Round 4 of OCSL play produced a few unusual results, not least the Royals 2-2 tie away in Quebec. St. Anthony's ran up the score against the league's other Quebec-based team, beating the Lions de Hull 13-0. Ottawa Internationals and Capital United fought out a 0-0 tie at Mooney's Bat, with the Internationals being unfortunate to not take all three points. The score from the Gloucester Hornets - Rockers game is not yet available.
Results:
Hull Unidos 2, Ottawa Royals 2
St. Anthony’s 13, Lions de Hull 0
Internationals 0, Capital United 0
Gloucester Hornets vs. Rockers
Standings:
1) St. Anthony's P4 W3 L0 T1 F20 A3 Pts 10
2) Lions de Hull P4 W2 L1 T1 F5 A15 Pts 7
3) Ottawa Royals P4 W1 L1 T2 F9 A8 Pts 5
4) Gloucester Hornets P3 W1 L1 T1 F5 A4 Pts 4
5) Internationals P4 W1 L2 T1 F6 A9 Pts 4
6) Hull UNIDOS P4 W1 L2 T1 F5 A8 Pts 4
7) Capital United P5 w0 L2 T3 F5 A8 Pts 3
8) Rockers P2 W0 L0 T2 F3 A3 Pts 2
Friday, June 22, 2007
Ottawa Cup Updates
The Royals are to play the winners of the game between Hornets MC1 Reserves and CCA MC3 Stallions, which takes place tomorrow, June 23.
There is a possibility that we will play the winner on Saturday, June 30. Players should advise of their availability ASAP.
There is a possibility that we will play the winner on Saturday, June 30. Players should advise of their availability ASAP.
Report: Hull Unidos 2, Ottawa Royals 2
Royals continue to disappoint, drop another two points in league play
June 21, 2007
The Ottawa Royals continued to show signs of the Jekyll and Hyde routine that has plagued them throughout this young 2007 season, as they dropped two more vital points in the OCSL league title race to Hull Unidos last night.
Traveling to the unfriendly confines of Du Plateau field, the Ottawa Royals showed no opening signs of discomfort playing on a matchbox-sized pitch that was slick and bumpy, as they quickly took the lead off a Sylvain Cloutier strike. Jorge Gutierrez won a free header on 4 minutes in midfield and powered the ball forward to Cloutier who beat the offside trap and calmly struck the ball past the onrushing keeper from 18 meters out. The keeper got a hand to the ball, but there was enough power on the shot to see it through over the line to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.
Both teams were struggling with possession, as the slick surface was proving difficult. Weather conditions were cooler than expected, as a light drizzle made the playing surface even quicker. Jorge Gutierrez was throwing his weight around in midfield winning several challenges that spurred on the Royals attack, as the men in white enjoyed the majority of play and a multitude of scoring chances in the opening 30 minutes of the game. The Royals were stringing a few passes together in spurts, and in the 10th minute, Roberto Gutierrez settled the ball deep on the right side of the Royals own zone before sending a great pass down the wing for Jonathon Brooks. Brooks beat his defender and sent a perfect low, square pass across the goalmouth to an onrushing Matt D'Angelo. The Royals leading scorer made sure to get to the ball first before his marker, and confidently struck the ball first time, tucking it just inside the post for a 2-0 Royals lead.
Sloppy play ensued, with both teams taking advantage of the short distance between both goals to launch counter attacks in either direction. Tyler Wallace had a solid opening 45 minutes in the Royals net, as the Royals 3-5-2 formation limited Hull's opportunities, and took advantage of a shoddy Hull offside trap to create many promising attacking opportunities for themselves.
But as has been the storyline so far this season for the Royals, the team squandered away several set pieces and clear cut scoring chances and with each miss their play seemed to lose a little more intensity.
In the 40th minute, Jorge Gutierrez was forced out with a Charlie horse to his right thigh, and Labrom was pushed into midfield to see the rest of the half out (with Zegers sliding in at left back).With intensity waning, Royals players started second guessing their decisions in an attempt to unlock the way to the elusive third goal. This erratic play led to a turnover by Kowlessar at the top of the Hull's 18-yard box in minute 42. Hull counter attacked swiftly, sending a ball over the Royals defence putting the opposing striker in on goal for a 1v1 situation with Wallace.
Roberto Gutierrez recovered beautifully to restrict the angle of the striker's run on goal and caught up to the defender just inside the area, before lunging for the ball. Despite this shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, the striker was able to get a weak shot off that beat Wallace as he came off his line, but a retreating Frank Zegers was quick to clear the ball off the line and avoid conceding the goal. Inexplicably however, some 5 or 6 seconds after the shot was taken, a scrambling referee caught up to the play and blew his whistle, pointing to the penalty spot having judged that Roberto had committed a foul. Unidos accepted the gift gleefully, and a defender stepped up and converted the spot kick on the stroke of halftime to send the teams into the break with a 2-1 score line... the Royals were far from out of the woods!
