London City 0:0 Wallaceburg
June 6, 2009 - First Division
(Photos by Cam Vassallo)
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"WALLACEBURG
AND LONDON CITY PLAY TO SCORELESS TIE"
James H. Sipila - League
Writer
London Portuguese Club:
Warm and breezy conditions set the backdrop for
this First Division Match-up between London City
and Wallaceburg.
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In terms of their overall record so far this season these
teams appeared fairly evenly matched - both teams came into
the game undefeated with positive plus/minus ratings after
two weeks of play. Unfortunately for Wallaceburg however,
their top striker was playing, or attempting to play, while
suffering from a serious knee injury. However the rest of
the Wallaceburg squad was in typical form, demonstrating
their discipline, confidence, as well as patience from the
get-go versus what appeared to be a younger and less
experienced London City team wearing green. Throughout most
of the first half is was Wallaceburg breaking up most London
City plays and then marching the ball up field in various
attempts to set up quality scoring opportunities. Although
sustaining pressure at various intervals, given the games
outcome they were naturally unsuccessful, and London City's
opportunities to score were few as well. Game officials
were quick to whistle down many perceived infractions
throughout the first half, perhaps upsetting the "natural"
flow of the game. This state of affairs appeared to anger
several London City players who became vociferous regarding
this reality as well as their treatment by Wallaceburg
mid-fielders and defenders throughout the half. Several
yellow cards were given out as well as a red card to the
London City keeper, just as the half came to a close.
London City would then be forced to use their back-up goalie
and play shorthanded for the second half of the game. |
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Somewhat surprisingly, and right from the start of the
second half, it was London City coming out with renewed
determination, increased co-operation, and the will to
score. Despite being a "man down" they kept much of the
play in the Wallaceburg zone, as the team in white struggled
to contain or break up many fine passing plays both in the
mid-field areas and in their defensive zone. Wallaceburg
remained confident as usual but their patience was being
tried by the high level of ball control and finesse put on
display by the London City team. In the end it was the
Wallaceburg defenders who would eventually break-up or steer
away London City advances, however at 71 minutes into the
game it was #19 (green) breaking in all alone against the
Wallaceburg keeper. Despite earning this glorious
opportunity to score and possibly take the game, he shot the
ball wide and high to the right, maintaining the scoreless
tie. Subsequent to this, with fans on both sides
enthusiastically cheering on their teams Wallaceburg finally
began to pressure and keep most the play in the London City
end as the game drew to a close. London City's substitute
keeper was solid in goal however, and with the final whistle
both teams would have to settle for the single point. JHS
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