The recent Canada Day long weekend saw the celebration of youth soccer players from Barrie and Simcoe County coming out to cheer on their home team.
The Simcoe County Rovers Men’s soccer team celebrated another win in dominating fashion, while the women’s team found themselves in a closely contested, hard-fought battle on the road as both teams looked to collect three points.
After having their June 28 game versus North Toronto Nitros cancelled due to poor air quality, the women travelled to Oakville to take on a red-hot Blue Devils team who are tied with Rovers in the standings. The game proved to be a battle of attrition as both sides looked for the opening goal. Playing a very well-structured game, the Rover's worked hard but could not find the back of the net in the first half. In the second half, the Rovers kept pushing towards the goal but could not break Oakville down and had to settle for a 0-0 draw. There were a lot of positives to take away from this game as both teams showed character and should be satisfied with the outcome.
Coach Dave Kelly was pleased with his team’s effort and knew the team gained a crucial one point to put themselves in position for playoff contention.
“That was a hard-earned point. The game was constantly in transition. To go away on a tiny pitch with a fast wet surface against a very physical opponent, we had to change our approach and fight for every first and second ball." said Kelly in a press release.. "Once we did that, we looked like the team most likely to win. Cloey Uddenberg forced a fine save from their keeper to win the game, and Mykaela Volpe was in fine form at the other end."
On a hot, sunny and humid day At J.C. Massie Field, the Rovers offered free entrance for any youth soccer players around the Barrie local community to support grassroots soccer level and inspire passion for the game of soccer.
League 1 Men’s standings are very crowded at the top and the team was focused on gaining a crucial three points to remain near the top of the standings. To do so, they needed to concentrate on their opposition, the St. Catharines Roma.
The men took to the pitch with a mindset of scoring early in the contest and that’s exactly what they did. Striker Jevontae Layne who has been on a torrid goal-scoring streak of late, scored a highlight reel goal with a bicycle kick in the sixteenth minute to open the scoring with his tenth goal of the season. The goal came from a great build-up driven by Orlendis Benitez-Hernandez and a lovely cross into the box by Ijah Halley. There was no margin for error in a very tightly contested match, as there was back-and-forth, consistent action from both ends of the pitch. An excellent first half of solid ball movement and constant pressure by the Rovers provided a well-deserved 1-0 lead heading into the first half.
In the second half, the Rovers continued to dominate possession in the opponent’s end and remained very strong defensively. Rovers talisman Orlendis Benitez-Hernandez slotted home his 11th goal of the season in the fifty-second minute which helped secure the win and a crucial three points for the hometown team.
Coach Jason Beckford was delighted with his team’s performance but knows they have a challenging July schedule ahead.
“I am very pleased with the result and how we performed. Getting a clean sheet was a bonus and a target we had given the players before the game," said Beckford in a press release. "We now look forward in good confidence to a string of challenging games in July, namely Vaughan, Scrosoppi, Guelph and North Mississauga. Hopefully, our fans will come out and support the boys, particularly in the Vaughan and Guelph games and act as our twelfth man.”
The women are on the road to play North Toronto at Downsview Park on July 5 at 9 p.m.
On Sunday, July 9, a much-anticipated doubleheader at J.C Massie field takes place as the women face Unionville Milliken Soccer Club at 2:30 p.m., followed by the men facing defending League 1 champions Vaughan Azzurri at 6:30 p.m.
Rogers will broadcast the games and Rock 95 will be onsite to add to what will be an exciting atmosphere. The Simcoe County Rovers welcome Georgian College Alumni and Barrie Soccer Club. Come out and support your Simcoe County Rovers as we celebrate Military Appreciation Night on July 9.
For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including schedule details, ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.roversfc.ca
Single and group tickets to the match can be purchased by visiting:www.roversfc.ca
You can watch the next episode of Rovers FC TV this Friday at 7 p.m.