Coach Adams decided to make several changes at half-time, Frank Decaria replacing Tyler Wallace in goal, Greg Donnard and Alan Farant entering the game on the flanks for Dan Deganutti and Jonathon Brooks, and Ryan Devereaux replacing Matt D'Angelo up front.
The Royals started the half on the right note immediately sending a ball into the corner for a speedy Donnard. The young French winger showed an appetitive for the game that was lacking in some of his team mates as he made several early second half runs that pinned the Hull side back in their end during the opening 15 minutes. Royals were nevertheless unable to restore their two-goal lead, despite several good scoring opportunities; the best chance falling to Kowlessar off a Farant corner, which saw his header from a few metres out go agonizingly wide of the post by a few inches. Having dodged this latest round of bullets, it was time for Hull to capitalize on a disorganized Royals team that was still trying to gets its feet on solid ground given the myriad of changes at various positions. Unidos enjoyed several chances on goal, and at the 61 minute mark found the equalizer they were looking for when a broken play fell to striker's feet as he smashed a shot home from just inside the box into the back of the Royals net: 2-2.
The rest of the game was a see-saw battle, with a majority of scoring opportunities falling the Royals way. There were goal-line scrambles at both ends of the field and with seconds remaining in the game the Royals thought they had secured all three points when a corner from the right side found James MacMillan's head, as the big defender sent the ball looping towards the net. As the ball fell into the goal just under the crossbar, Ryan Devereaux and the Hull keeper collided as each attempted to get a touch on the ball. Once again the referee made a decision that would not favour the Royals on the day as he called for goalkeeper interference, and the goal was disallowed.
But the Royals will have to look at themselves and not the referee, nor the playing conditions for the loss of 2 points on the day. A predator's instinct in front of goal and a more consistent performance on the defensive side of the ball from goalkeeper right through to the strikers will be required if the Royals are to turn their season around. Despite a few last gasp changes that saw Dimitri Koutras and Richard Boyle enter the fray, the Royals were forced to settle for a disappointing 2-2 tie.
And there isn't much time for the Royals to work on their form as they travel to Toronto for their next Ontario Cup encounter with Hearts Azzurri this weekend. Game time is set for 1pm at Esther Shiner Stadium in Toronto on Sunday, June 24 and awaiting the Royals on a hot Summer's day on field-turf will be a young talented team that is currently leading the Eastern Standings of the ultra competitive Ontario Soccer League. This is likely to be the most difficult test of the season so far for the Royals, and it will not get any easier from there as their next OCSL opponents will be none other than the defending National Champions, St Anthony's, whom they will face next Thursday in OCSL league play.
Statistics
Man of the Match: Marc Labrom - 3 points; Matt D’Angelo - 2 points; Roberto Gutierrez - 1 point.
Agent Labrom was stirred, not shaken in the 2-2 tie against UNIDOS. Making a return from a lengthy injury, Labrom showed character and tenacity in keeping the left-sided position solid for the Royals. A welcome return to the line up.
Royals:
1-Wallace; 22-R. Gutierrez (21-Viscosi, 46), 3-MacMillan, 6-Labrom; 9-Deganutti (46-Farant), 20-Kowlessar (8-Koutras, 86), 11-Rochon, 12-J. Gutierrez (2-Zegers, 41; R-Gutierrez, 81), 16-Brooks (19-Donnard, 46; Boyle, 81); 15-D'Angelo (23-Devereaux, 46), 7-Clouthier
Sub not used: Dennis
HULL UNIDOS
1-Pinheiro, 4-Simon, 10-Farias, 18-Ferreira, 3-Lee, 6-Imail, 22-Ciepela, 12-Akem, 5-Goulet, 14-Cabeireiras, 0-Ferreira, 7-Da Silva, 15-Marineur
Goals: 1-0 – Sylvain Clouthier (assist J. Gutierrez); 2-0 – Matt D’Angelo (assist Brooks); 2-1 – Cabeireiras (penalty); 2-2 Akem
Season Tally:
Goals: D’Angelo 9; J. Gutierrez 2; Boyle, Clouthier, Devereaux, Kowlessar, Ntwari 1
Assists: Deganutti 3; Brooks, J. Gutierrez, Rochon 2; Boyle, D’Angelo, Dennis, Devereaux 1
June 21, 2007
The Ottawa Royals continued to show signs of the Jekyll and Hyde routine that has plagued them throughout this young 2007 season, as they dropped two more vital points in the OCSL league title race to Hull Unidos last night.
