May 21, 2017 League 1 Ontario Match Recap: Toronto Skillz vs Woodbridge Strikers (from League 1 Ontario website)

Match Recap: Toronto Skillz 1 - 2 Woodbridge Strikers 
05/22/2017, 1:45pm EDT
By League1 Ontario staff

Woodbridge Strikers made it a perfect four wins in four outings to start their 2017 season, 
after beating Toronto Skillz 2-1 at Birchmount Stadium, Scarborough, on Matchweek Four.

James Baker (2') opened up the scoring for the visitors after capitalizing on a Skillz' 
defensive error. 

"I think looking at the performance overall it was probably our best and most complete 
performance of the season," said Skillz player-coach, Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick. 

"Unfortunately, the first two minutes of the game when we were probably still a little 
bit asleep we were caught with a ball behind a high line and I think coming into the game 
that is something we need to be a bit more focused on in general."

"Two of the games this year, we gave up goals very early in the game and that has been 
a problem. Then just five minutes before the half another one, and we had the chance 
to clear the ball and just never did. We spoke about this coming into the game, that 
is on a wet surface like this supporting the keeper after he makes that initial save."

"That is just something in terms of mental focus, and this is what we need to really 
improve on. This is the difference between the teams at the top of the table and us. 
They find a way to win even if it is not their best outing, and it is just 
in the details." 

Toronto Skillz' Ayoub Saoucha (7') ensured parity would be restored quickly after 
registering for the home side within five minutes, but it was again Woodbridge with 
the winning comeback goal - their third in four matches - as defender 
Michael Fayehun (45') finished on the stroke of half-time.

"A win is a win for us," said Woodbridge's John Scarlato. "This year we have had 
a little trend going where we are not scoring as much as we'd like."

"We had some chances to finish the ball off and make it an easier game, but 
Toronto Skillz gave us a good game. Still, we need to improve on the finishing." 

With the win, Woodbridge take first place in the east division with 12 points from 
four matches. However, Scarlato still had concerns about the mental side of the 
game and how the Woodbridge players manage their wins.

"From scoring early, it was an advantage to us but it also looked like a disadvantage 
because the players seemed to sit off a bit and required a bit of a push to go 
and get the second goal," he said. 

"It's been something of a trend for us this year and we'd like to see it change."

Toronto Skillz will next play Durham United FA on Sunday May 28 
at Birchmount Stadium, Scarborough. 

Woodbridge Strikers will next play Aurora FC on Saturday May 27 
at St. Maximillian Kolbe H.S., Aurora. 

back to 2017 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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