July 26, 2015 League 1 Ontario--Oakville Blue Devils vs Woodbridge Strikers (from League 1 Ontario)

  
Oakville Blue Devils 0 - Woodbridge Strikers 1
. Wed Jul 29 
Written By: Staff, League1  

In sweltering conditions on matchweek 13, the league's best offence met the league's best defence 
as Oakville and Woodbridge clashed at Sheridan College, Oakville. 

Little quarter was granted by either team in what shaped up to be a midfield battle for inches of attacking 
progress, and in the end Woodbridge shaded the result by a slim 1-0 scoreline; Christian Cavallini's (48') 
strike just after the half-time break proved to be decisive.

"Our concern going into the game was not to concede to a set play or a counter attack," said Oakville 
head coach, Duncan Wilde. "Unfortunately we did just that early in the second half, and Woodbridge 
claimed the only goal in a very untidy game."

"I will say it was a total team effort to play away in a difficult place and be able to come up with 
three points against a team that has not lost all season, and more importantly not giving up any goals 
against a top scoring team," said Woodbridge head coach, Peter Pinizzotto. "This really shows how hard 
teams have to work against our solid defence."

"I thought both teams played very well with great players on both teams. We needed the win in order 
to stay with teams in front of us."

"I thought we did more than enough to get something out of the game," said Wilde. "But the old saying 
- "if you don't score, you can't win" - proved true enough on a day when we had enough possession to create 
several chances that unfortunately went begging."

Coaches had difficulty naming MVPs on an exceptionally hot and humid day that required mental focus and 
group organization more than physical prowess, but certain individuals were highlighted.

"I thought their best player by far was their centre back Eric Crawford," said Pinizzotto. "He did a great 
job controlling the back line and also winning many balls in the air."

"For the first time this season I cannot highlight anyone positively for effecting the game," said Wilde. 
"I thought it was too slow throughout, even though it was a very hot and humid afternoon. Woodbridge 
earned a vital three points to keep them in touch with the leaders, and we will be looking for a very 
positive response in our next game to maintain our own position going into August."

Tempers boiled over at the final whistle, resulting in a rash of six cautions, four dismissals, and 
further discipline to be levied by the League1 discipline committee. Both coaches condemned the 
uncharacteristic loss of composure from both squads. 

"Poor challenges from both teams continued throughout the match and the tension between the players 
boiled over at the final whistle, in what was a completely unavoidable brawl that no one wants to see," 
said Wilde.

"It was unfortunate at the end of the game that it got out of control with a couple players getting 
into confrontation," confirmed Pinizzotto. "This was too bad that the game finished in a bad note 
because it was a good game to watch."

Oakville has a very difficult match in matchweek 14, playing second place Vaughan Azzurri on Sunday 
August 2 at Sheridan College Stadium, Oakville - 4 p.m. kickoff. 

Woodbridge has a bye over the long weekend, returning to league play on Friday August 7 at Kinsmen 
Park, Pickering vs. Durham United F.C. - 8 p.m. kickoff.

back to 2015 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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