Gameday in 5
A recap of the week that was (Oct. 4-10) — and a look to the week ahead — for London’s teams and athletes.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
The Knights swept the Owen Sound Attack in their home-and-home series to start the 2021-22 season — their first action since March 2020. The new-look team won Friday’s home opener, 3-2 in a shootout, at Budweiser Gardens, and followed that up with a 4-3 road win Saturday. Trailing by a goal twice Friday night, the Knights answered both times and dominated play in the third period. In the shootout, Sean McGurn scored the winner, while London goaltender Brett Brochu stopped all four shots he faced. Rookie Landon Sim and Gerard Keane scored London’s two goals in regulation.
On Saturday, Knights captain Luke Evangelista had two of the Knights’ four goals in their road win. Rookie Abakar Kazbekov scored the game-winner — in the third period — for his first OHL goal. The Knights withstood a 6-on-4 empty net situation to hang on for the win. With two wins to start the season, the Knights have matched the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL’s Midwest Division to open the year.
Up next:
The Knights (2-0-0-0) play a home-and-home series with the Windsor Spitfires (1-1-0-0) beginning Thanksgiving Monday, with game two at home on Friday, followed by a Saturday contest in Sarnia.
Monday. Oct 11 (2:05pm @ Windsor Spitfires)
Friday. Oct 15 (7:30pm vs. Windsor Spitfires)
Saturday. Oct 16 (7:05pm @ Sarnia Sting)
Men
The Men had their win streak snapped, losing 2-1 to Scrosoppi FC on Friday night at home. Down 1-0 late, FC London tied it in the 98th minute before Scrosoppi FC scored in the 100th minute to earn the victory. The loss dropped London (7-3-0) from a tie for first to third place in League1 Ontario’s West Division.
Up next:
The Men will look to get back on track when they host Sigma FC (4-2-3) on Friday at the Hellenic Community Centre.
Fri. Oct. 15 (8:30pm vs Sigma FC)
Women
The Women played the second-place Oakville Blue Devils to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night, thus remaining undefeated and in top spot in the overall standings. After going down 1-0 in the first half, Jade Kovacevic scored her league-leading 16th goal to tie things up and earn the draw.
Up next:
The FC Women will host Vaughan Azzurri (4-3-1) on Saturday night at the Hellenic Community Centre. FC London won the previous matchup between the two teams, 1-0, back on Aug. 29.
Sat. Oct. 16 (8:00pm vs Vaughan Azzurri)
The Nationals split their two games last week, including losing their first of the season after running off four wins to open the year. On Wednesday, they shut out the Strathroy Rockets, 6-0, to continue their winning ways. Daniel Torrealba scored a pair of goals in the contest, while Logan Pace-Roth, Jeffrey Burridge, Michael Elliston, and Nicholas Beaupre notched a goal each. Nationals goalie Owen Flores stopped all 26 shots he faced to earn the shutout win. lost 8-4 to the Leamington Flyers on Thursday
Thursday’s game was a different story. After an early goal by captain Jeffrey Burridge, the Leamington Flyers responded with two goals of their own and then scored four times in the second period to put the game out of reach. London’s Zach Power had a goal (his sixth of the season) and two assists in the contest, bringing his team-leading point total to 12 early on in the season.
Up next:
The Nationals (4-1-0-0) have two games this week. They host the second-place (Western Conference) Chatham Maroons (4-2-1-0) on Wednesday, and then face the St. Thomas Stars (1-5-0-0) on Friday.
Wed. Oct. 13 (7:00pm vs. Chatham Maroons)
Fri. Oct. 15 (7:30pm @ St. Thomas Stars)
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 …