Under sunny yet cool and windy conditions, the Fury fought hard to defend themselves from Croatian offensive efforts right from the very first whistle. 

 

 

The teams appeared evenly matched in terms of size, strength, and possibly speed, however Croatia demonstrated superior ball control, on-field communication and playmaking abilities - and even their pre-game warm-up procedures appeared more sophisticated. 

 

 

For nearly the entire first 30 minutes of the game, play remained in Sarnia's defensive zone. The Fury defense (in black and red) held tight until the team in blue connected on a low header originating from a corner on the left side of the Sarnia goal at about 35 minutes.

 

 

Sarnia did show a few offensive spurts during the first half yet failed to make any real scoring attempts.  Croatia had several corner kick opportunities in the first half and number 11 (Blue) scored to make it 2-nil shortly before the close of the half as a result of a delicate yet successful passing play along (and through) the Fury's defensive line.

 

 

The Fury defense appeared to begin to tire at the end of the first half yet the team came out with renewed vigor and determination in the second.  Perhaps feeling they were fortunate to be down by only two goals, they pressured Croatia offensively - and this resulted in at least 4 corner kick opportunities and a free kick of their own. 

 

 

Shortly thereafter a long pass along the ground and up the centre field area was picked up by the speedy #11 (red).  He subsequently won a foot race with a defender and put the ball in the top of the net on a well-placed shot to make it 2-1, ruining the shutout for the home squad.  After this Sarnia became noticeably more aggressive and more rough play developed, which the referee neatly whistled down.

 

 

On a bicycle type kick which originated from a pass from the right wing the Fury appeared to have scored again.  Unfortunately for them it was disallowed and the game carried on at 2-1.  Croatia, showing some patience, began to take Sarnia's renewed momentum away and put together some offensive forays of their own.  The home team earned a number of corner kicks, and shortly thereafter scored again on a passing play originating in the right corner area and driven in on a fine shot taken inside the 18 yd. box.

 

 

There would be no more scoring in the game yet Sarnia remained feisty and continued to challenge London Croatia - putting in a strong physical effort to the very end.  The team in the royal blue enjoyed a hard fought 3-1 victory in their first game of the season in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.