By Ryan Eakin
BARRIE - The Simcoe County Rovers have extended their win streak to three games to begin their League1 season, beating Burlington SC (0-4-0) 3-1 on Saturday afternoon at J.C. Massie Field in Barrie.
The Rovers wasted no time jumping out to a lead in their second home match of the season, as Ontario Tech Ridgeback midfielder Jordan Tortolo found the back of Burlington’s net in the fifth minute on a pass from Abby Wroe.
The now 3-0-0 Rovers doubled their lead three minutes later on a goal from midfielder Cloey Uddenberg. For Uddenberg, it is her second goal of the season after scoring in the Rovers inaugural win against the Blue Devils FC in April.
Sienna Caesar had the lone goal for Burlington SC in the 27th minute before Jessica Shears scored her first with the Rovers nine minutes into the second half to restore the two goal lead.
BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: Uddenberg’s goal in the eighth minute ended up serving as the game winner for the Rovers.
BY THE NUMBERS…
3: Three games for the Rovers and three wins, putting them into sole possession of first place in the Women’s Premier Division as of right now.
7: With Tortolo’s and Shears goal for the Rovers, the team has now had goals from seven different players throughout their first three games of the season.
204: Yazmeen Jamieson and the Rovers went their first 204 minutes of the season without conceding a goal but that streak came to an end in the 27th minute when Caesar found the back of the net for Burlington FC.
INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM…
Rovers head coach Zack Wilson on the team scoring a quick goal in yet another match: “It is something that we are focusing on with the group – be ready right from kick off. Today was exactly that, scoring two goals early on. We let up a little bit afterward but when I watched the second half I could not be more proud of them. They came out and did exactly what we asked them to do as a group. The response was phenomenal.”
Wilson on another strong performance from his team’s defence: “When we are at our absolute best we are playing with that defensive mindset. Our centre backs led by Cooper and Abby have been monstrous for us but overall it has just been a great team effort. We saw today when we were leading the game [Marlene] Siwula comeback, Ashlynne Koly track back, and others. We are starting to notice a real team game and that’s important because it’s our identity. We want to be a strong defensive team. It’s unfortunate that we allowed the goal today but we limited their chances.”
Rovers centre back Cooper Lee on the team’s defence: “... We think that some of the teams that are the toughest to play against are the ones who are the most organised. We of course are sad to let one in and lose our clean sheet record but we’ll keep working on it because our goal is to be the most organised backline.”
Lee on the diversity of the Rovers scoring: "I think it is really a great indicator of the depth of this team. We had a couple of girls off the bench to start this game and I think they showed really great character – bringing the intensity that we wanted and I think anyone who watches us can see that anyone on our team is a threat.”
Wilson on the depth of his team: “I think it goes beyond our depth. It’s about the confidence that they have in one another – it’s not all about one person. I think in every game we wished we had a couple of more goals but we had a couple of really good looks and I believe it is going to come. It’s just going to take time but I believe in them so much that when they get their chances, they will eventually go in and we will erupt.”
Wilson on facing an undefeated North Toronto Nitros in their next match: “North Toronto is a really established club and will be a very, very tough opponent. We respect them a lot and know it is going to be tough, so we are going to have to get to work this week and be really prepared because it is going to be a really great game against a tough opponent.”
LOOKING AHEAD: The Rovers return to the pitch on Saturday from J.C. Massie Field in Barrie to face the 2-0-0 North Toronto Nitros.
Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm.
