BARRIE - It has been an action-packed, thrilling first season for the Simcoe County Rovers men’s side.
And now, on Saturday, they look to complete their regular season with a win that would send them to the playoffs in their inaugural year.
What’s at stake for the men is simple. Beat 10-9-1 Hamilton United – who lost 6-3 to Vaughan on Tuesday – at Tim Hortons Field on Saturday and the Rovers, who enter the last week of the regular season sitting in the final playoff spot with 41 points, will punch their ticket to the playoffs and a seeding that would be no worse than fifth place.
The Rovers have put themselves in this position after a 2-0 win on the road against Pickering FC on Friday.
In a game that the roadside dominated from start to finish, it was Ethan Beckford who opened the scoring in the eighth minute for his team-leading 13th goal of the season off a great through ball in behind the defensive line by Justin Earle.
The lead was doubled in the 60th minute when Ryley Wishart, off a quick restart by Chino Corona, found the back of the net to give the Rovers a 2-0 lead.
Ricky Gomes picked up his fifth clean sheet of the season in the process.
The Rovers, who have won eight times and tied three times in their last 12 contests, have put themselves in this position despite the injury bug hitting the team as of late, as Jarred Phillips, Bola Avolonto, Justin Yarde, and Tristan Gayle have all been either out of action or have had limited minutes due to injuries.
With that, though, the Rovers are hoping to have close to a full lineup in Hamilton for their biggest game in franchise history.
The team is also hoping to have as many loyal supporters as possible make their way down to Hamilton on Saturday for the 2:30 pm start.
A ticket to the match will not only allow you the chance to watch the Rovers make history, but you will be able to stay to watch Force FC take on York United in CPL action.
Rovers supporters will be sitting in section 114. Join us as we watch the Rovers make franchise history by buying your tickets here.
Tickets can also be bought at the gate as well.