April 30, 2018 League 1 Ontario--Match Recap: Toronto FC III vs FC London (from League 1 Ontario website)

   
Late Strike From London's Melo Secures Valuable Away Draw With TFC III
04/30/2018, 7:00pm EDT
By Johnny Stancati

Toronto FC III tied FC London 1-1 in a tight, aggressive, end-to-end encounter in Matchweek 1 
of this League1 Ontario season.

FC London began the match up for the task, controlling the early tempo as Toronto FC III settled 
at the BMO Training Ground.

Referee Krampert set the tone early with a yellow card on ten minutes with FC London's Halbouni 
putting in a late challenge while closing down the TFC III counter.

In total, eight cautions were shown throughout the match.

In the opening 20 minutes, Gianluca Catalano was forced into making two crucial saves that 
kept the score level.

TFC III grew into the match throughout the half, connecting at a fast pace and finding success 
building into wide areas.

At the interval, the score remained 0-0.

FC London started the second half similar to the first, resulting in a few half-chances.

London were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute when captain Randy Ribeiro stepped up and 
saw his shot go narrowly wide to the right.

TFC III took advantage when Luca Petrasso played a ball through for Kai Martin who played 
a lovely square ball for Shaan Hundal (68'), firing it past Anthony Sokalski.

London grabbed their equalizer when Patrick Melo (83') curled his effort into the top corner 
past Catalano.

Final score - 1-1.

Hundal opened his account after returning to TFC III after a season with TFC II. It is unclear 
how long he'll remain with the side though expect him to continue scoring if he does.

Luca Petrasso was ever electric for TFC III going forward, running at the London defense 
for large spells. Newcomers Mehdi Essoussi and Kai Martin also impressed.

London's Aaron Schneebeli was ever-present in the heart of the London defense, with captain 
Randy Ribeiro dictating and driving through the midfield of the pitch, playing in a much 
higher role than seasons past.

Both teams will feel as if they could and should have walked away with three points, 
with London missing some early opportunities and TFC III losing a lead at home.

In 2017, TFC III took 24 out of a possible 27 points after going ahead at home so London 
should walk away feeling happy with the point.

TFC III visit Sanjaxx Lions on May 6th (2 p.m.) at Monarch Park Stadium.

FC London will have 14 days to prepare for their away fixture to the Woodbridge Strikers 
on May 13th (5 p.m.) at Vaughan Grove 1.  

back to 2018 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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