skip navigation

Match Recap: Aurora FC 3 - 4 Masters FA Saints

By League1 Ontario staff, 05/22/17, 4:00PM EDT

Share

Masters FA Saints earned their first win of the 2017 season, finishing off Aurora FC 4-3 following a tremendously entertaining match. 

"They are a type of team that like to play long and use their physicality, so our idea was to get the ball down, play some football, and keep it on the deck," said Aurora head coach, Derek O'Keeffe. 

"When we did that, we did it well. When we started to go long, I think we were playing into their hands at that stage. We're a footballing team, and I think when we do keep it on the ground we are capable of good football." 


(Photo: Martin Bazyl)

Former TFC player Jose Melo (7', 35') nabbed a brace, while Maleik De Freitas (31') got his second of the season, and Yasin Shahwan (90') deposited the euphoric winner for Masters.

"The strategy was actually not to give up any goals in the first half, so much for that!" said Masters head coach, Rick Titus. 

"Throughout the game it was a lot of adjustment and trying to fit the right pieces into the puzzle because we have a new team here - it is really two teams coming together, new players together - and there are a lot of attitudes and personalities that you have to figure out and make sure you put them together on the field to create something that is special." 

"I think today with the win and the fashion with which we won, we galvanized the group and I think we are a family now. I think from here it can only get better." 


Jose Melo (Photo: Martin Bazyl)

Jared Agyemang (33'), Jordan Kalk (40') and Matthew Caguana (74') kept the home side in the contest with well-timed goals, but it was a heartbreaker at the finish for a young Aurora side that is still in the early stages of formation.

"We're a new team, we're rebuilding, and there are a lot of players that don't know each other," said O'Keeffe.

"We have a new coach in myself, and all I've said to the team is that it is going to take time for us and we need to be patient. We are building a new team, and an exciting team that like to play football."

"Unfortunately it wasn't our day, but we'll learn from it and we'll create our own identity. It might take time, but we've got to be patient and we'll build our own brand. It will happen soon." 


Matthew Caguana, Aurora FC (Photo: Martin Bazyl)

Masters head coach Rick Titus got the win in only his second match in charge, and spoke to the team-building that needs to continue with the group. 

"Personalities can work one of two ways, either really bad for you or really good for you," he said. "Right now we are in the middle of it, but we are on our way up. Until then it will be a lot of work because we have to work with the personalities to make sure we have a good family."

"In every good family there is always going to be that one person that is this way, and the other that is that way, and so it is in the game. You have different cultures, and different people, and different levels of skill, so you are going to have issues moving into that area but eventually we'll get to the point where we have a good mix." 

"The main thing I want to accomplish with this group is get them into the family mentality," he concluded. 

"The experiences that we get from coaching, and watching them play, and become a team is what is memorable. You won't remember so much of the wins, but what you will remember is the bonding, the things that happen off the field and in training."

"The friendships and the different relationships you build along the way is the most important thing in the game, and I want them to be aware of that." 

Aurora FC will next play Woodbridge Strikers on Saturday May 27 at St. Maximillian Kolbe H.S., Aurora.

Masters FA Saints will next play North Toronto Nitros on Sunday May 28 at University of Toronto Varsity Stadium, Toronto.