London Free Press: City Outruns Durham but Falls Short
Saturday May 31, 2003

City outruns Durham but falls short of a win

London's pro soccer team had scoring chances but was unable to capitalize.

KATHY RUMLESKI, Free Press Sports Reporter

London City manager-coach Harry Gauss focused this year on getting some team speed during the offseason and succeeded. City players outran the Durham Flames and had more scoring chances last night, but still came out on the losing end, 3-2, in City's opening game of the Canadian Professional Soccer League season at Cove Road field.

It was a disappointment for Gauss, who knew his team should have won.

"There is no such thing as a soccer God," he said afterward.

University of Detroit graduate Eris Tafaj popped City's first goal in the 29th minute.

The speedy Tafaj came up the left side, took a slight pause and then drilled it high past Durham goalkeeper Serge Desbiens.

Tafaj said he is feeling fit but expects to get into even better shape as the season progresses.

The main difference in his game is his confidence, he admits.

"I feel pretty good. I feel very confident. We have a better team this year. Everyone is feeling good."

Tafaj also had four years with Detroit and his game has improved every year.

Since his season with Detroit ended, he has worked hard to keep in shape.

"I've been practising a lot," he said.

City forward Isa Bulku, the fastest player on the field, had two good chances to put the ball in the Durham net in the first 10 minutes of the game.

On the first, he just missed the net to the left, and on the second, he was in the clear for a shot and slipped.

Bulku finally scored on a penalty kick with less than a minute left to play.

He was tripped in the corner of the Durham box.

Durham scored its first goal in the 36th minute. A scramble around the net led to London coughing up the ball to Jahmo Welch, who slid the ball behind City keeper Altin Ruci.

The Flames went ahead five minutes into the second half when Jamal Jupiter perched himself on the edge of the box and knocked in a rebound.

Welch scored his second goal of the game with four minutes remaining on another scramble in front of the London net.

FLAMES 3, CITY 2

Durham goals: Jahmo Welch (2), Jamal Jupiter

London goals: Eris Tafaj, Isa Bulku

Next: City plays the Mississauga Olympians next Friday at Cove Road Field starting at 8:30 p.m.

Copyright © The London Free Press 2001,2002,2003

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