June 10, 2003

Brampton Guardian: Hitmen Earn Draw
Hitmen earn draw

Ready for Juventus

ROBIN INSCOE

Photo by George Beshiri

The Brampton Hitmen (in white) gave the defending Canadian Professional Soccer League champs from Ottawa all they could handle at Victoria Park Stadium on Satuday as the two sides played to a one-all draw. The Hitmen are preparing to host the fabled Juventus at Victoria Park this Sunday at 2 p.m. Check the story at left for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Brampton Hitmen served notice that they will be a team to be concerned about this season in the Canadian Professional Soccer League.

The Hitmen kicked off the new season with a 1-1 draw against the Ottawa Wizards at Victoria Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

A tie isn't always something a team will celebrate about, but when you take into the fact that the Wizards captured the league's triple crown last season- winning the League Cup, Canada Cup and Rogers Cup- and there must be reason for optimism in the Hitmen camp.

"I'm very happy," admitted Brampton coach Steve Nijjar. "Getting a point against the defending champs is like a win."

But even though, Nijjar was happy with the point, he felt his team has plenty of room for improvement.

"I didn't think we had a really good game," noted the coach. "We played at about 60 or 70 percent. We weren't on our game."

Still they managed a point, thanks to a perfect free kick from Phil Ionadi with four minutes remaining. He placed the ball in the right spot for Marcin Wysocki, who's diving header found the back of the net.

"It was a text book finish," said Nijjar, of the goal. Nijjar had inserted Wysocki just a few minutes before he tied the contest.

Ottawa had taken a 1-0 lead late in the first half when an arrant shot deflected off one of the Hitmen defenders and into their own net.

That was the lone shot to elude goalkeeper Roy Blanche, who had a strong game in the Hitmen net.

"It was a good tuneup for Juventus," added Nijjar. "Now we know what we have to work on."

But even their best performance may not be good enough against the fabled Italian side on Sunday afternoon.

The Juventus reserve squad will kick off against the Hitmen at Victoria Park Stadium beginning at 2 p.m.

Nijjar, who also owns the local club, said ticket sales have been going well and he hopes for a full house for the match.

"Ticket sales have been good," said Nijjar. "We hope to sell out at about 3,000."

If you don't have your tickets yet, fax the Guardian at 905-452-1138 for a chance to win a pair of adult tickets to the Father's Day contest. Just include your name and a daytime phone number under the heading of 'Juventus tickets' to be eligible to win. The only criteria are that you spell 'Juventus' correctly. The winner must also be able to pick up the tickets from the Guardian office before 5 p.m. on Friday

Deadline for entering is tomorrow at 4 p.m.

To purchase ticets call the CPSl at 905-856-439 or the Brampton Hitmen office at 905-790-0770. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.

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