Recap: Simcoe County Rovers open season with exciting double-header

The Rovers began their 2025 League1 ON campaign with an exciting double header this past Saturday.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall and Member of Parliament for Barrie, Springwater and Oro-Medonte Doug Shipley were in attendance and handled the opening coin toss for the Rovers women who faced FC London.

The game got off to an interesting start as Simcoe County came out with an attacking mindset but conceded an early 6th-minute goal to go down 1-0. The team remained composed, moving the ball well and creating scoring chances. They were rewarded with a fine goal from winger Sydney Atwell in the 16th minute to level the score. The team struck again right before the half with defender Rylee Traicoff opening her account in the 43rd minute. The Rovers took a well-deserved lead into the break.

The second half saw the Rovers create multiple scoring chances and control the run of play, but the team was unable to find the back of the net. Veteran defender Michelle Plowman picked up a yellow card in the 68th minute and a second yellow in the 80th minute, which saw the Rovers go down a player. The team managed to withstand the pressure, and the game finished with a 2-1 Simcoe County Rovers victory.

Coach Zack Wilson was pleased with the effort.

“It’s obviously great to start the season with 3 points in front of our home fans," he said.

"We have a very new group that’s still getting to know each other, so there’s a lot of growth ahead of us. But what stood out was the mentality and spirit of the group. You can already feel something special building. From the first whistle, the players were supporting each other and competing for one another. We faced real adversity going down a player, but the team found a way to get it done. When a team finds a way to win like that, especially this early, it tells you a lot about what’s possible.”

The Rovers men were up next, facing 2024 League1 ON champions Scrosoppi FC. By winning League1 ON, Scrosoppi qualified for the 2025 Canadian Championship. The team is talented, and battle tested and with the addition of former Simcoe County Rovers talisman Orlendis Benetiz, are a formidable opponent.

The first half provided a great display of football as both teams showcased their skill. It was also a physical affair as both teams got stuck in from the opening whistle. The half ended 0-0.

The second half began with both teams looking for the opening goal. The Rovers made a couple of substitutions in the 68th minute, bringing in new signing Temesgen Alemseged for striker Ryley Wishart and veteran winger Shaun Claude Watson for midfielder Joe Mac. Scrosoppi grabbed the lead in the 70th minute on a fine goal from Omari Cotterell to take a 1-0 lead. The Rovers could not crack the Scrosoppi back line, and the game finished with a 1-0 loss.

Coach Doneil Henry felt the team started the match in a lively fashion and were able to play their game.

“Unfortunate result,” said Henry. “I thought it was a game that could have gone either way. Scrosoppi in the end took their chance, and that’s football. We will learn from this and be a stronger team moving forward.

“I’m happy with the response from the locker room and the boys are in a positive frame of mind and in good spirits. We look forward to getting back to J.C. Massie field this Sunday and chasing our first win in front of our fans.”

Next up for the Rovers women is North Toronto at Downsview Park on April 26th. The kick-off is set for 7.30 p.m. The men are at home on Sunday, April 27th, as they prepare for Burlington SC. Kick-off is at 6.00 p.m.

For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including schedule details, ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.roversfc.ca.