Traveling to the unfriendly confines of Du Plateau field, the Ottawa Royals showed no opening signs of discomfort playing on a matchbox-sized pitch that was slick and bumpy, as they quickly took the lead off a Sylvain Cloutier strike. Jorge Gutierrez won a free header on 4 minutes in midfield and powered the ball forward to Cloutier who beat the offside trap and calmly struck the ball past the onrushing keeper from 18 meters out. The keeper got a hand to the ball, but there was enough power on the shot to see it through over the line to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.
Both teams were struggling with possession, as the slick surface was proving difficult. Weather conditions were cooler than expected, as a light drizzle made the playing surface even quicker. Jorge Gutierrez was throwing his weight around in midfield winning several challenges that spurred on the Royals attack, as the men in white enjoyed the majority of play and a multitude of scoring chances in the opening 30 minutes of the game. The Royals were stringing a few passes together in spurts, and in the 10th minute, Roberto Gutierrez settled the ball deep on the right side of the Royals own zone before sending a great pass down the wing for Jonathon Brooks. Brooks beat his defender and sent a perfect low, square pass across the goalmouth to an onrushing Matt D'Angelo. The Royals leading scorer made sure to get to the ball first before his marker, and confidently struck the ball first time, tucking it just inside the post for a 2-0 Royals lead.
Sloppy play ensued, with both teams taking advantage of the short distance between both goals to launch counter attacks in either direction. Tyler Wallace had a solid opening 45 minutes in the Royals net, as the Royals 3-5-2 formation limited Hull's opportunities, and took advantage of a shoddy Hull offside trap to create many promising attacking opportunities for themselves.
But as has been the storyline so far this season for the Royals, the team squandered away several set pieces and clear cut scoring chances and with each miss their play seemed to lose a little more intensity.
In the 40th minute, Jorge Gutierrez was forced out with a Charlie horse to his right thigh, and Labrom was pushed into midfield to see the rest of the half out (with Zegers sliding in at left back).With intensity waning, Royals players started second guessing their decisions in an attempt to unlock the way to the elusive third goal. This erratic play led to a turnover by Kowlessar at the top of the Hull's 18-yard box in minute 42. Hull counter attacked swiftly, sending a ball over the Royals defence putting the opposing striker in on goal for a 1v1 situation with Wallace.
Roberto Gutierrez recovered beautifully to restrict the angle of the striker's run on goal and caught up to the defender just inside the area, before lunging for the ball. Despite this shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, the striker was able to get a weak shot off that beat Wallace as he came off his line, but a retreating Frank Zegers was quick to clear the ball off the line and avoid conceding the goal. Inexplicably however, some 5 or 6 seconds after the shot was taken, a scrambling referee caught up to the play and blew his whistle, pointing to the penalty spot having judged that Roberto had committed a foul. Unidos accepted the gift gleefully, and a defender stepped up and converted the spot kick on the stroke of halftime to send the teams into the break with a 2-1 score line... the Royals were far from out of the woods!
Coach Adams decided to make several changes at half-time, Frank Decaria replacing Tyler Wallace in goal, Greg Donnard and Alan Farant entering the game on the flanks for Dan Deganutti and Jonathon Brooks, and Ryan Devereaux replacing Matt D'Angelo up front.
The Royals started the half on the right note immediately sending a ball into the corner for a speedy Donnard. The young French winger showed an appetitive for the game that was lacking in some of his team mates as he made several early second half runs that pinned the Hull side back in their end during the opening 15 minutes. Royals were nevertheless unable to restore their two-goal lead, despite several good scoring opportunities; the best chance falling to Kowlessar off a Farant corner, which saw his header from a few metres out go agonizingly wide of the post by a few inches. Having dodged this latest round of bullets, it was time for Hull to capitalize on a disorganized Royals team that was still trying to gets its feet on solid ground given the myriad of changes at various positions. Unidos enjoyed several chances on goal, and at the 61 minute mark found the equalizer they were looking for when a broken play fell to striker's feet as he smashed a shot home from just inside the box into the back of the Royals net: 2-2.
The rest of the game was a see-saw battle, with a majority of scoring opportunities falling the Royals way. There were goal-line scrambles at both ends of the field and with seconds remaining in the game the Royals thought they had secured all three points when a corner from the right side found James MacMillan's head, as the big defender sent the ball looping towards the net. As the ball fell into the goal just under the crossbar, Ryan Devereaux and the Hull keeper collided as each attempted to get a touch on the ball. Once again the referee made a decision that would not favour the Royals on the day as he called for goalkeeper interference, and the goal was disallowed.
