August 21, 2015 League 1 Ontario--Durham United FC vs Sigma FC (from League 1 Ontario press release)

  
Durham United F.C. 2 - Sigma F.C. 1
. Sun Aug 23 
Written By: Staff, League1  

Christian Moncrieffe (39') and Joe Zupo (50') did the damage for Durham United F.C. on either side of the 
half-time interval, while Sigma's Marcel Zajac (90+1') pulled one back in the first minute of extra time, 
to hand Durham a 2-1 win and advance the east Toronto side into fourth place. 

"Our standout player tonight was Joe Zupo," said Durham head coach, Sanford Carabin. "He did a great job 
organizing our back line, won all his 1v1 battles and started a large number of our attacks with his 
accurate long passing. He was also a threat at all our set pieces and scored the winning goal."

Sigma's wide play from Kadell Thomas and Marcel Zajac also impressed Carabin, and Durham found their 
greatest difficulties in controlling the pair. 

"I thought both wide players for Sigma, Kadell Thomas and Marcel Zajac, were excellent tonight with 
their direct running and movement off the ball," he said.

"They created problems for us in the wide areas by finding pockets of space in between our two lines 
and were difficult to contend with when they got on the half turn and ran at us. Especially Zajac late 
in the game as he created a lot of scoring chances and eventually got their lone goal."

Durham's attacking approach yielded dividends on either side of half-time, and the relatively early goals 
gave Durham the advantage, forcing Sigma to chase the game and leave gaps that could be exploited.

"Key moment for us was getting a second goal midway through the second half," said Carabin. "It forced 
Sigma to change from their preferred formation and play more direct, which was easier for us to defend 
against and opened up space for us to counter in behind them."

"Our biggest challenge tonight was establishing our passing game," he added. "We really struggled 
to keep possession in the midfield with Sigma's pressing and were caught in transition several times.

"We adjusted a few things at half to counter their press and were able to progress our attacks better 
in second half."

Durham moves into fourth place with the result, one point behind Sigma in third. Both teams have a game 
in hand on the second place Vaughan Azzurri, which sits four points ahead of Durham and three ahead 
of Sigma. Oakville continues to top the table on 40 points - seven points ahead of the third place Sigma. 

Durham plays Saturday August 29 at Country Day School, King City, vs. ANB Futbol - 9 p.m. kickoff.

Sigma plays Saturday September 5 at Victoria Park Stadium, Brampton, vs. Pro Stars F.C. - 7 p.m. kickoff. 

back to 2015 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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