Gameday in 5

A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (May 9-15) — for London’s teams and athletes.

(Photo: League1 Ontario).

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London Lightning

The Lightning saw playoff action Sunday for the first time since 2019 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). And they got off to a good start, taking Game 1 of their semi-final series against the Windsor Express, 106-99.

London started out the week wrapping up their regular season campaign, and they did so by finishing undefeated at home (12-0) by beating the Sudbury Five, 125-115, on Thursday. Ahead 61-55 at the break, the Lightning fell behind by six after three quarters of play. But a much stronger defensive fourth helped London outscore Sudbury 35-19 in the final quarter and earn the 10-point win. Amir Williams had a bigtime double-double, scoring 40 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. Jordan Burns had his second straight 30-point game, scoring 32 with 8 assists and 5 rebounds.

And then it was time for playoffs. The Lightning entered the postseason Sunday with a 20-4 regular season record, good for tops in the league. As the No. 1 seed, they welcomed No. 4 Windsor to Budweiser Gardens, and though the game was much closer than they’d have liked, the Lightning hit big shots in the final minutes to secure the Game 1 win, 106-99. Three-pointers from Burns and Mareik Isom were the key down the stretch. Williams was the top London scorer with 22 points, as six London players finished in double digits. In his first game back from suspension, Chris Jones scored 19 points and dished out 7 assists. Terry Thomas had a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double with 4 blocks.

Up next:

The Lightning have a three-game week, potentially, as Games 2, 3 and 4 (if necessary) are on the docket. Game 2 will be back at Budweiser Gardens Tuesday before the series moves to Windsor for Game 3 Friday.

Tues. May 17 (7:00pm vs. Windsor)
Fri. May 20 (7:30pm @ Windsor)
Sun. May 22 (2:00pm @ Windsor) (if necessary)

Playoffs (London, No. 1, vs. Windsor Express, No. 4) (London leads series 1-0)
Game 1: London 106 vs. Windsor 99
Game 2: Tues. May 17 (7:00pm vs. Windsor)
Game 3: Fri. May 20 (7:30pm @ Windsor)
Game 4: Sun. May 22 (2:00pm @ Windsor) (if necessary)
Game 5: Tues. May 24 (7:00pm vs. Windsor) (if necessary)

London Majors

The Majors began their IBL title defense on Sunday, and it got off to a good start, as they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on the road in their 2022 season opener.

Owen Boon earned the win on the mound. The veteran right-hander tossed five innings and allowed two earned runs on five hits. He struck out four. Newcomer Jose Arias was strong in relief, earning a 4-inning save. He allowed just a run on four hits while striking out seven. London native Drew Lawrence had a strong game, going 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored. New third baseman Taylor Wright reached base three times and scored twice, while the Majors’ new catcher, Robert Mullen, had a pair of hits. Cleveland Brownlee swatted his first home run of the season in the 9th to provide London with an insurance run.

Up next:

The Majors will play their home opener on Friday when they host the Kitchener Panthers at Labatt Park. Then they’ll head to Welland Saturday for an afternoon game.

Fri. May 20 (7:35pm vs. Kitchener Panthers)
Sat. May 21 (1:05pm @ Welland Jackfish)

FC London

Women’s team:

FC London’s women’s team continued their early dominance over the weekend, beating Hamilton United 7-0 on the road Saturday. Midfielder Julia Benati opened the scoring just 2 minutes into the match. London’s offense was relentless, scoring three more times in the first half. Benati scored her second of the game (and fourth of the season) in the second half, and London added two more insurance goals. The other five goal scorers: Taylor Mitchener (1), Ally Hicks (2), Thalia Lewis (2), Jen Milligan (4) and Taneil Gay (3).

Up next:

The women (4-0-0) have a two-game week, with a pair of home matches on Tuesday (BVB IA Waterloo, 3-1-1) and Saturday (Prostars FC, 0-4-0).

Tues. May 17 (8:00pm vs. BVB IA Waterloo, Tricar Field)
Sat. May 21 (4:00pm vs. ProStars FC)

Men’s team:

FC London’s men’s team is still looking for its first win of the year, as the squad lost their third of the season, 3-2, to Sigma FC on the road Saturday. London opened the scoring, with Santiago Fonseca scoring his first of the season in the 15th minute. Sigma FC tied the game 12 minutes later, and then took the lead in the 35th minute. Carson Wood tied the game at 2 in the second half for FC London, but Sigma FC scored the game-winner late in the contest.

Up next:

The men (0-3-1) have two games on the slate this week, as they’ll play Scrosoppi FC (2-2-0) on the road Wednesday, and then host Burlington SC (0-2-2) on Saturday (that latter game is scheduled to be played at London’s Portuguese Club).

Wed. May 18 (8:00pm @ Scrosoppi FC)
Sat. May 21 (7:00pm vs. Burlington SC)