The Rovers had an excellent weekend at J.C. Massie Field as both the women and men’s won their matches and collected three big points each for the wins.
The women kicked things off beating North Mississauga FC 3-1.
Attacking midfielder Annika Arsenault scored twice in the first half, scoring in the 22nd and 45th minute to give the Rovers a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Arsenault, a recent League2 call-up, scored in just her second game for the big club. Her efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved Performance of the Week from League1 Ontario.
Defender Michelle Plowman added some insurance in the 69th minute to secure a comfortable win.
After 17 matches played the women sit at 5-6-6, good for sixth place in the incredibly challenging Premier Division.
The men were up next, facing the Oakville Blue Devils. The Rovers struck early and often in the first half, with goals by defender Cameron DaSilva in the 10th minute, midfielder Paul Karagiannakos in the 23rd minute, midfielder Orlendis Benitez in the 36th minute and forward Aidan Hugo in the 45th minute to take a commanding 4-0 lead into halftime.
With a comfortable lead, the Rovers made multiple changes in the second half and Karagiannakos added his second of the match in the 87th minute to seal a dominant 5-0 win. It was a statement win by the Rovers who will face the Blue Devils in August in the League1 Cup semifinal.
The men have four wins and one draw in their last five matches played and seem to have found their mojo again.
During this period, they have scored 13 goals and conceded only three and are playing with a swagger not seen in the early part of the season.
Striker Jevontae Layne has 10 goals this season, which is good for second in the league, and his excellent run of form continues to drive the team offensively.
The Rovers have also enjoyed large crowd support at J.C. Massie field which has seen them win all three of their last home matches. After 16 matches played the team sits at 6-5-5 good for fifth place, and third place well within sights.
Over the last five matches, Rovers coach Zack Wilson has made tactical adjustments across the pitch which has provided valuable playing time to under 23 players to ensure League1 U23 requirements are met.
For the 2024 season, 9,500 U23 minutes are required in addition to 2,500 U20 minutes. The Rovers surpassed these totals with six games to spare.
It’s a good news story for a club committed to developing pathways for aspiring young players looking to contribute.
“This is a very strong Simcoe County Rovers side,” says sporting director Doneil Henry. “I believe we can win silverware again this year. We had a longer pre-season and so much surrounding the Canadian Championship game versus Toronto FC. The team fell into a dip emotionally and mentally after this game leading into the League1 season. Since I've stepped in as sporting director, I've wanted to push three ideas: tactical clarity, team camaraderie and the personal 'why.'”
Wilson has taken the lead and executed brilliantly in making sure players understand roles and responsibilities individually which leads to the collective. Team camaraderie is believing and working to a common goal. Players are like soldiers, every piece is valued and needed to win war. With shared strategy toughness and resilience, they understand they are stronger in numbers rather than as individuals.
“This final piece was the most challenging, but brought everything together for this special group. I pushed their 'why' and made it personal. Everyone has a driving force to why they do things. I wanted to hold my players accountable to themselves and make sure they weren’t just going through the motions.
"This meant giving everything they had so that regardless of the result when they look themselves in the mirror they knew where they stood. Personal reflection made the group standard go up. I’ve enjoyed my transition from playing to working with this technical group because everyone is recognized and valued within my staff. I know my strengths and when to take the lead, but also know when to let others take control."
“It’s been a blessing to have resources and well-respected soccer minds like Victor Opong to speak to while we aim to develop,” said Henry. “We will continue to push as there is so much to play for in the league this season and we still have the opportunity to win the League Cup. With every game this group gains more confidence. I’m excited for the future.”
The men’s team is away in Hamilton this weekend, and face league leaders Vaughan at home on Aug. 10. The League1 Cup semifinal will be scheduled in late August with the date still to be determined.
The women travel to London to take on London FC.
