The Simcoe County Rovers played League 1 Ontario leaders Scrosoppi FC in their final home game of the season at J.C. Massie Field last Saturday night.
Scrosoppi FC entered the match with two games in hand and one point up on Vaughan FC for the lead league and everything to play for as they try to secure the league title.
The Rovers came into the match with a 9-game unbeaten streak but with no mathematical chance to catch Scrosoppi for 1st place.
When you combine that with an upcoming semifinals match against Oakville Blue Devils in the League 1 Cup semifinals Sporting Director Doneil Henry had some decisions to make regarding his starting lineup.
To complicate matters further, two key players for the Rovers, defenders Cameron DaSilva and Justyn Thomas were unavailable for the match. With a short turn-around to the cup semifinals on August 28th, Henry rested several players against Scrossopi and started a vastly different line-up against a hungry Scrosoppi.
The match started poorly for the Rovers who fell behind 1-0 less than 5 minutes into the game when Scrosoppi striker Thomasz Skublak was taken down in the box and awarded a penalty which was calmly converted by Jacob Carlos for his 9th goal of the season. Skublak, a powerful striker was a constant challenge for the Rovers back line. He struck in the 29th minute for his 9th goal of the season to give Scrosoppi a 2-0 lead, and nearly got his second when he rocketed a volley off the crossbar. Scrosoppi carried the 2-0 lead into the break. The Rovers came out fighting in the second half after making personnel changes but could not break Scrosoppi down and the game finished 2-0 in favour of Scrosoppi.
The loss was the Rovers' first since June ending their fine run of form.
“Scrosoppi proved why they are the favourite to win the league this year," said Sporting Director Doneil Henry. "Full credit to them. They took their opportunities in the match and capitalized.
“On a positive note, I was able to field five League 2 players who I believe have done well all season and deserved an opportunity to showcase their ability. Doing this allowed me to rotate players and keep legs fresh going into the semifinal cup game on Wednesday."
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When asked how he planned to prepare for Oakville, Henry was adamant that the team would keep its identity and not deviate too much tactically.
“Cup games are intense and it’s about desire, drive and determination. I will be expecting a high-energy game. The team that is willing to do the dirty work, pressing, winning first and second balls and converting set pieces will win the match.”
The League1 Cup semifinal will be played on Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Field in Burlington.
The Simcoe County Rovers will face the Oakville Blue Devils for the right to play the winner of the North Toronto versus Vaughan FC semifinal match.
For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including schedule details, ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.roversfc.ca.
Single and group tickets to the match can be purchased by visiting www.roversfc.ca.
