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Ellis, Novak Guide Blue Devils To 2-0 First Round Playoffs Win Over Unionville

By Kacian Whyte, 10/01/18, 12:45PM EDT

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Defending League1 Ontario champions, Oakville Blue Devils, secured an important 2-0 victory in the first round of the League1 Ontario 2018 Championship playoffs first round over Unionville Millikan SC on Sunday afternoon. 

The match kicked off with Oakville on the attack in a 4-3-3 formation, which Unionville combated with a 3-4-3.  Oakville dominated possession, and the tempo of the match as they forced Unionville to defend for the majority of the first half. 

Dominating shots,  Oakville left little room for the opposition to create chances as they struggled to break past Oakville's back-line comprised of Marco Gennaccaro, Konner McNamara, Victor Gallo and Hitesh Joshi.

Unionville's only chance came after Khubaib Mahboubullah picked up a cross from Jalen Brome and tried to shoot from the top of the 18, but put it into the outside mesh of the right side of the net. 

Oakville also had the opportunity to score as Tyriq Armstrong took back-to-back shots in the 16th and 17th minute from the top of the 18, but was unable to put the efforts on target. 

The third attempt came for Oakville after Braden Culver placed the ball inches over the cross-bar, while teammate Taylor McNamara would get his turn after trying to score on a free-kick from 30 yards out, but failed to find the back of the net.

Minutes into the second half the scales were tipped as Oakville speedster Khody Ellis (48') picked up a cross from Rajvir Khalon and tucked it past the keeper. 


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography/ F10 Sports Photography)


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography/ F10 Sports Photography)


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography/ F10 Sports Photography)


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography/ F10 Sports Photography)

Oakville picked up their second goal in the third minute of added time, Anthony Novak (90'+ 3') putting away a penalty earned after Unionville's goalkeeper, Adrian Ibanez, picked up a foul from a reckless challenge against Judah Hernandez. 

With the win, Oakville Blue Devils have captured an important 2-0 first round victory in Group B and move joint-first in the group with Woodbridge Strikers.

Oakville will now move on to round 2 of the three-match group stage, when they will face Woodbridge Strikers on October 6 (4 p.m.) at Bronte Sports Park, Oakville. 

Click here to keep up on all the news, goals, wins and statistics for the Oakville Blue Devils on their team page.


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography/ F10 Sports Photography)


(Photo: Martin Bazyl Photography/ F10 Sports Photography)

In their second match of the group stage, Unionville Milliken will host Sigma FC on October 6 (5 p.m) at Bill Crothers Turf Centre, Unionville. 

Click here to keep up on all the news, goals, wins and statistics for Unionville Milliken SC on their team page.