Sun July 10, 2016 League 1 Ontario--North Toronto Nitros vs FC London (from League 1 Ontario website)

Elkinson Brace Drives North Toronto To 2-2 Draw With FC London
07/11/2016, 3:45pm EDT
By League1 Ontario staff

Both sides needed to dig deep and come back from a goal down on Sunday 
as North Toronto Nitros and FC London ultimately thrashed out a 2-2 draw 
in sweltering conditions at University of Toronto's Varsity Stadium. 

"I think the team played well considering the heat and the quality 
of the team we faced - they are one of the better teams in the league, 
and very well coached," said North Toronto assistant coach, Ilya Orlov. 

"We prepared through the week for how they would play against us, 
and I think the team did well in both defensive and attack phases." 

FCL's Mohammed Reza Nafar (5') found a very early finish to give 
London some breathing room, but not for long. 

The Nitros' Killian Elkinson (31', 50') fired home a brace inside 
twenty minutes to hand the home-side breathing room of their own, 
and set-up a dramatic finish to the contest.

"I think Killian Elkinson was the standout for us with two goals, 
one from a very nice free kick," said Orlov. 

"We had a couple players that did well in midfield, especially 
defensively, but Killian definitely stood out today."

Elvir Gigolaj (82') will have permitted London's technical staff 
a moment to exhale with relief just prior to the full-time whistle, 
digging out a finish that saved a point for the visitors. 
London goalkeeper Anthony Sokalaski also made his presence felt 
with several key late saves in the match.  

"It was a hot and hard day to play, but we knew that coming in," 
said Sokalaski. 

"We had to try and control the game, stick to our plan, and try 
and make sure we didn't wear ourselves down too early."

"I think everyone had a very good game," he added. "It was 
a very even game and everyone had to work very hard as a unit, 
which is what our head coach Mario preaches all the time. 
I think this was a strong game, and a hard-fought draw."

On fifteen points, North Toronto is in fifth position in the 
east division, and face a difficult week ahead. 

The Nitros play on July 12 (9 p.m.) against east division 
leaders Woodbridge Strikers at Vaughan Grove in a semi-final 
for the 2016 L1 Cup, before returning to league play 
on July 17 (3 p.m.) at Varsity Stadium, Toronto against 
west division leaders Sigma FC.

FC London returns to action on July 16 (7 p.m.) 
at Sheppard's Bush, Aurora versus Aurora United F.C.

back to 2016 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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