June 24, 2019 League Ontario--summary of Sunday games (from League 1 Ontario website)

    
Vaughan Too Strong For Windsor While Resolute Alliance Hold Off Strikers
06/24/2019, 4:00pm EDT
By League1 Ontario staff

Vaughan Azzurri overpowered Windsor TFC in Vaughan on the Sunday of Matchweek Eight to keep 
themselves a shade ahead of Oakville Blue Devils at the top of the men's table.

Meanwhile, a ten man Alliance United FC showed the organization and character they have become 
known for by defeating hosts Woodbridge Strikers to stay within touching of the leaders. 

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League leaders Vaughan Azzurri claimed all three points against Windsor TFC after a five-star 
5-0 performance featuring goals by Fathazada (3'), Kowal (16'), Sohn (23'), Ferrin (55') 
as well as a Windsor own goal (76').

The hosts had the majority of possession throughout the game and capitalized on their chances, 
whereas Windsor largely struggled to threaten their opponent's goal.

An in-swinging corner bounced kindly for Fathazada to put the hosts in front after just 
three minutes. Despite conceding so early, Windsor TFC stuck to their game plan: setting 
up in a low defensive block in an attempt to create opportunities to counter-attack. However, 
Vaughan were patient in possession and were creating overloads on both wings through 
Lowe and Sohn.

The host's early pressure earned them a penalty that Maksym Kowal calmly converted 
in the 16th minute. Kowal nearly doubled his personal tally four minutes later after 
beating his defender, but was unsuccessful in his attempt to round the goalkeeper.

Leonard Sohn scored Vaughan’s third goal in the 23rd minute after brilliant team play 
afforded him the opportunity to make a run in-behind and find the top corner. Windsor TFC 
had to accept more initiative with the three-goal deficit, and looked threatening from 
a couple of set-pieces. The away side tried to play out of the back but an organized Vaughan 
press often forced them into making long passes. The first half ended without any real test 
for the Vaughan defence.

Vaughan continued in the second half with the same momentum. Raposo and Sohn were heavily 
involved in the build-up play through the left wing, as well as Lowe and Ferrin on the 
opposite flank. A beautiful direct free kick from Massimo Ferrin put the game to bed 
for Vaughan in the 55th minute.

The hosts managed to play at their own pace from that point forward, being patient with 
the ball and waiting for the right opportunity to penetrate. Fathazada played a ball low 
across the face of goal in the 76th minute, which deflected off of a Windsor defender 
to put the hosts up by five. Vaughan saw out the game comfortably, with Windsor opting 
not to push for a consolation goal.

Vaughan Azzurri (7-1-0) will next play North Mississauga SC at the Paramount Fine Foods 
Centre, Mississauga on June 28 (7:45 p.m.).

Windsor TFC (1-6-0) will next play Darby FC at University of Windsor Stadium, Windsor 
on June 29 (6 p.m.).

(Aria Popel)

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Alliance United came away with all three points after the Sunday finale of Matchweek Eight, 
beating Woodbridge 1-0 (Stakic 42' pk) as they fought hard throughout the match 
to maintain their lead despite going a man down during first half stoppage time.

The match started off with a good intensity despite the afternoon heat, with both 
teams settling into various spells of possession and looking to break each other down.

Alliance began the match pressing high, forcing their opponents to either play long 
or succumb to the pressure of their press; this tactic ultimately worked well 
in their favour.

Woodbridge’s Isiah Johnston had a couple efforts on goal in the 14th and 16th minutes 
from long range, but they weren't enough to trouble Alliance's keeper, Ahilan.

During the half, Alliance threatened with good spells in possession but ultimately 
couldn't find the final pass or little bit of creativity in the final third 
to seriously threaten Woodbridge's goal.

In the 41st minute after a clash with the keeper, Alliance would win a penalty 
that captain Stakic would finish with ease with a powerful strike into 
the bottom left corner.

The half wouldn't end without some late drama however, as Alliance striker 
Milan Beader was dismissed after receiving a second caution. Alliance would 
go into the second half with only ten men.

Woodbridge started the second half with urgency but just couldn’t find that golden 
chance to put them level. A number of their shots arrived from long-range 
or through several half chances, but in the 50th minute Isaac couldn't take 
advantage of a low cross from the right as he sent his shot well over the bar 
from close range.

Alliance did very well to stay organized within their defensive shape and limit 
as space for Woodbridge, maintaining two solid banks of four in a 4-4-1 block.

Ultimately, Alliance would see this game through and record their sixth win 
of the season.

Woodbridge Strikers will next play Sigma FC on June 27 (9 p.m.) 
at Paramount Fine Foods Centre, Mississauga.

Alliance United FC will next play FC London on June 29 (2 p.m.) 
at Mount Joy Turf, Markham.

(Alex Bizzarri)

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