News release - Simcoe County Rovers FC
The Rovers men secured their first win of the League1 season with a 2-1 victory over Guelph United last weekend at J.C. Massie Field. Two highlight-reel goals, one from centre-back Cameron Da Silva and the winner from midfielder Paul Karagiannakos ensured hometown fans went home happy. Da Silva who came into the game for the injured Justyn Thomas in the 18th minute recognized Guelph keeper Tristan Mitchell was playing well off his line and scored from distance with a beautiful strike over the keeper’s head in the 77th minute to tie the game up at 1-1. Karagiannakos, who scored big goals late in games last season during the Rovers' remarkable run to the championship did it again, scoring in extra time with a beautiful individual effort to finish the game off.
With 1 win, four losses and two ties to start the League 1 ON season the Simcoe County Rovers announced a coaching change on by relieving Head Coach Zico Mahrady and Assistant Coach Arta Mohasses of their duties with the club.
Doneil Henry assumes the Sporting Director role moving forward. Henry, a former Canadian international, brings unparalleled experience to the club having played professionally in England, South Korea, in the MLS for Toronto FC and for Halifax in the Canadian Premier League. Henry was named Canadian U-20 Player of the Year in 2012. Continuing to support him in this role are Team Manager Derek Boakye-Yiadom, Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach Paul Smith, Milad Mohib, Fitness Coach and Athletic Therapist and Equipment Manager, Kwabena Owsusu.
Joining Henry on the sidelines for the duration of the season are:
- Zack Wilson – Interim Head Coach
- Carli Tingstad - Assistant Coach
- Victor Oppong – Technical Staff Advisor
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Addressing changes to the squad club CEO Peter Raco stated: “I’d like to thank Coach Zico and Coach Arta for their commitment to the Rovers and we extend our best wishes in their next steps.
We are thrilled to continue the tradition of surrounding our players and staff with Canada’s top football minds by extending our platform to former Canadian internationals Doneil Henry and Victor Oppong. Over the last decade, Doneil established himself as a leader at the international and professional level. He has experienced the game in a way very few people have in our county. Similarly, Victor has a storied football history; he captained Canada’s U-20 national team into a World Cup and brings a depth of professional coaching and playing experience from Germany and USL Championship to the Rovers.”
Doneil Henry is excited about the opportunity. “Now moving forward it’s about keeping things light, fresh and simple within the group. It’s a great group of men who have a lot of talent to compete within the league and ultimately win the League1 Cup. I’m looking for guys to dig deep and challenge themselves daily by increasing intensity in training and also the competition to win training games. Alongside Victor, Zack, Paul and Carli we have the right professionals to push our identity and also tactically prepare us for League1 opponents.”
Unfortunately, the Rovers had a tough outing away from home losing 4-0 to Scrossopi FC in Milton.
Last weekend, the Rovers women drew 1-1 with Guelph picking up a point in the process. Guelph struck first scoring in the 6th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Winger Aliya Gomes who was a threat the entire game knotted things up in the 11th minute with an excellent finish.
The Rovers built off this performance with a mid-week League1 Cup 3-0 win against Scrosoppi FC. With this win, the women join the Rovers men’s team in a hunt for silverware and move onto the semi-finals of the League1 Cup.
On Sunday, the Rovers collected a full three points with a dominating 5-1 win against rivals Oakville Blue Devils.
The Rovers return home on Saturday, June 15th to celebrate Caribbean Day with the women kicking off at 2:00 pm and the men’s game starting at 6:00 pm at J.C. Massie Field.
For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including schedule details, ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.roversfc.ca.
