June 10, 2006 CSL London City vs Toronto Supra Portuguese (from London Free Press)
City rally twice to draw Supra
By MORRIS DALLA COSTA -- London Free Press
It was a big night for London City for a change.
They did some things they haven't done this year. They finally scored a goal at home. They came back twice when they were trailing.
It took some last second dramatics to do it.
Dennis Peeters hit a quick-turn, half-volley from the edge of the penalty area two minutes into injury time to give City a 2-2 tie against Toronto Portuguese Supra last night in Canadian Soccer League action at Cove Road Field.
"It was a relief," said Peeters. "You don't have to tell us how much trouble we have scoring. We know. But we got a good bounce. I got a little sitting duck and just turned and shot it."
Peeters is an unlikely sniper. Even though he had a terrific opener season last year, he isn't able to train with the team because of his job in Toronto.
"I didn't have a particularly good game, but it worked out," he said. "I'm not really training for soccer, more like training to stay in shape and that makes it difficult at times.
The Supra took a 1-0 lead in the 65th minute. A low cross across the front of the net found its way through to the far post. All Michael Di Luca had to do was get his foot on the ball and steer it into the empty net.
It looked like that would be enough until Erik Elmauer got into the game with 15 minutes left. Known as the Hammer, Elmauer made his presence known immediately with a good cross that almost resulted in a goal. With 10 minutes left, his low shot from just inside the penalty area found the back of the net.
Elmauer then sprinted the length of the field to the stands to kiss his father's hand. It looked like a kiss of death.
A few minutes later, Di Luca got loose again at the side of the net and after a save by keeper Haidar Al-Shaibani, the ball bounced back to Di Luca, who dribbled by a defender and flipped the ball into the back of the net.
"We thought we played well enough for the tie at least," said Peeters. "But when he scored it was tough. But we didn't give up. That's what London City is all about."
It was a far better home performance for London City than their home opener two weeks ago. They deliver their best performances on the road, winning big against the North York Astros 6-2.
The first half belonged to London City, but they had trouble finishing.
In the 18th minute, Karim Ben Sari latched on to a bad pass from Supra's Gianni Annisi and from 15 yards drilled the ball right at goalkeeper Pedro Vieira.
City's Eris Tafaj and Gentjan Dervishi did good work in the midfield. Repeated high crosses into the box where well handled by Viera.
It's been the story of London City at home. They have trouble scoring even though they control the flow of the game.
CITY 2
SUPRA 2
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