September 16, 2018 League 1 Ontario--FC London vs Aurora FC game review (from League 1 Ontario website)
London Moves Into Second Place With 6-0 Win Over Aurora 09/16/2018, 12:45pm EDT By Kacian Whyte FC London secured a place in the playoffs as they defeated Aurora FC 6-0 at their final regular season home match on Friday night. A warm summer's evening set the stage for FC London as they hosted Aurora FC at the German Canadian Club. The visiting yellow and black side arrived eager to hit the pitch as they trickled off the bus in their kits. Aurora kicked off the match playing in a 4-3-3 while FC London applied pressure in a fluid 3-4-3 formation. It did not take long for FC London to take control of the game, as Conner Wilson made the first attempt on net from a header ten yards out. Positioned directly in front of the net, Wilson put the effort just inches over the crossbar. London opened the scoring when James Pucci (5') curled a left-footer into the back corner from the top of the 18 yard box. Pucci (18') secured a brace before the first twenty minutes were up, scored his second of the match for London and arguably the best goal the season. Positioned at the top right corner of the eighteen, Pucci was the target of a 30+ yard cross from left defender Max Marsh. Keeping his eye on the ball, Pucci tilted his head back and smashed a left-footed bicycle kick off the turf and into the left corner of the net. Aurora's Maximillian Ferrari did manage to break through London's back line of Max Marsh, Aaron Schneebeli and Marko Malectic in the 32nd minute. Ferrari, receiving a cross from Matthew McGrouther, tried to finish off a nice move by the visitors but London's goalkeeper, Anthony Sokalski, raced out from his box and smothered the ball. Parker Seymour (35') extended the lead for London after tapping in from a cross sent by Ethan Gopaul Wilson (45'+ 1' pk) finished from the spot to increase his overall goal tally on the season to 13 after being brought down from a challenge just inside the area. London led 4-0 at half while dominating possession shots on target (seven) and shots off (three). Aurora made personnel changes at the break, Scott McGrouther and Ali Sozeri coming on to replace Jordale Byer and Casey Collins, and these changes proved beneficial for Aurora as more passes began to connect and the team developed better rhythm in possession. However, regardless of a few good attempts early in the second half, the black and yellow side lacked the finishing elegance that London brought to the match. London secured their victory and a top four finish on the season after Marsh (56') put away a free-kick and Alqahwaji (82') tucked away a cross in the second half. FC London play the final match of their regular season on June 23 (5 p.m.) when they travel to Birchmount Stadium, Toronto to take on Toronto Skillz FC. Aurora FC will play their final match of the season on September 22 (4 p.m.) when they host OSU Force at Stewart Burnett Park, Aurora.
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