The Rovers men were back at this past Sunday to play their second game of the young League1 ON season.
After losing a hard fought 1-0 match to 2024 champions Scrosoppi, the Rovers were looking for a bounce back as they welcomed Burlington SC at J.C. Massie Field. The match honoured first-responders from Simcoe County and featured members from the police, fire and paramedics units for the coin toss.
The match didn’t start the way the Rovers had planned, as an early sixth minute goal put the Rovers down 1-0.
The Rovers were able to muster a few scoring opportunities, but an organized Burlington defense kept the Rovers at bay.
The half ended with the Rovers down 1-0.
Coach Doneil Henry kept the squad on the field to discuss the overall effort. The halftime pep talk woke the team up as they came out hard from the opening whistle showing creativity and commitment while on the ball.
The Rovers were rewarded in the 51st minute when defender Sebastian Cochrane slotted one home off a deflection. The goal was well deserved after an excellent build -up and the game was tied at 1-1.
From that point the Rovers took the game over.
Henry brought in veteran winger Shawn Claude Lawson who made an immediate impact on the game with his ability to hold up the play and distribute the ball efficiently. Lawson played a key part in the setting up the second goal scored by Luke Green in the 63rd minute.
Henry then brought on recent addition Greenridge Duncan for striker Ryley Wishart. Duncan’s technical ability and pace opened up the run of play for the Rovers and the team was rewarded with their third goal of the match.
Key off-season acquisition Reshaun Wakes opened his account with the Rovers scoring a well-deserved goal off a beautifully timed run.
The Rovers walked off the field with a 3-1 victory and a well deserved three points to square their record at 1-1.
“Really proud of how the boys responded in the second half and came away with three points,” said Henry. “Despite the early first half setback, we grew stronger as the game went on. From the starters to the guys who came off the bench, everyone worked hard and played a key role in the comeback win.”
The women's team travelled south to Downsview Park in North York to take on the North Toronto Nitros. Coming off a 2-1 season opening win the Rovers knew a tough match was waiting.
The team started well, taking a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute from a fine goal by striker Stefanie Young.
The Rovers went into the break holding onto a 1-0 lead. The second half saw the Nitros tie the game in the 58th minute. The game featured chances by both teams, but an 87th minute goal gave the Nitros a 2-1 lead and they didn’t look back.
The match finished 2-1, and the Rovers have a 1-1 record after two games.
Captain Adrianne Devlin was pleased with the effort overall.
“It was a tough game, but the team played with amazing grit and determination," Devlin said. "We understood the game plan and focused on our roles. I thought we executed well on the pitch. As an almost entirely new line up you can see the progress and the depth the squad has, and we will continue to build on this. It was an unfortunate final result, but there are only great things ahead for our group.”
Next up for the Rovers women is NDC at J.C. Massie Field on Saturday, May 3 at 4 p.m.
The men are on the road on Sunday, May 4 at Vaughan Grove as they take on Woodbridge SC. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
