July 30, 2018 League 1 Ontario--Toronto Skillz vs Sanjaxx Lions game review (from League 1 Ontario)

       
Goals From Sanjaxx's Bailey, Phillips, Yuma Too Much For The Skillz 
07/30/2018, 5:00pm EDT
By Mahdi Ghaffaribarzi

After a very even and physical match, Sanjaxx Lions celebrated their third win of the season with 
a 3-1 result over the second from the bottom Toronto Skillz FC, keeping their hopes alive to find 
a spot in the play-off zone of eight teams.

Toronto Skillz FC started the match off in a 3-2-3-2 formation against Sanjaxx Lions' 4-2-3-1.

The first half was balanced and played out more in the middle third of the field although Sanjaxx 
grew into the match and began to establish control.

They subsequently found the net with their first shot on target, Kimoni Bailey's (28') header at the 
far post beating Skillz keeper Victor Luczywek after Atif Hammud Ali's long cross from the left side.

After the goal, Sanjaxx had even more possession and earned six corners, but couldn't take advantage 
of any of them as the first half result was 1-0.

Just five minutes after the whistle to restart, Sanjaxx were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box; 
Demario Phillips (50') stepped up and sent the ball into the net with a powerful shot to double the lead.

Being in front by two goals, Sanjaxx could afford to sit back to protect their lead, encouraging 
Toronto Skillz to push forward and leave gaps to counter. 

As a result, the Skillz created several good chances, but the Sanjaxx defensive - and in particular 
keeper Rodolfo Aguiar - were very solid. Aguiar's best save was in the 59th minute, when he denied 
Vithunan Sivakumar'shot from very close range.

Sanjaxx found their opening to score for the third time after Dieu Merci Yuma (77') beat Skillz keeper 
Peter Katsaras, who had come off the bench at half-time, in a one-on-one situation.

Toronto Skillz's pressure finally paid off after Michael Jashan (86') got his name on the score sheet 
with a precise low drive from inside the box. They tried to find the net again but Sanjaxx neutralized 
their attempts as the match ended 3-1.

In a match that was characterized by its physicality as much as the goals, five Sanjaxx players and 
two of Skillz were given cautions by the official.

It was the third time Sanjaxx have scored in a match. So far, they have scored in only three matches 
(out of ten) and won all of them.

On the other hand, it was the ninth defeat of the season for Toronto Skillz. In their last eight matches, 
they have lost seven and got only three points, which was against Darby FC on July 8.

Toronto Skillz will next face Unionville Milliken S.C. at Ontario Soccer Centre Stadium on August 12 (6 p.m).

Sanjaxx Lions' will next play Aurora FC on August 12 (2 p.m) at Monarch Park Stadium, Toronto.

back to 2018 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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