Something special is brewing with the Simcoe Rovers women as they secured another win last night beating Guelph 4-1 on the road.
The Rovers are now tied in the first spot heading into this weekend’s match against North Toronto. After losing their first match, the Rovers have won four straight and are 4-1 after five matches played.
Striker Ally Rowe continued her fine run of form opening the scoring in the 10th minute. She added another in the 19th, with Guelph pulling one back in the 20th minute.
Jen Milligan scored for the Rovers in the 30th minute and the Rovers had a comfortable lead heading into the break. In the second half the Rovers neutralized any Guelph attack and Ally Rowe completed the hat trick when she netted in the 88th minute.
Rowe now has five goals in five matches.
It was a complete performance by the Rovers as noted by head coach Zack Wilson.
“Guelph is always a well-prepared squad, and playing on grass presented a different kind of challenge for us. We continue to grow together,” said Wilson. “The connection with the team is strong. The players responded well playing competitive football and showed up with the right mind set.”
“Ally obviously had a standout performance with three goals,” added Wilson, “and Jen Milligan added another, but beyond the scoresheet we had many players performing at a high level. Tegan Handley, Emily Tierny, Bryann Caldwell and Abby Wroe, to name just a few, do a lot of the important work that doesn’t show up in the stats but is vital to the team’s success. The best part is every player on the team knows that and values each other’s contributions.”
Coach Wilson has to refocus the team quickly to prepare for North Toronto, who beat the Rovers last time out.
“We know every match in this league brings a new challenge and this weekend is no different,” said Wilson. “North Toronto is a team we respect; they’ve been consistently strong and their connection with AFC Toronto is established and only adds to their quality.
“We are focused and the belief in our group is real. There’s a strong connection and no moment feels too big. We’re excited to be home in front of our fans and staying true to who we are. We’ll be brave, play on the front foot and enjoy the challenge.”
The Rovers men were on the road at Downsview Park to face the North Toronto Nitros last Friday night. With two hard-fought draws in their last two matches, it was imperative the team got off to a good start to try and secure a much-needed win and three points.
The team got off to a fast start, taking control of the game in the early stages and were rewarded with a fine goal by 16-year-old winger Lucas Correa, who was making his club debut. The Rovers added to their tally in the 17th minute on a goal by defender Keegan Wilson and then winger Shawn Claude Lawson, making a record-setting 75th appearance for the Rovers, scored in the 25th minute to make it 3-0 Rovers. Lawson, the heart and soul of the team, is the longest-serving player in club history. North Toronto pulled one back in the 30th minute converting a penalty kick and the half ended 3-1.
Coach Doneil Henry made several substitutions in the second half to ensure the team saw the game out. Reshaun Walkes who replaced Lawson at the start of the second half, added some insurance when he scored late in the game. Final score: 4-1 Rovers. With the win the Rovers are tied for fourth place in the table with two wins, one loss and two ties.
“Happy to be back in the win column,” said Henry. “We want to finish the month strong and have another big test against Woodbridge this weekend. Shawn scoring a goal on this 75th appearance for the club was special. Having a veteran like him and a young and aspiring talent in Lucas contributing shows the balance we have within the squad.”
Lucas Correa was happy about his debut performance for the club.
“I’m feeling good, and it means a lot to me as I’ve been waiting five games for this opportunity. I’ve been patient and put a lot of work and effort in practice during the week, so happy to contribute.
“I was asking for the ball from the start, and Jacob (Spizzirri) found me, and I was able to find the gap and use my left to put it home. It was an exciting moment for me.”
When asked what advice he would give other players, Correa was direct.
“Don’t give up and don’t limit yourself. Work hard to achieve your goals, and you will succeed.”
The Rovers host a doubleheader this Saturday, May 24. The men are up first at 2 p.m. as they face Woodbridge SC in what should be an outstanding match. The teams tied 1-1 last time they played. The women host North Toronto at 6 p.m. looking to avenge their only loss of the season. The matches will be broadcast on Rogers TV.