But the Royals will have to look at themselves and not the referee, nor the playing conditions for the loss of 2 points on the day. A predator's instinct in front of goal and a more consistent performance on the defensive side of the ball from goalkeeper right through to the strikers will be required if the Royals are to turn their season around. Despite a few last gasp changes that saw Dimitri Koutras and Richard Boyle enter the fray, the Royals were forced to settle for a disappointing 2-2 tie.
And there isn't much time for the Royals to work on their form as they travel to Toronto for their next Ontario Cup encounter with Hearts Azzurri this weekend. Game time is set for 1pm at Esther Shiner Stadium in Toronto on Sunday, June 24 and awaiting the Royals on a hot Summer's day on field-turf will be a young talented team that is currently leading the Eastern Standings of the ultra competitive Ontario Soccer League. This is likely to be the most difficult test of the season so far for the Royals, and it will not get any easier from there as their next OCSL opponents will be none other than the defending National Champions, St Anthony's, whom they will face next Thursday in OCSL league play.
Statistics
Man of the Match: Marc Labrom - 3 points; Matt D’Angelo - 2 points; Roberto Gutierrez - 1 point.
Agent Labrom was stirred, not shaken in the 2-2 tie against UNIDOS. Making a return from a lengthy injury, Labrom showed character and tenacity in keeping the left-sided position solid for the Royals. A welcome return to the line up.
Royals:
1-Wallace; 22-R. Gutierrez (21-Viscosi, 46), 3-MacMillan, 6-Labrom; 9-Deganutti (46-Farant), 20-Kowlessar (8-Koutras, 86), 11-Rochon, 12-J. Gutierrez (2-Zegers, 41; R-Gutierrez, 81), 16-Brooks (19-Donnard, 46; Boyle, 81); 15-D'Angelo (23-Devereaux, 46), 7-Clouthier
Sub not used: Dennis
HULL UNIDOS
1-Pinheiro, 4-Simon, 10-Farias, 18-Ferreira, 3-Lee, 6-Imail, 22-Ciepela, 12-Akem, 5-Goulet, 14-Cabeireiras, 0-Ferreira, 7-Da Silva, 15-Marineur
Goals: 1-0 – Sylvain Clouthier (assist J. Gutierrez); 2-0 – Matt D’Angelo (assist Brooks); 2-1 – Cabeireiras (penalty); 2-2 Akem
Season Tally:
Goals: D’Angelo 9; J. Gutierrez 2; Boyle, Clouthier, Devereaux, Kowlessar, Ntwari 1
Assists: Deganutti 3; Brooks, J. Gutierrez, Rochon 2; Boyle, D’Angelo, Dennis, Devereaux 1
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Squad named for Ontario Cup match
Royals Coach Michael Adams has named a provisional squad of 18 players for the Ontario Cup match against Azzurri Hearts this weekend.
Richard Boyle
Jonathan Brooks
Sylvain Clouthier
Matthew D'Angelo
Dan Deganutti
Jeff Dennis
Ryan Devereaux
Jorge Gutierrez
Roberto Gutierrez
Steve Kowlessar
Marc Labrom
Antoine Lagarec
James MacMillan
Thierry Ntwari
Dom Rochon
Marc Anthony Viscosi
Tyler Wallace
Frank Zegers
Richard Boyle
Jonathan Brooks
Sylvain Clouthier
Matthew D'Angelo
Dan Deganutti
Jeff Dennis
Ryan Devereaux
Jorge Gutierrez
Roberto Gutierrez
Steve Kowlessar
Marc Labrom
Antoine Lagarec
James MacMillan
Thierry Ntwari
Dom Rochon
Marc Anthony Viscosi
Tyler Wallace
Frank Zegers
Time Change for Ontario Cup Tie
The Ontario Soccer Association have changed the time of the Ontario Cup Second Round tie between Azzurri Hearts and Ottawa Royals.
The tie now kicks off at 1 pm at the Esther Shriner Stadium.
The tie now kicks off at 1 pm at the Esther Shriner Stadium.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Royals MP concerned about allegations
Ottawa Royals team captain Dominic Rochon today expressed concern about allegations made by Mexican news magazine "Hola!" concerning events involving three members of the current Royals MP team and one former member currently playing with another Premier team that allegedly took place during a recent Mardi Gras festival.
This sort of thing is "insensitive, and indeed ... incorrect," claimed Rochon, from his panelled office at government HQ this morning.
