The Rovers went into Hamilton riding a five-game unbeaten streak (4 wins, 1 draw) and came away with a well deserved 3-0 win against the last placed team in the League. Midfield talisman Orlendis Benitez struck in the 21st minute and midfielder Paul Karagiannakos continued his fine goal scoring form in the 62nd minute to make it 2-0. With the Rovers in control of the play, stalwart defender Cameron DaSilva added a late insurance marker in the 74th minute to put the match away. Benitez and goalkeeper Rimi Olatunji were recognized for their fine performances and selected into the League1 Men’s Premier Team of the Week.
After 17 matches played the men sit at 7-5-5, good for 5th place in the Premier division. The team is 4 points behind Woodbridge who sit third in the league. This weekend the Rovers prepare to welcome bitter rivals Vaughan SC to J.C. Massie Field. Always a contender for the League 1 title, Vaughan sits 6 points ahead of the Rovers in second place with a game in hand. The Rovers have a massive opportunity to collect 3 points and halve this lead. Since coming into the League in 2022 the Rovers have played Vaughan a total of 5 times, wining twice, with two draws and a loss. Last season the Rovers beat Vaughan in the semi-finals of the playoffs in an intense affair at J.C . Massie Field 4-2 on route to their championship season.
Cuban born Midfielder Orlendis Benitez who won the League with Vaughan and again with the Rovers last season has seen positive changes with the squad and is excited for the remainder of the season.
“The team has regained confidence and is starting to understand each others’ strengths and weaknesses. We are energized and that is why we are playing with a renewed passion for the game.”
“We know Vaughan will be a challenging match,” said Benitez. “We need to have a solid defensive effort and prevent them from getting any scoring chances.”
Veteran Cuban defender Alejandro Portal agreed with Benitez. “The team is currently going through one of its best stretches of the season. We are winning games due to the focus we have in training. Each player wants to improve individually and as a collective we are getting better with each match played. We will continue working week by week to try and reach the top of the table and focus on the objectives presented by the coaching staff. It’s worth noting that we also have the semi-final of the League Cup, which is a super important competition. We will fight to bring that trophy home for the club, and our fans in Barrie and Simcoe County.
Regarding the huge match-up with Vaughan this weekend Portal had this to say. “Any match against Vaughan is special. Last season our games were played with incredible passion. We know they have a great team and historically have a great track record in League1. For our part, we also have a great squad, and we are the defending champions. We are getting better each game so it will be an interesting match.”
“Our main objective is to go out and give it our all from the first whistle to the last; fighting for every ball is how the classics are played. In this type of match organization in all sectors of the field is critical. We have to take advantage of scoring opportunities given to us. Our home fans play a massive role in our success and we are extremely grateful for their support. We look forward to seeing everyone there on Saturday!
The men’s team plays Vaughan at home on August 10th. Kick-off is set for 6.00 p.m. The League1 Cup semi final will be scheduled in late August with the date still to be determined. The Simcoe County Rovers will face the Oakville Blue Devils for the right to play in the finals.
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
