Gameday in 5
A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (July 25-Aug. 1) — for London’s teams and athletes.
A strong season came to an end for FC London Saturday (July 27), as the women lost a 2-0 decision against NDC-Ontario in the semi-finals. (Photo: League1 Ontario)
* * *
The Majors had another good weekend, winning two of their three contests (with Sunday’s fourth game rained out). They began the week strong by beating the Hamilton Cardinals, 7-0, on Friday night. Fernando Fernandez got the start (his first of the season) and worked 5 2/3 innings. The left-hander allowed five hits and a walk while striking out two and holding the Cardinals without a run. The Majors, on the other hand, put up seven runs, including scoring twice in three separate innings. Gibson Krzeminski and Starling Joseph drove in London’s first two runs, while Cleveland Brownlee cracked a solo homer, and Taylor Wright, in his first game back from his stint with the Frontier League’s Ottawa Titans, drove in three runs, enjoying a 3-for-4 night at the plate with a double and 2-run homer. The Majors’ bullpen picked up where Fernandez left off, with Anderson Acevedo (1 1/3 IP), Daniel Gore (1 IP) and Braeden Ferrington (1 IP) shutting out the Cardinals’ offense the rest of the way.
After a convincing win Friday, the Majors traveled to Kitchener for a doubleheader Sunday (with one half being a makeup game from June 12). London took the first contest, 8-4, with their ace on the mound. Jose Arias went the distance in the 7-inning affair, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits. He walked one and racked up nine strikeouts en route to his ninth win of the season. Jakob Newton got the scoring started with a solo homer in the first inning. The big difference was a five-run third inning for the Majors, during which Brownlee drilled a three-run homer and Joseph delivered a two-run shot. Dan Perrier, who went 2-for-3 with a pair of runs, added a solo homer in the seventh to close out the scoring.
With their win streak at eight games following their Game 1 win Sunday, the Majors saw their run come to an end in Game 2, as the Panthers took the second half of the doubleheader, 11-7, at Jack Couch Park. London found itself down big early, as starting pitcher Pedro De Los Santos struggled out of the gate, allowing seven runs in the first three innings. Overall, the left-hander gave up nine in 5.0 innings of work. he allowed 13 hits, walked three and struck out six. Down 9-2, the Majors did manage to claw their way back with a four-run sixth inning to make it 9-6, but that’s the closest they would come. Newton had another big game at the plate for London, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two doubles. Robert Mullen drove in two with his 11th home run of the season.
Up next:
The Majors (24-9), who are tied with the Welland Jackfish for top spot in the IBL standings, return to action Friday at home for a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Two other strong opponents (including the Jackfish) are also on the schedule for this weekend …
Fri. Aug. 5 (7:35pm vs. Toronto Maple Leafs)
Sat. Aug. 6 (7:30pm @ Guelph Royals)
Sun. Aug. 7 (7:35pm vs. Welland Jackfish)
Women’s team:
After advancing to the semi-finals following a midweek win over Simcoe County, FC London’s season came to an end Saturday with a loss to NDC-Ontario.
Facing the Simcoe County Rovers in a quarter-final Wednesday, London prevailed 4-3 at Tricar Field. The team set the pace early, with Julia Benati scoring in the game’s 9th minute. London added to their lead when Ally Hicks put them ahead by two in the 23rd minute. After Rovers FC came within a goal, Jen Milligan put FC London up 3-1 shortly after, and then Taneil Gay extended London’s lead to three goals heading into the break. Simcoe County made a push in the second half, scoring twice, but the home side held on for the win — and a place in a league semi-final matchup.
That matchup happened Saturday, as FC London played its third game in six days. Playing against the National Development Centre-Ontario (NDC-Ontario), London struggled to get anything going on offense. The home side controlled much of the play in Brampton, and after a scoreless first half NDC-Ontario found the back of the net in the 72nd minute, and then quickly scored a second to deflate the FC London faithful who made the trip. The home side’s strong defensive play continued to shut down London for the remainder of the match to earn a trip to the League1 Ontario finals.
Men’s team
FC London’s Men’s team, meanwhile, lost in their lone match of the week, 2-1, to BVB IA Waterloo. The team found themselves down early, as Waterloo scored the icebreaker just four minutes into the game. Down 1-0 in the second half, Kuhle Bekwayo tied the match for London in the 58th minute. The game remained tied until Waterloo reclaimed the lead in the 79th minute and held on to win the game.
Up next:
The men (2-13-3) return home this Saturday for a match against Guelph United (11-3-3) at Tricar Field. Three games remain on the schedule, including a home season finale Aug. 20 against Alliance United FC.
Sat. Aug. 6 (8:30pm vs. Guelph United)
There are some familiar faces, but there’s a sense of renewal in London as the Lightning embark on a new season. With a new coach and several new players, is a new era upon us? What to expect in 2024-25 …