Hitmen Crush Croatia To Grab Second Place
Jul 21, 2003 Author: Brampton Hitmen

On a cloudy night in Brampton, the Hitmen showed the fans what team work really is. With a crushing 5-0 defeat over Croatia, Brampton now sit comfortably in second place and within striking distance of Hamilton Thunder for first place in the West Division.

The Hitmen remain undefeated at home this year in four games. The midfield was able to distribute the ball with ease down both flanks and the back four defended superbly through to the final whistle.

Tonight’s match was not without controversy. Toronto Croatia were vehemently upset with referee Jules Bocarro for handing out a yellow card for an overly aggressive tackle. After some pushing and yelling the referee felt compelled to send off two Croatian players for disorderly behaviour and dissent.

Toronto Croatia were already down on the scoreboard at this point and were clearly frustrated. They took out their grievances on game officials instead of blaming themselves for the situation they were in.

The Croatians have struggled this year, to say the least. They can not find the form they displayed last year, which saw them take first place in the West Division. These days they sit at the bottom wondering where their team chemistry has gone.

On the other hand, the Hitmen are improving their game every time they step on the pitch. Having a number of Spanish speaking players working together has done wonders for team chemistry. Coach Steven Nijjar doesn’t seem to mind it one bit. “If I have to learn how to speak Spanish to keep this thing (winning streak) going, I will.”

Kurt Mella opened the scoring, his third goal of the season, for Brampton in the 8th minute with a perfectly placed ball in the top corner of the net. Jonathan Bustamante put the Hitmen in the clear when he blew a shot low past Croatia goalie George Azcurra at the 65 minute mark.

Azcurra was left out to dry all night. However, Azcurra was caught napping on one occasion and was punished accordingly by Marcin Wysocki. Wysocki took a shot from well outside the box and volleyed the ball into the top of the goal over a scrambling Azcurra.

Hugo Herrera rounded out the scoring for Brampton with his first two markers of the season and Roy Blanche recorded his second shutout of his campaign.

Fans are encouraged to come and support the Hitmen as they make their move to the top of the CPSL. The Hitmen find themselves at home next Sunday July 27 at Victoria Park Stadium against St. Catherines Wolves. Kick off time is 7:30 pm.

back to CPSL menu

.

.