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FC London Keep Hold Of Third Position After 3-1 Road Defeat Of Vaughan

By Aria Popel, 08/27/18, 2:30PM EDT

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Matchweek 13 in League1 Ontario featured sixth place Vaughan Azzurri taking on third place FC London at McNaughton Turf, and after three unanswered goals from Connor Wilson (42'), Mohammed Reza Nafar (78') and substitute Benjamin Vyfschaft (88') - a comeback victory was sealed for the visitors, who had conceded the opener to the Azzurri’s Austin Ricci (30').

The 3-1 victory allows FC London to stay comfortably clear of Vaughan Azzurri in the league table, as well as keep pace with leaders Sigma FC and TFC III.

Vaughan had the majority of possession in the early minutes, and created a few chances through Brandon Mills and Jarek Whiteman. Both players saw their first attempts at goal rise over the crossbar.

FC London struggled against the hosts' high press and a mistake at the back almost gifted Whiteman with the opening goal. The striker's lobbed effort got past keeper Anthony Sokalski, but drifted off target, and the visitors were able to clear the danger.

The hosts got their breakthrough just past the half-hour mark, when Austin Ricci broke free of the FC London defense (30').

However, the goal galvanized the away team and they got their equalizer shortly after through Connor Wilson (42'). Wilson reacted quickest in the penalty box and slotted home from close range following a goalmouth scramble. Despite Vaughan's dominance, the score was level at the half-time whistle.

The hosts had a few opportunities to take the lead after the restart, with Anthony Osorio involved in much of the build-up play. Their best chance fell to Ricci with twenty minutes left to play, but his strike could not find the target this time.

Vaughan would regret not capitalizing on these chances, as Mohammad Reza Nafar came up with a goal for FC London with just twelve minutes left to play. The midfielder’s shot from outside the box flew past recently signed keeper Matt George and into the corner of the net.

Vaughan Azzurri tried to find a response but a late finish from Vyfschaft put the game beyond their reach. Despite five minutes of additional time, FC London closed out the game comfortably.

Ultimately, FC London were more clinical in front of goal and grew into the game whereas Vaughan Azzurri's intensity faded towards the end of ninety minutes.

FC London (9-2-2) will look to add to this result in their next game against Windsor TFC, which will take place on September 9 (4 p.m.) at McHugh Stadium, Windsor. 

Vaughan Azzurri (7-5-0) will look to bounce back against OSU Force on September 9 (3 p.m.) at the Ontario Soccer Centre, Vaughan.