July 22, 2019 League 1 Ontario--Summary of Saturday Games (from League 1 Ontario website)
Big Wins For Pro Stars, Unionville, Keep Both Sides In Playoff Hunt 07/22/2019, 3:00pm EDT By League1 Ontario staff Pro Stars and Unionville-Milliken had massive wins in Matchweek 12, keeping their hopes alive of making playoffs as both sides are only just below the drop point. On the other hand, a loss by Darby puts them in a precarious position as they head into a season-defining four match set to conclude their regular season. .......................................................................................... A goal from Pro Stars' Ewart (38') was the difference maker in what was a very tight 1-0 game between OSU Force and Pro Stars FC on Saturday afternoon. After a delayed start to the game due to poor weather conditions, the match started off with OSU and Pro Stars fighting for control of the midfield. As play went on, OSU reverted to their defensive style of play, which succeeded at frustrating the visitors. Pro Stars had much of the ball, but were unable to get a clear chance at goal. OSU kept players behind the ball, yet always ready to pounce for a quick counter. At the 24th minute, this tactic nearly paid off with OSU's Simil using his pace to run past the opposing defenders and get through on goal, but his shot was saved by the Pro Stars goalkeeper, Campanico. It was not long before Pro Stars were yet again under pressure, when, at the 29th minute, a great lofted pass by OSU's Yoseke found the feet of Watson, whose shot narrowly missed the far post. The momentum was with OSU, however just before the interval the ball found its way to the feet of Pro Stars' Ewart, who was unmarked and needed to simply round the keeper and pass the ball into the net to break the deadlock. After the goal, Pro Stars began to play with more confidence, making fewer mistakes on the ball, which made it very difficult for OSU to find a foothold in the game. Pro Stars' offensive play pinned OSU in their own half and the high pressing game played by Pro Stars made it very difficult for OSU to string passes together and create counter-attacks. With time running out, OSU starting throwing players forward to try to find an equalizer, but Pro Stars' confident and disciplined play ensured that they would take all three points at the final whistle. OSU Force will next play Woodbridge SC on July 28 (5 p.m.) at Vaughan Grove, Woodbridge. Pro Stars FC will next play Unionville Milliken S.C. on July 27 (7 p.m.) at Mount Joy, Markham. (Hassan Osama) ........................................................................................ Unionville Milliken bounced back from their loss last week to defeat playoff contenders Darby FC 3-1, and give themselves an outside chance at playoff qualification. The match kicked off at a high tempo with both teams playing with good energy, pressing each other and battling to win every challenge. The home-side, Unionville had a slight edge throughout the match: in the first half, Darby managed to unleash two shots with one being on target; meanwhile, Unionville unleashed five goal attempts and four of them were on target. Both sides continued to play with high intensity in the second half and the breakthrough goal was found by Unionville's Kaleb Powell (67'), giving his side a well-deserved lead. Darby got back in the game when a second half substitute, Matthew Morris (80'), struck the ball into the back of the net to equalize and give his side a glimmer of hope that they could still have a go at taking home points. Darby's hopes were immediately put to rest though as Unionville's Hayden Clarke (81') found the back of the net and put Unionville ahead once again. In the closing minutes, Darby pushed forward to seek out the equalizer. However, Unionville's Saif Jaffer (90') sealed his side's victory with a lovely chip goal. Unionville currently find themselves six points out of a playoff spot, but with a game in hand on all teams ahead of them Unionville has a chance to play dark horse in the playoff race. Darby FC is currently tied with North Mississauga on points for the final playoff spot, although has a slight edge in the goals for tiebreaker. As luck would have it, Darby and North Miss will match up in Matchweek 13 for what promises to be a massive contest. Unionville Milliken will next play Pro Stars on July 27 (7 p.m.) at Mount Joy, Markham. Darby will next play North Missisauga SC on July 26 (8 p.m.) at the Whitby Soccer Centre Dome, Whitby. (Analia Sordi)
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