The Simcoe County Rovers and Vaughan SC played another epic match in what can be viewed as one of the best rivalries in League1 Ontario.
The Rovers had a large turnout at J.C. Massie Field and came out of the gates flying, pressing the attack from the opening whistle. They were rewarded for their effort when winger Ijah Halley scored the opener in the 14th minute, slotting home the finish after a great individual effort. Vaughan responded three minutes later to tie the match at 1-1.
The Rovers continued to press the attack and midfielder Orlendis Benitez scored from open play and striker Jevontae Layne scored on a penalty kick in the 27th minute. The Rovers had a 3-1 lead and Vaughan pulled former Rovers starting goalie Baj Maan, replacing him with backup Alessio Carbone. This switch seemed to spark Vaughan as they scored late in the half to make it 3-2. Two yellow cards were issued prior to the half as emotions ran high and set the tone for an exciting second half.
The intensity and physicality of the match picked up right where it left off early in the second half as two more yellow cards were issued to both teams. Vaughan striker Raheem Rose scored his second of the match in the 55th minute and Vaughan added another in the 57th minute as Vaughan took the lead 4-3.
Rovers coach Zack Wilson made key substitutions in the 61st minute, bringing on wingers Shawn Claud Lawson and CJ Smith to ignite the Rovers’ attack. Their efforts were rewarded in the 77th minute when Orlendis Benitez was brought down in the box and a penalty was awarded. Winger Ijah Halley stepped up to the spot and converted for his second goal of the match, which evened the affair at 4-4. Both teams continued to press for the winner into the 90th minute, but the game ended in a hard-fought 4-4 draw.
Sporting director Doneil Henry was impressed by what he saw against Vaughan.
“The boys have shown resilience in the weeks leading up to the match while preparing to be their best. On his debut for the club, 17-year-old Peter Sheberstov was thrown straight into the deep end against the league’s best and came up big for us a few times. More importantly, this team stuck with it until the end. For spells of the game, we were in full control. With so much to still play for, I told them these are the games that will separate them from the pack. This rivalry never fails to entertain. We had an eight-goal thriller and have two hard-fought draws against Vaughan this season.”
The Rovers had a short turnaround and were back at it Wednesday night looking for three points to keep the unbeaten streak alive. Striker Jevontae Layne continued his fine goal-scoring form, opening up the scoring five minutes after the opening whistle to stake the Rovers to a 1-0 lead. Winger Aidan Hugo scored in the 26th minute and Shawn Claude Lawson scored in the 45th minute to give the Rovers a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime. Midfielder Orlendis Benitez added another in the 65th minute after replacing striker Jevontae Layne when the second half started. The Rovers won comfortably 4-0 to extend the unbeaten streak to seven games.
“I used the Burlington match to rotate the team to provide freshness and opportunity,” said Henry. “I’m a big believer in providing players who respect the game and train well the opportunity to get valuable minutes. Winning 4-0 against Burlington is a positive result because it showcases our depth and reinforces the trust I have in my players. I will rely on team rotation this weekend against a strong North Toronto side, who has been in form lately.”
After 19 matches played the Rovers have an 8-5-6 record, good for 30 points and fifth place. The team sits one point behind North Toronto and Woodbridge, who are on 31 points in third place. The Rovers have a massive opportunity to leapfrog North Toronto in the standings when they meet at Downsview Park on Saturday, Aug. 17.
“I’m loving the chemistry, the passion, and the hunger the group is showing,” said team captain Tajay Reid. “It takes a collective for a team to come together against an opponent like Vaughan and give them a game. The same resilience transferred over to Burlington as the team believes we have a lot to prove.”
“The boys are ready for the challenge,” added Reid. “We’ve been working hard every day and trusting the staff every step of the way. With an opportunity to turn the tables and jump into third place, we’re up for the challenge. The key to success is to keep the fire burning, by being resilient, efficient and ruthless in our game.”
The men’s team plays its final home of the season against Scrosoppi FC on Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Rogers TV. The League1 Cup semifinal will be played on Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Field. The Simcoe County Rovers will face the Oakville Blue Devils for the right to play the winner of the North Toronto versus Vaughan semifinals match in the League1 Cup finals.
For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including schedule details, ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.roversfc.ca.
Single and group tickets to the match can be purchased by visiting www.roversfc.ca.
