September 13, 2009 CSL TFC Academy vs London City (from TFC.ca)
Senior Academy team makes playoffs
Reds secure post-season spot with big win
09/14/2009 12:44 PM
TorontoFC.ca
TFC Senior Academy Team clinched a berth in the 2009 Canadian Soccer League playoffs with a convincing 7-1 victory over London City. That result combined with North York Astros losing to Italia Shooters ensured TFC Academy a spot in the post-season against a team yet to be determined with one game remaining in the regular season.
Allando Matheson opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he got on the end of a delightful cross from Justin Maheu to put the home side up 1-0. London City equalized two minutes later from a Justin Marques header, but the Reds were back in front soon after.
In the 25th minute, Matheson dribbled into the box where he was fouled, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Matheson stepped up to take the penalty and scored his second goal of the match. Matheson's strike partner Justin Maheu then took over shortly before halftime when he dribbled around the goalkeeper and slotted into the empty goal for the 3-1 lead. Maheu doubled his tally when he scored a similar goal to his first to increase the lead to 4-1 at halftime.
In the second half TFC Academy continued their dominance and if not for the post, Matt Stinson would have scored the pick of the goals when he struck from 35 yards. Left back Ashtone Morgan scored a good goal in the 67th minute with a shot from 25 yards that took a slight deflection and beat the London City goalkeeper for a 5-1 lead. Nicholas Lindsay was introduced in the 72nd minute and scored his first goal for the club only six minutes later. TFC Academy finished the rout with two minutes remaining when Captain Matt Stinson dribbled around several defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the goal to cap off a wonderful performance.
"Today's performance was of the highest order," said coach Jason Bent. "Our players performed to a standard that we expect and showed a fantastic spirit to play the game. All season we have been waiting for that killer instinct in front of goal and today we got the rewards that our play warranted."
"We have now made history in making the playoffs for the first time and our aim is to take that confidence into the playoffs and see how far we can go. The entire coaching and medical staff have played a massive role in getting the team to this point. The work began with this group of players in May 2008 and now sixteen months later we have achieved a fantastic milestone. I am very proud of all the players involved," explained Bent.
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