July 17, 2017 League 1 Ontario--Match Recap: Sigma FC vs OSU Force (from League 1 Ontario)

Match Recap: Sigma FC 4 - 1 OSU Force
07/17/2017, 1:15pm EDT
By League1 Ontario staff

Sigma FC's Faisal Ghaffur (11') opened the scoring early in the Matchweek 12 match-up 
with OSU Force, but the Ottawans equalized shortly thereafter through 
Abdulrahman Akinwande (16') and set the stage for two late finishes 
by Sigma's Justin Stoddart (77') and Giuliano Frano (90') to win 3-1.

"I thought as the first half went on we started finding more pockets in midfield 
and attacking well and created some chances," said Sigma head coach, Bobby Smyrniotis. 

"I was happy with what we did in the first half, I just wanted a little bit more of it, 
just attacking the spaces a bit more quickly, getting forward, and trying to get 
in behind their high line. We found it with a very good ball by Jerome Smith into 
Justin Stoddart to make it 3-1. From there on I think we controlled the tempo 
and [Giuliano] Frano sealed it with a really nice free kick."

OSU set out to press the undefeated men's west division leaders high up the park, 
and were successful in their tactics until injury issues hit two thirds into the match.

"We always look at the opposition and we thought a high press was something they 
might do," said Smyrniotis. 

"We wanted to make sure when we cleared one line we didn't play back into it again. 
Our guys are pretty good technically so they can play out of pressure well. The most 
important thing is when we get out of there we want to make sure we get out quickly."

"I think we did a great job with that in the second half. [Alex] Halis was very good 
with getting the ball, turning, and pushing on into mid-field, which made them sit 
on their back foot a little bit more." 

OSU head coach Traian Matheas had to keep one eye on the team's second match 
of a doubleheader weekend, and cut his losses after the injury woes began to mount.

"I had to make five subs late in the game due to cramps etc. as we have a game 
tomorrow," said Matheas. 

"We knew Sigma is a good team, there is a reason why they haven't lost. We felt 
our best chance at the hour mark was to go for it tomorrow. It was a good game, 
a good opponent and you can see their experience from miles away." 

Sigma FC will next play North Toronto Nitros on July 22 at Varsity Stadium, Toronto.

OSU Force will next play Sanjaxx Lions on July 22 at Terry Fox South, Ottawa. 

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