The Simcoe County Rovers celebrated Barrie Soccer Day at J.C. Massie Field on Sunday with an exciting double header. Barrie soccer players were treated to merchandise giveaways, halftime contests and met players from the Simcoe County Rovers post-match.
President of Barrie Soccer Club Will Devellis was pleased with the turnout.
“I’m incredibly proud of the support we have put behind the Simcoe County Rovers. Yesterday was a prime example of how our soccer community get behind our professional club. With 40 C+ weather we had drove of young fans, players and families make their way to J.C. Massie Field to support our men’s and women’s teams.”
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“The Rovers have become a symbol of local pride and unity,” added Devellis. “Barrie Soccer Club members have rallied around the team, strengthening the community bond. The partnership between the Simcoe County Rovers and Barrie Soccer Club has put Simcoe County on the map attracting attention beyond our local area.”
“The Rovers Players and coaches help inspire our young players and are positive role models in the community. Our partnership with the Rovers creates an incredible pathway for aspiring professionals and it’s great to see our talent flourishing in this environment. We are a proud soccer community, and the Rovers have the support of Barrie Soccer Club through and through.”
WOMEN
The Simcoe County women were up first against the Woodbridge Strikers. The race for the top of the table is tight with the Rovers and NDC battling for first place. NDC defeated Waterloo 1-0 Friday night, so it was up to the Rovers to try and secure 3 points and the win to stay level. In searing heat, the Rovers
Attacked from the opening whistle trying to get the important first goal of the match. The team manufactured opportunities but could not find the back of the net. Woodbridge found a goal in the 28th minute and the Rovers were playing from behind. There was no panic and the Rover equalized in the 42nd minute when striker Ally Rowe scored her 10th goal of the season. Poor defending and miscommunication saw the Rovers concede a goal 1 minute later and the half finished 2-1 Woodbridge.
The second half saw Sidney Atwell come in for an injured Jennifer Milligan as the team tried to equalize. The Rovers were rewarded in the 68th minute when Teagan Handley netted an Olimpico goal, scored directly from a corner kick to tie the game up. As much as they tried the Rovers could not find the winner and the game ended in a hard-fought draw and well-earned point.
Midfielder Teegan Handley felt the effort was there, but the team didn’t take it chances. Handley who played 90 tireless minutes in the heat felt good about performance. Asked about the Olimpico goal, Handley said. “I was trying to swing it in with my right foot and it just carried into the top corner. It’s not the first of my career, she added with a smile. Handley feels rest and recovery is imperative for the group with all the mid week games they have played due to the League1 Cup,
“This group has been tight knit since the beginning of the season,” said Handley. “We bonded immediately and developed trust and chemistry from the jump. It’s a new team but that helped as everyone was coming from a different place, and we had to trust together. It has been organic and a natural process. We are excited about what we can accomplish as a group in the League and the Cup.”
“We played to a 2-2 draw” said head coach Zack Wilson. “Of course, we’re disappointed not to take all 3 points, but some moments in the game go far beyond the result and yesterday was one of those.”
“In high heat and five matches in 14 days, this group showed a level of heart and resilience that left me genuinely in awe. As a coach you always want to win, but when you see your players empty the tank like that push through every challenge and fight until the final whistle you can’t help but feel overwhelming pride. That performance, that perseverance it’s what makes a team special.”
MEN
The Rovers men were up next to take on the North Toronto Nitros. The teams met a month ago and the Rovers won handily 4-1. Coming into the match the team knew it was imperative to come out in front of the home crowd and secure 3 points to ensure it remained in the hunt.
The first half started well as the team pressed immediately for the 1st goal. The goal came in the 21st minute after a fine run of play saw Reshaun Walkes score his 4th goal of the season. Midfielder Brandon Verburg added to the lead to make it 2-0 Rovers in the 24th minute. From that point the Rovers were able to settle in and manage the game conditions until the 1st half ended.
Due to the intense heat the Rovers coaching staff made changes at the start of the second half and again in the 65th minute to keep fresh legs out and secure the win. Final Score Rovers 2- Nitros 0. The Rovers move to 4 wins 3 losses and 3 draws good for the 5th place in the table, 3 points out of 1st place though a handful of teams have games in hand.
“I’m very proud of the boys,” said coach Doneil Henry. “Two games in three days while keeping two clean sheets and scoring six goals is amazing. It’s exciting as we get to refresh and refocus before playing against Roma in St. Catharine next Friday.
“Brandon Verburg a young and upcoming player has made the jump to first team football at our club. He’s been excellent in training and was rewarded with a starting opportunity. I thought he played quite well,” added Henry.
“I just want the boys to stay hungry and continue fighting for each other. There is a lot to play for with the table being so tight at the top”
UP NEXT
The Rovers men travel to St. Catharine to face Roma Friday. The game is set for 8.00 p.m. The squad beat Unionville-Milliken 4-0 in a League1 ON Cup quarter-final elimination game on June 19th and await the winner of the quarterfinal match between Scrosoppi vs. North Toronto Game. They will face the winner in the semi-final.
The Rovers women will travel to Downsview Park to face the North Toronto Nitros in a League 1 Cup semi-final elimination match. The date is TBD. The women play Alliance United Women on June 29th at Varsity Centre in a League 1 match.
