London City 0:0 Wallaceburg

June 6, 2009 - First Division

(Photos by Cam Vassallo)

 

"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.

 
 

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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