Rochon refused to be drawn on further allegations regarding the high number of hairdressers on the Royals team. "I refuse to be drawn on allegations regarding the high number of hairdressers on the Royals team," he said, shaking his head and winking.
"All I can say is that this would never have happened on old Royals teams."
Further rumours that the Royals would be adopting the new white leotards sported in the Hola news spread as their Ontario Cup kit were confirmed by an anonymous military source.
"Er, yep, er yep, er yep," said Private Dick Tepid, seen surreptitiously moving a handful of shirts behind his back. "The material is really silky and soft and, er, yep, er, yep."
When pressed for a comment on the photo, "ring leader" Jorge Gutierrez replied. "I guess you guys have finally figured it out... what can i say! you guys missed a fantastic evening."
This sort of thing is "insensitive, and indeed ... incorrect," claimed Rochon, from his panelled office at government HQ this morning.
Rochon refused to be drawn on further allegations regarding the high number of hairdressers on the Royals team. "I refuse to be drawn on allegations regarding the high number of hairdressers on the Royals team," he said, shaking his head and winking.
"All I can say is that this would never have happened on old Royals teams."
Further rumours that the Royals would be adopting the new white leotards sported in the Hola news spread as their Ontario Cup kit were confirmed by an anonymous military source.
"Er, yep, er yep, er yep," said Private Dick Tepid, seen surreptitiously moving a handful of shirts behind his back. "The material is really silky and soft and, er, yep, er, yep."
When pressed for a comment on the photo, "ring leader" Jorge Gutierrez replied. "I guess you guys have finally figured it out... what can i say! you guys missed a fantastic evening."
Friday, June 15, 2007
Report: Royals 5, Internationals 2
Royals defeat Internationals to secure first league win
June 14, 2007
As strange as it may sound, sometimes lining up to face a team you beat by 7 goals merely 5 days prior to your encounter is not always easy. Indeed, human nature being what it is, how can one blame players from the winning team for entering a rematch with overconfidence? With memories of the Ontario Cup win fresh in their minds, an air of complacency amidst the Royals camp was no doubt inevitable and on the other side of the coin, a wounded Ottawa Internationals, stung by the embarrassment of Sunday's crushing loss, had nothing to lose and everything to gain as they looked for some form of redemption on a warm summer evening.
And so it was that the Royals and the Internationals took to the field for the second time in less than a week, the venue this time moving to Maple Leaf for the Royals home opener. The pitch was in good condition, and coach Adams hoped that the difference in technical ability between the two teams would be enough to overcome the dangers of complacency and overconfidence that were no doubt clouding his players' minds. That being said, the Royals had yet to win an OCSL league game entering this third encounter with a tie and a loss behind them, as they found themselves looking up in the standings at the Internationals who had secured 3 points in their first two games, enjoying a 1-0-1 record.
As the referee blew the opening whistle the Royals settled right away into a game of possession, spraying several short passes around through the midfield and up the flanks. Any fears of complacency were quickly brushed aside as Jorge Gutierrez showed good intent on winning a couple of early 50/50 challenges in the middle of the park, as Richard Boyle and Jonathon Brooks powered forward with several early promising runs up the left and right sides of the pitch. Indeed, the Royals were picking up right where they left off on Sunday - and on 13 minutes following a strong run by Boyle on the left side, his pass found Mat D'Angelo who comfortably side-footed the ball into the corner of the net for a 1-0 Royals lead.
The Internationals seemed rattled, with the majority of play occurring in their own end. They were falling back on their heals and as a result, Royals' players were afforded time on the ball to seemingly pick out whichever option was available. Signs of haughtiness started to creep in however as Jorge Gutierrez and Sylvain Cloutier clashed momentarily as the two team mates argued pettily over which player would control a stray ball. Jorge clearly called for it, but when Sylvain retained possession of the ball Jorge strode forward his Latino blood boiling over what he deemed to be a slight on his authority. Seconds later he collected a neat pass by Dominic Rochon and buoyed by his anger he smashed a ball from 20 meters out which deflected off an Internationals defender and looped over Sean Dobbie and into the back of the net to make the score 2-0 in favour of the Royals at the 20 minute mark.
This is where play started to break down. The Internationals made a couple of substations, introducing Pedro Miura in the game and as a result started to show a bit more bite. Royals players were starting to display the types of bad habits that come with overconfidence: taking too many touches on the ball and not displaying enough effort to run off the ball and create angles for team mates on the offensive side of things, and on the defensive side, showing impatience by jumping into tackles or by allowing runners 2 or 3 meters of space. At the 26 minute mark the Internationals sent a ball down the left-hand side and Eugene Burnier sent a cross to an unmarked Pedro Miura who struck the ball goalwards. Frank Dicaria got a hand to it, but Pedro was on hand to ensure that the ball crossed the line to cut the Royals lead in half. One minute later a similar run down the left wing led to another cross into the Royals' box - Steve Kowlessar did a good job tracking Miura this time, but the ball inadvertently hit his arm and the referee was quick to blow the whistle for a penalty. A bit harsh, but Burnier didn't waste the gift as he slotted the ball home past Dicaria to square the game off at 2 goals apiece.
