Sat October 1, 2016 League 1 Ontario--FC London v Sigma: West Div Winner-Take-All (from League 1 Ontario website)

FC London v Sigma: West Div Winner-Take-All?
10/01/2016, 2:45pm EDT
By League1 Ontario staff

A week after the men's east division title was claimed by Vaughan Azzurri - who lost 
only one match en route to the divisional honours - FC London hosts Sigma FC 
(October 7, Marconi Club, 7 pm kickoff) in a likely one match winner-take-all contest 
to determine a west division coronation.

Both clubs have at times struggled to maintain their early success in the difficult 
west division, where teams have remained relatively closely matched on points all 
the way through to sixth position in the table.

FC London and Sigma have recorded five losses each over the season, and only narrowly 
eliminated North Mississauga from the running after their powerful run of mid 
and late season form.

Currently Sigma is on 44 points, three ahead of FC London, and holds an advantage 
in the head-to-head tiebreaker after a 1-0 win at their Hershey Centre grounds 
on June 11. However, FC London has one game in hand - an advantage that will not 
be worth anything unless the London based outfit wins against Sigma on Sunday. 

To make this match-up even more enticing, it pits the top two coaches in the west 
division (as selected to joint-manage the victorious west division side in the 
2016 League1 Ontario All-Star match) against one another.

To unpack the possibilities, if Sigma wins outright in London, they will clinch 
the west division title. In the event of a tie, even if London were to win their 
final match versus Sanjaxx and thus go level on points with Sigma, the head-to-head 
tiebreaker would still decide the title in favour of the Mississauga-based academy.

Alternatively, if London wins this home match in front of the usually raucous 
London crowd - who have been the "twelfth man," creating outstanding home 
atmosphere in their first season in League1 - they must also win by a margin 
greater than one goal to cement the title. If not, they would need to get 
at least a draw in their final match to tip the scales in their favour. 

There is also a potential outcome of London winning the match 1-0, thus drawing 
even on points with Sigma FC and level in the head-to-head tiebreaker, but then 
going on to lose to Sanjaxx Lions on October 7. In this outcome pattern, a one 
game playoff would be scheduled between London and Sigma to decide the 
west division title. 

Players:

FC London has an advantage in this department as their top scorer - and the 
league leading Golden Boot candidate Elvir Gigolaj (23 in 20 matches) - is still 
available to dress, while Sigma's early season big hitters have for the most 
part gone off to NCAA competition. London can also call on at least another 
half-dozen starters, including League1 West Division All-Star Randy Ribeiro.

Sigma still possess remarkable depth, however, due to the nature of an academy 
system that consistently develops and drafts through players over the entire year.

Familiar names like Justin Stoddart, Manvir Brar, Nolan Holdridge and Kyle Walton 
have been providng goal threat and steady guidance on-pitch, as well as a resolute 
commitment to head coach Bobby Smyrniotis' system of play.

Youngsters Jordan Kalonji, Soji Olatoye and various other prospects have also 
shown they are capable of game-changing moments. Finally, Sigma can call on their 
number one keeper, Triston Henry, to provide experience and solidity in the back. 

Form:

Sigma has an advantage in this category as, despite major late-season changes 
to the squad, Sigma has generally maintained performances and posted a 4W - 2L - 1T 
record in their last seven matches. They are coming off a two game win streak, 
following a 2-0 loss to 2015 League1 Ontario champs, Oakville Blue Devils, 
on August 28.

Although posting the exact same seven-game record as Sigma, London is coming 
off a difficult run of four matches - including a heavy 9-1 defeat away to 2014 
League1 Ontario champs, Toronto FC Academy; a 2-2 home battle with east division 
stalwarts, Durham United FA, and a 4-2 away loss to North Mississauga Panthers. 
A home 3-0 win over Oakville on September 9 was the club's only bright spot 
in September. 

The question for London will be if they can shake off recent frustrations and 
stay focused on this all-important fixture. Head coach Mario Despotovic's 
calming manner should go some distance in this regard. 

The question for Sigma will be if they can show the consistency - especially 
defensive consistency - that was evident all season except for one three week 
losing skid in early July. Sigma head coach Bobby Smyrniotis' longstanding 
league experience, as well as a squad of personally developed players, 
will ensure the team is a well-drilled and prepared unit on the day.  

Watch:

This fixture is guaranteed to be an absolute stormer on the natural grass 
surface at London's Marconi Club, 7 p.m. on Sunday October 2. 

However, if you are unable to make the match be sure and tune in here 
to the League1 Ontario Livestream channel to see the live broadcast, 
and follow the L1O Live Twitter feed for updates here. 

back to 2016 League 1 Ontario Men's index

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