April 30, 2018 League 1 Ontario--Match Recap: Vaughan Azzurri vs Sanjaxx Lions (from League 1 Ontario website)

     
Lowe Header Gives Azzurri A Narrow Win In Home Opener 
04/30/2018, 7:15pm EDT
By Aria Popel

Hosts Vaughan Azzurri defeated Sanjaxx Lions 1-0 with a second-half goal by Lowe (55'); the visitors had their 
fair share of opportunities but found it difficult to equalize after a late red card (Anderson, 79').

Despite numerous chances for both sides, the first half ended scoreless on a windy afternoon at McNaughton Turf.

Sanjaxx's Stefan Nikolic had a few attempts at goal, with his closest effort just rising over the crossbar. 
Christian Alves had also tested Vaughan's goalkeeper with a shot from distance, forcing a fingertip save 
from Colm Vance.

Vaughan Azzurri managed to create a handful of chances in the first forty-five minutes, and earned several 
free kicks in dangerous positions.

The set pieces delivered by wide midfielder Osario granted them opportunities to score, which they were unlucky 
not to take. Their opponents played with high intensity and denied them space to play in the middle, but also 
picked up two first-half bookings in the process.

In the second half, Vaughan Azzurri started the brighter of the two sides and eventually broke the deadlock 
through a header by Shiquan Lowe (55'). Lowe rose highest in the six-yard box to open the scoring.

Sanjaxx rallied to try and get the equalizer and had their best chance in the 71st minute. However, a fantastic 
save by Vance kept Vaughan in the lead.

The visitors defended intelligently for the majority of the game but were caught out in the 79th minute 
by Vaughan substitute Jashua Mills; midfielder Joel Anderson received a straight red card for fouling Mills 
on the edge of the box.

Jarek Whiteman’s subsequent free kick rattled the crossbar, but with the numerical advantage, the hosts would 
go on to secure the 1-0 victory.

Sanjaxx will look to bounce back next week, when they face TFC III at Monarch Park Stadium (May 6, 2 p.m.).

Meanwhile, Vaughan Azzurri will host Toronto Skillz FC (May 5, 3:30 p.m.) as they look to extend their 
perfect home record.  

back to 2018 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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