Despite completely dominating time of possession and after squandering numerous corner kicks and set plays, the Royals had nothing to show for their efforts and securing three points was far from certain. However good fortune would smile on the Royals 10 minutes later when an errant shot from Jonathon Brooks was spilled by Sean Dobbie and Matt D'Angelo was Johnny-on-the spot to calmly slot the ball home and put the Royals back in the lead. This strike seemed to restore things to their natural order and the Royals started comfortably knocking the ball around again, and on the stroke of halftime Rochon sent a hard through ball that split the defence, hitting Boyle in stride on the left flank. Boyle took a few touches before neatly finding Matt D'Angelo who completed his hattrick with another simple tap-in from a few meters out. 4-2 at the break.
The second half started with several changes to the Royals side, Tyler Wallace coming in to replace Decaria as both keepers were to play a half on the day. Marc-Anthony Viscosi and Marc Labrom replaced Roberto Gutierrez and Frank Zegers respectively at the outside back positions. Jeff Dennis replaced Boyle on the left flank, and Ryan Devereaux came on for Sylvain Cloutier up front. The second half was much more uneventful than the first, both teams getting stretched at times but neither keeper finding themselves under much duress. Given the heat and perhaps the 13 goals that had been scored in the previous 135 minute of play, both teams were content to battle it out in midfield.
The Royals were enjoying most of the possession again, and looked the most likely to score to add to their lead. At the 63 minute mark Dan Deganutti entered the game for Jonathon Brooks (sending Dennis to the right flank so Deganutti could set up shop in his customary role on the left wing). Three minutes later Thierry Ntwari made his first official appearance for the Royals as he entered the game up front replacing D'Angelo.
The fresh legs paid off as Deganutti found a streaking Ntwari who beat he offside trap at the 73 minute mark, and in turn coolly chipped the keeper from 20 meters out to put an end to the scoring on the day.Several other Royals came on to see the game out: Alan Morgan entering the fray for Jorge Gutierrez; Greg Donnard came on for Jeff Dennis; Dimitri Koutras replaced Ryan Devereaux; Alan Farant replaced Marc Labrom; and, Ewan Lyttle gave his hamstring a go taking Steve Kowlessar's place in defensive midfield.
All in all a decent performance buy the boys in blue. Good to get a first win under the belt, but mental breakdowns and momentarily lapses will cost dearly if they are to occur against stronger opponents. Next up is an unknown entity in Hull Unidos - a side who handily dispatched Capital United 3-1 and who would be sitting undefeated at the top of the standings had it not been for the use of a couple of players who were not properly registered, which led to a 3-1 win over Hull Lions be reversed to a 2-0 default loss. This game will be played in a week's time at the unfriendly confines of Du Plateau in Gatineau.
Statistics
Man of the Match: Matt D’Angelo - 3 points; Dom Rochon - 2 points; Richard Boyle - 1 point
Matt D’Angelo scores his second straight hattrick and grabs his second straight man-of-the match award in the process. Hard-working and aggressive, D’Angelo’s finishing was clinical and catapults him to the top of the Royals OCSL scoring chart.
