Gameday in 5

A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (July 11-17) — for London’s teams and athletes.

(Photo: League1 Ontario)

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London Majors

After losing three in a row the previous week the Majors bounced back last week, and in a big way, winning all three of their weekend games. The first win, on Friday, was a narrow 7-6 victory over the Kitchener Panthers at Labatt Park. After going down 1-0 early, Austin Wilkie and Jakob Newton, London’s first two hitters of the game, launched back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the first. Trailing 3-2 in the 5th, the Majors scored four times in their half of the inning. Gibson Krzeminski doubled in two with the bases loaded. Dan Perrier later singled, driving in another two runs to give London a 6-3 lead. The Panthers fought back in the top of the 6th, though, and managed to tie the game. The difference came in the 7th, when Krzeminski laced an RBI single that drove in Starling Joseph with the eventual game winning run.

After a close game Friday, the Majors’ offense showed up big on Saturday during an 11-6 win over the Hamilton Cardinals. With the visitors ahead 2-1, London put up seven runs in the bottom of the fourth to break the game open. Newton drove in three with a bases-loaded double, while Joseph later singled in a pair, also with the bases loaded. The Majors built up a 9-2 lead before the Cardinals got back on the board, but it was too little, too late. Pedro De Los Santos got the win, going 7.0 innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on 10 hits. He walked one and struck out 11.

London’s offense showed up again on Sunday, as the Majors beat the Toronto Maple Leafs on the road, 14-8. Once again, London enjoyed a huge offensive inning (actually, two) — this time, a seven-run 2nd and a six-run 6th. Austin Wilkie, who led off the game with a homer, then launched a grand slam in the 2nd. The outfielder reached four times on the day. Krzeminski, Phil Whelan and Cleveland Brownlee, with his league-leading 11th, also homered for the Majors, who got a quality start from ace Jose Arias, who limited Toronto to three runs over 6.0 innings.

Up next:

The Majors (19-8), who remained in second place after the weekend, two games back of Welland, who are enjoying a seven-game winning streak, have a trio of games this weekend, including a home affair against Barrie Friday night.

Fri. July 22 (7:35pm vs. Barrie Baycats)
Sat. July 23 (8:00pm @ Brantford Red Sox)
Sun. July 24 (2:05pm @ Hamilton Cardinals)

FC London

Women’s team:

The Women’s team had their most challenging week of the season, ultimately losing both of their matches and dropping to fourth place in the League1 standings. FC London started the week Wednesday with a tough 4-0 loss to the North Toronto Nitros on the road. The Nitros opened the scoring just 30 seconds into the match and then poured it on in the second half, scoring three quick goals and putting the game away.

And then it was a tough match against a top team, the National Development Centre - Ontario (NDC-Ontario) squad, who sit second in the standings. Playing at the Ontario Soccer Centre, FC London was dealt a 2-0 loss. After a scoreless first half, the home side scored twice in a 5-minute span in the second to win the game.

Up next:

The FC London Women (12-4-2, 38 points), who are now tied for fourth spot with Simcoe County, trailing Vaughan Azzurri (45 points), NDC-Ontario (43 points) and the Woodbridge Strikers (41 points), will play their final regular season match Sunday against Guelph Union (7-8-2). It will be their fourth straight road game. FC London has qualified for the playoffs (top six teams make it), and their playoff schedule will be released following this weekend’s action.

Sun. July 24 (4:00pm @ Guelph Union)

Men’s team

The men’s team had another rough week, losing both of their games. On Tuesday it was a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Woodbridge Strikers. After a scoreless first half, Woodbridge broke through in the 72nd minute. FC London responded 9 minutes later, with Aidan Marr tying the game. The tie was short-lived, though, as Woodbridge took the lead again a minute later and earned the win.

FC London lost 2-1 again on Saturday, this time against Master’s FA at home. Down 2-0 entering the second half, London was unable to score until very late. Aidan Bauer brought the team within a goal by scoring in the 94th minute, but Master’s FA managed to hold on for the win.

Up next:

The men (2-11-3) are back in action Sunday on the road against Blue Devils FC (10-1-5). Five games remain in their regular season schedule, including home matches on Aug. 6 and Aug. 20.

Sun. July 24 (4:00pm @ Blue Devils FC)