ANCASTER, ON. Redeemer women's soccer welcomed the OCAA West division leaders, the Niagara Knights, on Saturday afternoon. The Knights (5-0-2) have put together an excellent campaign, finding themselves undefeated with three matches to play. Niagara was not the only team with momentum entering Saturday's match, as the Royals rode a three-game streak into the contest. Two of the three wins were against top four teams in the West division. 

Niagara opened the match early, showcasing their top-of-the-table abilities.  OCAA West leading scorer Tessa Vahrmeyer put the Knights ahead in the second minute of play. 

The Knights continued to put relentless pressure on the Royals but were unable to add a second goal. 

Redeemer found their footing and began to build several offensive looks for themselves, but were turned aside.

Niagara led the Royals 1-nil at half.

Second-half action began the same way it did in the first half. Vahrmeyer delivered her second goal of the match (10th of the season) to put the Knights ahead 2-0. The 47th-minute goal from the Knights sparked a Royals resurgence.

The Reds built momentum through the second half. Spurred on by the chanting home crowd, Redeemer outshot Niagara 9-3 in the second half.

The Royals continue to push forward, but the Niagara keeper continued to find the answer. 

A corner kick in the 78th minute is where Redeemer found their first goal of the game. Royals star Emily Walraven delivered the corner kick and found Talia Vreugdenhil, who headed home the Royals' first goal. This was the second time this season the two Royals delivered from a corner kick.

Redeemer found themselves down by one with twelve minutes to play and prepared their final push. The golden opportunity was provided as the Royals found their pacey forward Joelle Mitton on a partial breakaway. Mitton broke towards the goal but was turned aside by the excellent defence and goalkeeper of the Knights. 

Niagara closed the match 2-1 to remain undefeated. Redeemer's last four matches have reminded the OCAA West that they are here to compete. As the playoffs near, the Reds find themselves only one win away from a position to host a home playoff game. Redeemer's next two matches will be critical as they face two teams near them in the table, each vying for valuable points.

For all things Royals, follow us on Instagram @redeemerroyals.