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Vaughan Too Strong For Windsor While Resolute Alliance Hold Off Strikers

By League1 Ontario staff, 06/24/19, 4:00PM EDT

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(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography)


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography)

Vaughan Azzurri overpowered Windsor TFC in Vaughan on the Sunday of Matchweek Eight to keep themselves a shade ahead of Oakville Blue Devils at the top of the men's table.

Meanwhile, a ten man Alliance United FC showed the organization and character they have become known for by defeating hosts Woodbridge Strikers to stay within touching of the leaders. 

Find match briefs, full match video and a selection of high-res photography from match action below!  


(Photo: F10 Sports/ Martin Bazyl Photography)

League leaders Vaughan Azzurri claimed all three points against Windsor TFC after a five-star 5-0 performance featuring goals by Fathazada (3'), Kowal (16'), Sohn (23'), Ferrin (55') as well as a Windsor own goal (76').

The hosts had the majority of possession throughout the game and capitalized on their chances, whereas Windsor largely struggled to threaten their opponent's goal.

An in-swinging corner bounced kindly for Fathazada to put the hosts in front after just three minutes. Despite conceding so early, Windsor TFC stuck to their game plan: setting up in a low defensive block in an attempt to create opportunities to counter-attack. However, Vaughan were patient in possession and were creating overloads on both wings through Lowe and Sohn.

The host's early pressure earned them a penalty that Maksym Kowal calmly converted in the 16th minute. Kowal nearly doubled his personal tally four minutes later after beating his defender, but was unsuccessful in his attempt to round the goalkeeper.

Leonard Sohn scored Vaughan’s third goal in the 23rd minute after brilliant team play afforded him the opportunity to make a run in-behind and find the top corner. Windsor TFC had to accept more initiative with the three-goal deficit, and looked threatening from a couple of set-pieces. The away side tried to play out of the back but an organized Vaughan press often forced them into making long passes. The first half ended without any real test for the Vaughan defence.

Vaughan continued in the second half with the same momentum. Raposo and Sohn were heavily involved in the build-up play through the left wing, as well as Lowe and Ferrin on the opposite flank. A beautiful direct free kick from Massimo Ferrin put the game to bed for Vaughan in the 55th minute.

The hosts managed to play at their own pace from that point forward, being patient with the ball and waiting for the right opportunity to penetrate. Fathazada played a ball low across the face of goal in the 76th minute, which deflected off of a Windsor defender to put the hosts up by five. Vaughan saw out the game comfortably, with Windsor opting not to push for a consolation goal.

Vaughan Azzurri (7-1-0) will next play North Mississauga SC at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, Mississauga on June 28 (7:45 p.m.).

Windsor TFC (1-6-0) will next play Darby FC at University of Windsor Stadium, Windsor on June 29 (6 p.m.).

(Aria Popel)


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography)

Alliance United came away with all three points after the Sunday finale of Matchweek Eight, beating Woodbridge 1-0 (Stakic 42' pk) as they fought hard throughout the match to maintain their lead despite going a man down during first half stoppage time.

The match started off with a good intensity despite the afternoon heat, with both teams settling into various spells of possession and looking to break each other down.

Alliance began the match pressing high, forcing their opponents to either play long or succumb to the pressure of their press; this tactic ultimately worked well in their favour.

Woodbridge’s Isiah Johnston had a couple efforts on goal in the 14th and 16th minutes from long range, but they weren't enough to trouble Alliance's keeper, Ahilan.

During the half, Alliance threatened with good spells in possession but ultimately couldn't find the final pass or little bit of creativity in the final third to seriously threaten Woodbridge's goal.

In the 41st minute after a clash with the keeper, Alliance would win a penalty that captain Stakic would finish with ease with a powerful strike into the bottom left corner.

The half wouldn't end without some late drama however, as Alliance striker Milan Beader was dismissed after receiving a second caution. Alliance would go into the second half with only ten men.

Woodbridge started the second half with urgency but just couldn’t find that golden chance to put them level. A number of their shots arrived from long-range or through several half chances, but in the 50th minute Isaac couldn't take advantage of a low cross from the right as he sent his shot well over the bar from close range.

Alliance did very well to stay organized within their defensive shape and limit as space for Woodbridge, maintaining two solid banks of four in a 4-4-1 block.

Ultimately, Alliance would see this game through and record their sixth win of the season.

Woodbridge Strikers will next play Sigma FC on June 27 (9 p.m.) at Paramount Fine Foods Centre, Mississauga.

Alliance United FC will next play FC London on June 29 (2 p.m.) at Mount Joy Turf, Markham.

(Alex Bizzarri)