Sat June 11, 2016 League 1 Ontario--Sigma FC vs FC London (from League 1 Ontario website)

Sigma Takes Over Top Spot Overall With 1-0 Win Over FC London
06/11/2016, 10:45pm EDT
By League1 Ontario staff

In a match characterized by high winds and exceptionally oppressive 
heat, Leaford Allen (45') got the lone marker to separate Sigma FC 
from FC London - both on the score sheet, and in the standings 
- as Sigma took over ownership of the claim to the best overall 
record in the league. 

Much of the match was fought in the midfield, and with both sides 
demonstrating well-organized defensive shape on the day, the ball 
rarely emerged for long from the central third. 

"I think in general we've done a much better job this year with 
collective defending as a team," said Sigma FC head coach, 
Bobby Smyrniotis. 

"We've traditionally been a team that goes forward and tries 
to score goals. This year we've tried to shore up the back end 
with some tactical adjustments and reading the opponent a bit 
better and getting the info to the team."

"I think it translated well today, especially with neutralizing 
them getting in behind our backline - I don't think they had 
many opportunities from that aspect." 

Occasional moments of brilliance did occur, which was expected 
by all in attendance in this battle between the two top teams 
in the Western Conference and the only two sides to have earned 
maximum points from their first six league matches. 

Sigma found their few openings when Alex Halis, Marcel Zajac, 
Chris Nanco or, later, Kadell Thomas would make driving runs 
at the London back line. A good chance from the foot of Halis 
midway through the first half was saved at point black 
by London GK Anthony Sokalaski. 

But the top scorer in the league was not to be denied for long, 
and late in the first half, Leaford Allen found himself 
unmarked at the back post and able to profit from a lovely 
square pass from Nanco that he banged in over the 
sprawling Sokalaski. 

Both teams had great difficulty with the conditions, with 
the ball proving acutely difficult to settle. 

"I'm a little surprised today by the conditions today. 
It was like playing on a ping pong table in a wind storm," 
said London assistant coach, Phillip Millar. 

"The turf was extremely bouncy and it made it difficult 
to play our game, which is a finesse and control game, but 
they were facing the same conditions and came out on top. 
It was a matter of keeping the ball under control and 
on the ground. Every pass seemed to bounce up to knee high."

"I expect a very different match when we can get back 
to our pitch in London and can play our game."

In the latter stages, London got the bit between their 
teeth only to see an equalizing goal called back for offside. 

With the win, Sigma keep their perfect record in league 
play alive and move to top spot in the Western Conference. 
They will look to extend their run of good form when they 
visit Sheppard's Bush in Aurora on June 18 (7 p.m.) to take 
on Aurora United F.C.

FC London will want to rebound quickly, and will return 
to the friendly confines of London's German Canadian Club 
(aka "The Cove") where they will play host 
to Woodbridge Strikers - one of the top teams in the 
Eastern Conference - on Friday June 17 (7:30 p.m.).

back to 2016 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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