Gameday in 5

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

(Photo: Luke Durda).

London Knights

The Knights continued their winning ways in a three-game week, beginning with a 4-3 shootout win on Thanksgiving Monday in Owen Sound. Rookie Colton Smith scored the shootout winner in the 8th round of shooters, while Luke Evangelista scored a pair of goals in regulation to give him four on the year. Brett Brochu saved 35 of 38 shots to earn his third win of the year.

Then, in their first full-capacity home game since March 2020, the Knights dominated the Windsor Spitfires, winning 5-1 Friday night and improving their record to 4-0-0-0 to start the season. Colton Smith opened the scoring 3:15 into the game with his first career OHL goal, and then added another 3:48 into the second period. The Knights also got goals from Stuart Rolofs, Max McCue and Sean McGurn. Brett Brochu stopped 32 of 33 shots on the night.

The Knights’ win streak nearly came to an end Saturday in Sarnia. Though London held a 4-1 lead at the halfway point, thanks in large part to a Colton Smith hat-trick, the Sting came back, tying the game with 3:38 left to force overtime. Sean McGurn scored 3:26 into OT to win the game for the Knights. The team leads the Western Conference and enters the week as one of only two teams in the OHL that remains undefeated (Hamilton Bulldogs).

Up next:

The Knights will look to build on their Western Conference lead and remain undefeated when they take on the Owen Sound Attack Friday night at Budweiser Gardens.

Fri. Oct 22 (7:30pm vs. Owen Sound Attack)

FC London

Men

The Men played their final home game of the season Friday night against Sigma FC, and came away with a dominant 5-0 win. The win improves their record to 8-3-0, good for third place in League1 Ontario’s West Division, trailing Blue Devils FC (8-1-2) and Guelph United (9-2-0).

Up next:

The FC London Men will play their final game of the regular season Sunday when they visit Blue Devils FC in Oakville.

Sun. Oct. 24 (2:00pm @ Blue Devils FC)

Women

Their undefeated streak was halted at nine games Saturday night, as the FC Women lost their first game of the season, 1-0, to the second-place Vaughan Azzurri at Tricar Field. After a scoreless first half, the Azzurri scored in the 82nd minute and held on for the win. The loss puts the women at 7-1-2 on the year, four points ahead of the Azzurri (6-3-1) for top spot with two games remaining on the schedule.

Up next:

The Women will play a rare weekday game Wednesday at home (scheduled to be held at Hellenic Community Centre), followed by their final game of the year, a makeup contest, against against Tecumseh SC.

Wed. Oct. 20 (8:30pm vs. North Toronto Nitros)
Sat. Oct. 23 (TBD @ Tecumseh SC)

London Nationals

The Nationals split their two games last week. They won Wednesday’s home contest, 7-5 over the Chatham Maroons. All seven London goals were scored by different players. Though the Nats were up 3-0 at the end of the first period, the Maroons scored three unanswered goals in the second to tie the game. A four-goal third period lifted the Nats to victory. Ryan Nichols, Zach Power, and Jacob Julien each had three points in the game.

On Friday night, the Nationals lost 6-4 to the St. Thomas Stars. After falling behind 2-0 early in the 2nd, the Nats scored three unanswered goals to take the lead before a Stars goal tied it a minute later. The Stars then took the lead early in the 3rd and held on for the win. Ryan Nichols scored twice, with Owen McGowan and Ryan Cooper scoring the other goals. Despite the loss, the Nationals are 5-2-0-0 on the season.

Up next:

The Nationals will look to get back in the win column this week when they play a home-and-home series with the Sarnia Legionnaires.

Wed. Oct. 20 (7:00pm vs. Sarnia Legionnaires)
Thurs. Oct. 21 (7:10pm @ Sarnia Legionaires)

Western Mustangs

The Mustangs’ football team improved their record to 3-1 on Saturday afternoon with a dominant 54-4 win over the Windsor Lancers at Western Alumni Field. The Mustangs scored four times on the ground. Keon Edwards had a pair of touchdown runs, while Edouard Wanadi and Keanu Yazbeck also ran in scores.

In his first start, quarterback Evan Hillock completed 21 of 28 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown (WR Griffin Campbell). Edwards rushed 29 times for 171 yards, while wide receiver Savaughn Magnaye-Jones hauled in five catches for 107 yards. Kicker Brian Garrity made five field goals in the contest and leads the OUA in scoring (48 points) and field goals made (11). Edwards leads in yards rushing per game (133.8)

Up next:

The Mustangs (3-1) lead the OUA’s West Division with two road games left on the season. They will take on the University of Waterloo (2-2) on Saturday.

Sat. Oct. 23 (1:00pm @ Waterloo Warriors)