October 5, 2007 CSL details of Friday's games (from CSL media release)
POP HAT-TRICK GIVES SERBIA DIVISION TITLE
Friday - October 5, 2007
Croatia's stunning loss
Serbian White Eagles defeated Windsor Border Stars 3-0 to secure the International Division title, while Toronto Croatia were stunned 2-0 by Canadian Lions – Croatia’s first loss of the season - and in a third game played in the CSL Friday, the already National Division winners St. Catharines Wolves defeated London City, 3-0.
It was Serbian Eagles’ second International Division title in two years following their inaugural year win in 2006 and Friday’s success almost overshadowed an individual achievement with forward Gabriel Pop scoring all three goals for a rare natural hat-trick at Centennial Stadium.
The goals came at 12, 67 and 85 minutes and vaulted the prolific Pop to a tie for the CSL’s leading goalscorer award with Nicolas Lesage of Trois-Rivieres Attak. Both players now have 18 goals and will continue their scoring title bid into the playoffs.
Serbia ends the regular season with a 14-5-3 WLT record for 45 points, with Toronto Croatia presently second with an end-of-regular-season 10-1-11 record for 41 points, and Italia Shooters are in third at 11-4-6 for 39 points. Italia have one game remaining and a win over North York Astros in that last game on Sunday would give the York Region side second position, dropping Croatia to third.
Windsor ended its season with a 5-13-4 record for 19 points and must wait for the outcome of Sunday’s games involving North York Astros in one and Portuguese Supra in another before the two remaining playoff spots can be decided.
Croatia appeared stunned by the unexpected sudden defeat after going all season with a remarkable undefeated streak that included games in Croatia, a tournament which brought the team an important European victory over other Croatian clubs from various countries.
Ryan Reece at 6 minutes and Evan Milward from a penalty kick 10 minutes later, were the Lions’ scorers.
Canadian Lions are at 6-7-8 for 26 points with one game remaining.
St. Catharines Wolves capped their successful season so far with a decisive 3-0 win over the City at Cove Road in London. Two goals came from Antonio Stranges at 5 and 37 minutes, his 11th and 12th of the season, while Carlo Arghittu scored the third at 49 minutes, his ninth of the current campaign.
London’s Camilo Gonzales was given a red card at 20 minutes, leaving London City short handed for 70 minutes.
St. Catharines Wolves end their regular season schedule with a 12-4-5 record for 42 points and London City have played their season with a 3-17-2 for 11 points record, having failed to gain a playoff berth.
The CSL regular season ends on Sunday with two games and the playoffs begin on October 13.
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