August 22, 2009 CSL North York Astros vs London City (from CSL news release)
ASTROS' PLAYOFF HOPES LIFTED WITH 3-2 VICTORY OVER LONDON CITY SATURDAY NIGHT.........exciting and crucial game for both teams at foot of National Division
2009-08-22
North York Astros took a big step forward in their playoff aspirations with an exciting 3-2 victory over London City at Esther Shiner Stadium, the one game played in the Canadian Soccer League Saturday night.
Both teams needed to win in Saturday’s game to stand a chance of being included in the eight teams to move into the quarter-finals or first round of the playoffs to get underway late September.
Both have their sights on Portugal FC as being the one team most vulnerable to be overhauled in the playoff bid, the International Division team have mustered just 13 points in 13 games played prior to upcoming Sunday’s game with unbeaten Toronto Croatia.
Following a fairly even contest for the first half-hour during which North York’s Adrian Pena hit the post after London goalkeeper Anthony Santilli was called upon to tip one London attempt over the bar, North York Astros eventually went ahead on a goal by midfielder Alon Badat who picked up the ball 12 yards out to find the net with a well-placed shot, a 1-0 score at half-time.
Astros’ midfielder Shondell Busby made it 2-0 at the 50th minute mark and six minutes later Diego Maradona increased the lead to 3-0 for the North York team on a penalty kick for tripping incident inside the penalty area.
London City fought back at were rewarded with a goal by defender Brian Abidakun at 63 minutes and the southwestern Ontario team reduced the Astros’ lead to 3-2 on a goal at 73 minutes by midfielder John Zdrunca.
The game took on a playoff tone as London fought for the equalizer in the last 15 minutes, but the Astros held on for the win and an important three points in this late stage of the regular season.
London defender Sergio Seguenza was shown the red card by referee Yusri Rudolf following the final whistle for Violent Conduct.
North York Astros have an improved 3-9-1 WLT record for 10 points, now five points in front of London City with a 1-10-2 record, both teams in the National Division.
There is one remaining game this weekend when Portugal FC attempt to hand Toronto Croatia its first defeat of the season when the two teams meet at Centennial Stadium on Sunday, an 8.15 pm kickoff.
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