Knights go on the attack
Sophia Al-Kayed’s decision to attend Niagara College this fall gives her the best of both worlds.
The 18-year-old, Grade 12 student at St. Francis had a shopping list of wants and Niagara turned out to be an ideal fit.
“I chose Niagara because it’s close, it’s local, plus I wanted to do business and I heard they have a really good business program. Plus, I’ll get to play soccer as well,” she said.
Al-Kayed was one of 38 local female players who took part in the Niagara Region High School Soccer Showcase, sponsored by the Niagara College Knights, Wednesday at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland.
Al-Kayed said Niagara women’s coach Rob Lalama helped convince her Niagara was the right fit.
“It was really great. We talked the other day and the way he coaches and the way he came up to me, it made me feel it would be great to play there,” she said.
“It made me feel welcome.”
Lalama loves Al-Kayed’s skill set.
“We were in need of attack, that’s what our team lacked,” he said. “She will be an attacking presence on our team, something we have been waiting for. I’ve been here for two years and we’ve needed an attacking player of that calibre.
“I’m really exited to see what she’s going to do at this level.”
Lalama feels his newest recruit will be a dynamic presence at the collegiate level.
“Every time she’s on the field, every time she touches the ball, something happens,” he said. “She makes things happen and makes players around her better.
“She has the ability to beat a player one-on-one and go to the goal, but she also has the ability to make a play and pass it off.”
Al-Kayed, who set up Team White’s lone goal when she fed Sommer Newton of E.L. Crossley with a perfect pass, began playing soccer with the St. Catharines Jets when she was 10. She is a now a member of their U-21 team and looking forward to playing at a higher level.
“I feel like it’s going to very challenging, but fun for sure,” she said. “It’s going to be more competitive. This year at U21 it’s more competitive and it’s going to be just like that.”
Al-Kayed, who also participated in last year’s game, had to leave at halftime to go play for the Jets.
“It was really fun. I did this last year as well and it was great to be out there.”
Team Blue prevailed 3-1 on goals from Brianna Bishop of A.N. Myer, Hailey Gawel of Lakeshore Catholic and Alyssa Arcand of Jean Vanier.
Bishop was named most valuable player for her squad while Terin Hultnik of Smithville Christian earned MVP honours for Team White.
Niagara men’s assistant coach Rino Berardi put together the concept for the game five years ago.
“Overall, I would say this was the best calibre of soccer we’ve seen with the girls. It’s at its highest level and each year it’s gotten better,” he said. “More people are aware of it and I think it’s grown because of the awareness of it.”
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
