The Rovers women are riding high after a well-deserved 2-0 win against perennial contenders and defending champions NDC Ontario at J.C. Massie Field this past Saturday.
NDC came into the match riding high, enjoying a perfect start to 2025 with two wins and 12 goals scored with zero conceded. This was the first win in club history against NDC, a team that has not lost a regular-season League1 match in three years.
The Rovers are just the third team to beat NDC in league competition, which is a huge achievement and bodes well for the confidence of the group moving forward.
The Rovers started the match well and went up in the 15th minute on a goal by striker Ally Rowe. They struck again in the 25th minute when striker Stefanie Young scored her third goal of the season.
The Rovers went into the half with a 2-0 lead.
NDC came out in the second half looking to get an early goal to put pressure on the Rovers. They were awarded a penalty kick in the 53rd minute, but Rovers goalkeeper Marilena Spagnolo made a brilliant save to keep them off the board.
The Rovers managed the game from there and were able to hold off NDC. Final score was 2-0 Rovers.
“We are happy with the results today,” said sporting director Will Devellis. “The ladies played with heart and determination. They were disciplined on the defensive side of the ball, while attacking with pace and creativity. NDC Ontario is a group of ladies destined to play nationally for Canada. They have been playing in League1 Ontario for several years, only losing twice in that time since yesterday.”
“This win is a little sweeter than most,” added Devellis. “It continues to build confidence for the players. Beating a team like NDC is a statement that the Rovers ladies are the real deal and are ready to compete for a league title.”
The Rovers men were on the road at Vaughan Grove to face Woodbridge SC. The Rovers came into the match with a record of one win and one loss, knowing they would be facing a tough opponent to get the three points.
The Rovers added former Woodbridge standouts, defender Sebastian Cochrane and midfielder Jacob Spizzirri to the squad during the off-season adding a little spice to the match.
The Rovers started the game well and controlled the run of play in the opening 20 minutes. They were rewarded for their efforts with a goal in the 21st minute by Spizzirri, who scored a brilliant goal from 20-plus yards out. The shot from distance was curled into the top corner giving the Rovers a well-earned 1-0 lead.
The half finished that way, and the Rovers went to the locker room feeling positive about the first 45 minutes.
The second half saw the teams trade possession in spells as Woodbridge looked to equalize, and the Rovers tried to counter to increase their lead.
Around the 70-minute mark, Woodbridge, who had made several substitutions, began to control the play and dictate the pace.
Coach Doneil Henry countered with his own substitutions, bringing in fresh legs to counter the moves. Woodbridge continued to press, and the Rovers goalkeeper had to make a fine save, palming the ball over the bar to keep the game at 1-0.
With six minutes of extra time added, disaster struck for the Rovers as a Woodbridge player was taken down in the box and awarded a penalty kick. Woodbridge forward Anthony Aromatario stepped up to the spot and slotted it home.
The ref then blew the whistle, and the game finished in a 1-1 tie.
The Rovers are now 1-1-1 on the young season.
Spizzirri, who played for Woodbridge Strikers last season, praised both teams for the performance.
“We showed how much intensity and quality we bring as a team. We were able to move the ball and press defensively at such a high rate, which helped us break down our opposition in possession and in transition. It was a great game. Woodbridge played well and competed right to the final whistle just like we did.”
Next up for the Rovers women is Woodbridge Strikers at Vaughan Grove on Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. The men are at home on Sunday, May 11 to play fierce rivals Vaughan Azzurri. Kick-off is at 4 p.m.
