London Squander Lead To Brampton
Jul 19, 2003 Author: Brampton Hitmen
On a great night for soccer, the Brampton Hitmen traveled to face London City at Cove Road. Hitmen Coach Steve Nijjar was looking, for his troops, to get off to a quick start. But, City had other intentions. London wanted to erase last weeks defensive blunder which saw them squander a three goal lead at the hands of the Hamilton Thunder.
London got off to a blazing start when Ashley McMillan put them up ahead 1-0 in the 21st minute. Their lead did not last long as Hitmen Captain Phil Ionadi replied with his own marker in the 29th minute. After the first half, the score had the Hitmen behind 2-1.
The second half started off much the same as the first which saw Eris Turfey put City up by two making the score 3-1. With only twenty five minutes left until the final whistle the Hitmen now had their backs against the wall. Coach Nijjar rallied his team and they responded swiftly. Adolfo Mella, in his first game back from injury, scored at the 68th minute mark to get the Hitmen to within one goal.
The referee hand out two red cards to London City for overly aggressive tackles in the second half. London was forced to play with only nine men on the pitch. Brampton began to apply constant pressure and push forward toward the London goal. As he has done all season Mr. Clutch, Phil Ionadi scored his second goal of the game and fifth of the season with only three minutes before injury time leveling the score at 3-3.
London left the pitch with mixed emotions. It was the second game in a row which saw them give up a multi-goal lead costing them crucial points in the race for supremacy in the West Division.
Although happy to come away with a tie on the road, Coach Nijjar will want his troops focused right from the get go when they face Toronto Croatia in their own backyard, Victoria Park Stadium, on Sunday, July 20 at 7:30 pm. The Hitmen will be looking to extend their home unbeaten streak this year to four games. Brampton currently find themselves in third place and one point behind St. Catherines, but do have a game in hand.
Brampton would love to get a win at home against Croatia this weekend to put them in sole possession of second in the West Division and place them within striking distance of Hamilton Thunder.
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