Sigma F.C. 2 - Sanjaxx Lions 1

Mon Jul 6
Written By: Staff, League1

Sanjaxx appeared to be on the way to a much needed win during matchweek ten play, after a first half injury time goal by Dawit Tekic (45 + 4'), but Sigma pressed forward and ultimately secured the comeback victory following tallies from Alex Halis (66') and Kwame Awuah (87').

"In this game we wanted to start out quick and really go after our opponent as we felt an early goal would be important," said Sigma head coach Bobby Smyrniotis.

"In the first 15 minutes we made four clear opportunities on goal, with [Alex] Halis scuffing his effort at a wide open net, and Justin Stodart hitting the crossbar from inside the opponent's six-yard box. This would have been crucial to how the game would play out. Although we had many chances and the opponent was far from our goal they opened the scoring in the 45th on a penalty call."

SIG: RICHARD LARYEA

Tekic dispatched the penalty for Sanjaxx, and the visitors went into the half with a 1-0 lead.

"Being down 1-0 at half was not what our guys expected, so we asked them to really increase the tempo of the match at all moments on an opponent who was content with soaking up as much pressure as possible," said Smyrniotis.

SIG: KWAME AWUAH

Sanjaxx's keeper Matthew Zaikos was chosen as the clear MVP by both sets of coaches, with Sanjaxx head coach Laza Lowe agreeing with Smyrniotis assessment of his player.

"Zaikos made some very good saves and was very busy on the day," said Smyrniotis. "We put 16 shots on goal, seven of which were top opportunities to score - he was very good."

Sigma eventually got the equalizer from the boot of University of Syracuse's Alex Halis, but Smyrniotis was keen to illuminate the efforts of a couple other integral players.

SANJ: MATTHEW ZAIKOS

"Richmond Laryea was a very important player in the midfield on the day," he said. "He is excellent to watch on the ball and his ability to push forward through midfield was excellent. He was a handful for the opponent and drew two penalties, one of which was not called."

"Kwame Awuah scored our game winner, and was a constant threat down the left side for us, especially in the second half," he added.

Sanjaxx and Sigma will need to hit reset on this contest for matchweek eleven, when both sides match up at Sanjaxx's home ground of Esther Shiner Stadium, Sunday July 12, 9 p.m.