Ottawa Internationals
1-Sean Dobbie; GK-Chris Smith; 5-Jeff Cowan; 7-Greg Andujar; 12-Marco Ianni; 2-Michael Domanski; 15-Steven Walker; 11-Gilson Calei; 4-Chris Marins; 9-Eugene Burnier; 8-Sol Ashrafi; 18-Mike Hoefler; 16-Pedro Miura; 20-Joris Graziotin; 13-Chris Nolan; 14-Peter Mapendere; 19-Paolo Alves
Ottawa Royals
1-Frank De Caria (1-Tyler Wallace-46); 4-Roberto Gutierrez (12-Marc Antony Viscosi, 46); 3-James MacMillan; 2-Frank Zegers (5-Marc Labrom, 46; 18-Alan Farant, 79); 16-Jonathan Brooks (Dan Deganutti, 63); 7-Steve Kowlessar (Ewan Lyttle, 79); 9-Jorge Gutierrez (Alan Morgan, 71); 11-Dom Rochon; 19-Richard Boyle (13-Jeff Dennis, 46; Greg Donnard, 75); 15-Matt D'Angelo (Thierry Ntwari, 66), 23-Sylvain Cloutier (Ryan Devereaux, 46; Dimitri Koutras, 75)
Goals: 1-0 - Matt D'Angelo (assist Boyle), 2-0 - Jorge Gutierrez (assist Rochon), 3-2 - Matt D'Angelo (unassisted), 4-2 - Matt D'Angelo (assist Boyle), 5-2 - Thierry Ntwari (assist Deganutti)
Season Tally:
Goals: D’Angelo 8; J. Gutierrez 2; Boyle, Devereaux, Kowlessar, Ntwari 1
Assists: Deganutti 3; Rochon 2; Boyle, Brooks, D’Angelo, Dennis, Devereaux, J. Gutierrez 1
Yellow Cards: none
June 14, 2007
As strange as it may sound, sometimes lining up to face a team you beat by 7 goals merely 5 days prior to your encounter is not always easy. Indeed, human nature being what it is, how can one blame players from the winning team for entering a rematch with overconfidence? With memories of the Ontario Cup win fresh in their minds, an air of complacency amidst the Royals camp was no doubt inevitable and on the other side of the coin, a wounded Ottawa Internationals, stung by the embarrassment of Sunday's crushing loss, had nothing to lose and everything to gain as they looked for some form of redemption on a warm summer evening.
And so it was that the Royals and the Internationals took to the field for the second time in less than a week, the venue this time moving to Maple Leaf for the Royals home opener. The pitch was in good condition, and coach Adams hoped that the difference in technical ability between the two teams would be enough to overcome the dangers of complacency and overconfidence that were no doubt clouding his players' minds. That being said, the Royals had yet to win an OCSL league game entering this third encounter with a tie and a loss behind them, as they found themselves looking up in the standings at the Internationals who had secured 3 points in their first two games, enjoying a 1-0-1 record.
As the referee blew the opening whistle the Royals settled right away into a game of possession, spraying several short passes around through the midfield and up the flanks. Any fears of complacency were quickly brushed aside as Jorge Gutierrez showed good intent on winning a couple of early 50/50 challenges in the middle of the park, as Richard Boyle and Jonathon Brooks powered forward with several early promising runs up the left and right sides of the pitch. Indeed, the Royals were picking up right where they left off on Sunday - and on 13 minutes following a strong run by Boyle on the left side, his pass found Mat D'Angelo who comfortably side-footed the ball into the corner of the net for a 1-0 Royals lead.
The Internationals seemed rattled, with the majority of play occurring in their own end. They were falling back on their heals and as a result, Royals' players were afforded time on the ball to seemingly pick out whichever option was available. Signs of haughtiness started to creep in however as Jorge Gutierrez and Sylvain Cloutier clashed momentarily as the two team mates argued pettily over which player would control a stray ball. Jorge clearly called for it, but when Sylvain retained possession of the ball Jorge strode forward his Latino blood boiling over what he deemed to be a slight on his authority. Seconds later he collected a neat pass by Dominic Rochon and buoyed by his anger he smashed a ball from 20 meters out which deflected off an Internationals defender and looped over Sean Dobbie and into the back of the net to make the score 2-0 in favour of the Royals at the 20 minute mark.
This is where play started to break down. The Internationals made a couple of substations, introducing Pedro Miura in the game and as a result started to show a bit more bite. Royals players were starting to display the types of bad habits that come with overconfidence: taking too many touches on the ball and not displaying enough effort to run off the ball and create angles for team mates on the offensive side of things, and on the defensive side, showing impatience by jumping into tackles or by allowing runners 2 or 3 meters of space. At the 26 minute mark the Internationals sent a ball down the left-hand side and Eugene Burnier sent a cross to an unmarked Pedro Miura who struck the ball goalwards. Frank Dicaria got a hand to it, but Pedro was on hand to ensure that the ball crossed the line to cut the Royals lead in half. One minute later a similar run down the left wing led to another cross into the Royals' box - Steve Kowlessar did a good job tracking Miura this time, but the ball inadvertently hit his arm and the referee was quick to blow the whistle for a penalty. A bit harsh, but Burnier didn't waste the gift as he slotted the ball home past Dicaria to square the game off at 2 goals apiece.
