skip navigation

Last Gasp Winner From Woodbridge's Issac Settles Intense Derby Match With Vaughan

By Anthony Gallo, 07/30/18, 5:00PM EDT

Share

A fast-paced, energetic derby match between two local League1 teams saw five goals fly in during the second half - seven in total - as the Woodbridge Strikers came out on top 4-3 over the Vaughan Azzurri in Matchweek 11 action.

In derby match that was expected to be heated and high pace, both Woodbridge and Vaughan didn't disappoint.

The visiting Azzurri would hound their opponents constantly and force them to make costly mistakes near the half.

Vaughan's handiwork would pay off just before 20 minutes, when winger Jason Mills (18') dribbled past two defenders down the right wing and slotted his shot bottom left to make it 1-0 early on.

However, Woodbridge answered back quickly, when Federico Leal (22') lined up for a free kick from 25 yards out and curled his shot top left to even the match at 1-1.

The visitors came close to going back ahead in the 34th minute, but Woodbridge keeper Roberto Stillo made a big save to keep this match tied 1-1 going into the half.

Four subs at half-time - three from Woodbridge and one for Vaughan - saw fresh legs enter and the match open up even more.

Vaughan substitute Jarek Whiteman (54') put his side back on top after he quickly turned on the right side of the box and curled a floating shot into the top left.

The lead didn't last long, as a sprint down the middle from Woodbridge half-time sub Tyrell Rayne (55') saw him blow by his marker and go one v one with the keeper, slotting his shot calmly bottom left to tie it up again at 2-2.

Woodbridge caught a break as midfielder Michael Krzeminski (66') dribbled down the left wing and cut inside the 18 yard box, his cross attempt deflected into the net to put the home side ahead 3-2.

Vaughan striker Mario Kovacevic (73') would head home the tying goal off a free kick, making it a very interesting finish to the match.

Just two minutes before the fourth official could signal for added time, Woodbridge winger Emmanuel Issac (88') pounced on a rebound from inside the six yard box to restore the home side's lead.

After a combined seven goals, 23 shots, and eight cautions, the Strikers would finally hang on to earn the 4-3 victory and three points over their fierce rival.

With the win, Woodbridge now sit two points behind men's leaders TFC III and in a three way tie on points for second spot with Sigma FC and FC London.

Up next for the Strikers will be a midweek home match against TFC III on August 7 (9:00 p.m.) at Vaughan Grove Turf, Woodbridge.

Click here to keep up on all the news, goals, wins and statistics for Woodbridge men on their team page.

As for Vaughan, they will take on TFC III in the men's 2018 L1 Cup final on August 4 (7:30 p.m.) at the Ontario Soccer Centre Stadium.

Click here to keep up on all the news, goals, wins and statistics for Vaughan men on their team page.