who was able to last 90 minutes of play,” Oades said. “It was a great way to see who had stamina and who didn’t at the college level of play.”
The Humber Men’s Outdoor Soccer Team is coming off a disappointing season, seven years removed from their last national championship. The hardest part for the team last season may be that it was the first time in 15 years they failed to qualify for the Ontario final four.
With so many new players, it is hard to gauge how this year’s team will finish. The lack of experience will be a challenge facing this young team.
“We have a lot of new players, not too many well known players; but a lot of young players,” Head Coach, Germain Sanchez said. “Most of them will be 19 or younger.”
Sanchez, a two-time OCAA coach of the year, is hopeful his young team will be able to rebound from last year’s disappointment.
“They will play very hard with a lot of heart, so hopefully with hard work we will be ok,” he said.
