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League1 Ontario Womens Division Jam-Packed In The Middle

By Anthony Gallo, 05/26/17, 4:45PM EDT

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The 2017 League1 Ontario season has already enjoyed some thrilling moments, and even though most women's teams have only played three matches to date, the standings will start to open up in the coming weeks.

Already there are only two teams left undefeated.

2017 expansion side Unionville Milliken SC is currently the class of the division with a 3W-0L-0D record, followed by last year's L1 Cup winners Vaughan Azzurri, who are 2W-0L-1D.

First year club Unionville has been able to grab comfortable victories over Aurora FC (3-1), North Mississauga Panthers (2-0) and Durham United FA (3-1).

They have been lead by the stellar play of Southern Methodist University commit, Isabelle Nashmi. Her first L1O goal against Aurora in their opening match was the game winner, and her second goal against North Mississauga was the final goal her team needed to collect three points.

Unionville coach Alex Morales can also be thankful for the stellar play of two of his Canadian U17 internationals, Samantha Chang and keeper Marissa Zucchetto.

As the team captain, Chang has been both a leader and a focal point in Unionville’s attack. Her two goals in three matches is tied with Nashmi for the most goals scored on the team. She has also played every minute of game play.

Zucchetto’s ability to make big saves in key moments is also a factor in why the first year club are off to a good start. She currently sits second in the league in goals against average (0.67).

Unionville’s next five matches - all of which are on the road - will be crucial for them if they want to continue their fine run of form. An upcoming match against fellow first year club Toronto Azzurri Blizzard will be a tough task, considering the Blizzard defeated least years champs FC London last weekend and have a star-studded roster of their own.


(Photo: Martin Bazyl)

In Matchweek five, Unionville may be up against their toughest match yet, when they take on the other undefeated team, Vaughan Azzurri.

Vaughan have been able to grab seven points out of a potential nine in their first three matches, coming out on top over West Ottawa SC (2-1) and Sanjaxx Lions (5-0), before settling for a 1-1 draw against Darby FC on May 20.

The Azzurri have been thankful to have the play of striker and Poland U-17 international, Anna Kowalczyk, on their team. Kowalczyk has been able to be a dynamic player whether she starts a match, or comes on as a sub. Her three goals in three matches is good enough to lead the womens division.

Vaughan’s next four matches will be tough ones for the second place team.

After their match against Durham United FA on May 26, the Azzurri will take on Unionville (June 2), rivals Woodbridge (June 10) and FC London (June 17).


(Photo: Martin Bazyl)

Matchweek four will surely be a busy one in the womens division, with four of the seven teams tied for fourth in the standings all facing each other.

Seven teams are currently on three points - North Mississauga, Durham, Woodbridge, London, Toronto Blizzard, Sanjaxx and West Ottawa - leaving Aurora as the only winless team so far.

London will be taking on first year club West Ottawa at the German Canadian Club on Saturday, May 27, and North Mississauga will be facing Sanjaxx on Sunday, May 28 in only two of the battles that have the potential to change-up the order of the standings after the weekend.


(Photo: Martin Bazyl)