Despite completely dominating time of possession and after squandering numerous corner kicks and set plays, the Royals had nothing to show for their efforts and securing three points was far from certain. However good fortune would smile on the Royals 10 minutes later when an errant shot from Jonathon Brooks was spilled by Sean Dobbie and Matt D'Angelo was Johnny-on-the spot to calmly slot the ball home and put the Royals back in the lead. This strike seemed to restore things to their natural order and the Royals started comfortably knocking the ball around again, and on the stroke of halftime Rochon sent a hard through ball that split the defence, hitting Boyle in stride on the left flank. Boyle took a few touches before neatly finding Matt D'Angelo who completed his hattrick with another simple tap-in from a few meters out. 4-2 at the break.
The second half started with several changes to the Royals side, Tyler Wallace coming in to replace Decaria as both keepers were to play a half on the day. Marc-Anthony Viscosi and Marc Labrom replaced Roberto Gutierrez and Frank Zegers respectively at the outside back positions. Jeff Dennis replaced Boyle on the left flank, and Ryan Devereaux came on for Sylvain Cloutier up front. The second half was much more uneventful than the first, both teams getting stretched at times but neither keeper finding themselves under much duress. Given the heat and perhaps the 13 goals that had been scored in the previous 135 minute of play, both teams were content to battle it out in midfield.
The Royals were enjoying most of the possession again, and looked the most likely to score to add to their lead. At the 63 minute mark Dan Deganutti entered the game for Jonathon Brooks (sending Dennis to the right flank so Deganutti could set up shop in his customary role on the left wing). Three minutes later Thierry Ntwari made his first official appearance for the Royals as he entered the game up front replacing D'Angelo.
The fresh legs paid off as Deganutti found a streaking Ntwari who beat he offside trap at the 73 minute mark, and in turn coolly chipped the keeper from 20 meters out to put an end to the scoring on the day.Several other Royals came on to see the game out: Alan Morgan entering the fray for Jorge Gutierrez; Greg Donnard came on for Jeff Dennis; Dimitri Koutras replaced Ryan Devereaux; Alan Farant replaced Marc Labrom; and, Ewan Lyttle gave his hamstring a go taking Steve Kowlessar's place in defensive midfield.
All in all a decent performance buy the boys in blue. Good to get a first win under the belt, but mental breakdowns and momentarily lapses will cost dearly if they are to occur against stronger opponents. Next up is an unknown entity in Hull Unidos - a side who handily dispatched Capital United 3-1 and who would be sitting undefeated at the top of the standings had it not been for the use of a couple of players who were not properly registered, which led to a 3-1 win over Hull Lions be reversed to a 2-0 default loss. This game will be played in a week's time at the unfriendly confines of Du Plateau in Gatineau.
Statistics
Man of the Match: Matt D’Angelo - 3 points; Dom Rochon - 2 points; Richard Boyle - 1 point
Matt D’Angelo scores his second straight hattrick and grabs his second straight man-of-the match award in the process. Hard-working and aggressive, D’Angelo’s finishing was clinical and catapults him to the top of the Royals OCSL scoring chart.
Ottawa Internationals
1-Sean Dobbie; GK-Chris Smith; 5-Jeff Cowan; 7-Greg Andujar; 12-Marco Ianni; 2-Michael Domanski; 15-Steven Walker; 11-Gilson Calei; 4-Chris Marins; 9-Eugene Burnier; 8-Sol Ashrafi; 18-Mike Hoefler; 16-Pedro Miura; 20-Joris Graziotin; 13-Chris Nolan; 14-Peter Mapendere; 19-Paolo Alves
Ottawa Royals
1-Frank De Caria (1-Tyler Wallace-46); 4-Roberto Gutierrez (12-Marc Antony Viscosi, 46); 3-James MacMillan; 2-Frank Zegers (5-Marc Labrom, 46; 18-Alan Farant, 79); 16-Jonathan Brooks (Dan Deganutti, 63); 7-Steve Kowlessar (Ewan Lyttle, 79); 9-Jorge Gutierrez (Alan Morgan, 71); 11-Dom Rochon; 19-Richard Boyle (13-Jeff Dennis, 46; Greg Donnard, 75); 15-Matt D'Angelo (Thierry Ntwari, 66), 23-Sylvain Cloutier (Ryan Devereaux, 46; Dimitri Koutras, 75)
Goals: 1-0 - Matt D'Angelo (assist Boyle), 2-0 - Jorge Gutierrez (assist Rochon), 3-2 - Matt D'Angelo (unassisted), 4-2 - Matt D'Angelo (assist Boyle), 5-2 - Thierry Ntwari (assist Deganutti)
Season Tally:
Goals: D’Angelo 8; J. Gutierrez 2; Boyle, Devereaux, Kowlessar, Ntwari 1
Assists: Deganutti 3; Rochon 2; Boyle, Brooks, D’Angelo, Dennis, Devereaux, J. Gutierrez 1
Yellow Cards: none
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