Hamilton’s On Fire!

Sweep of TFC sends Croatia to Semifinal

Frank Perin — Hamilton Croatia completed the season sweep of TFC Academy on Sunday with a 1-0 victory in the second leg of their quarterfinal matchup. It was the team’s eighth win in a row and advances them to the CSL Playoff Semifinals. Hamilton went into the game needing only a tie after their 2-1 win over the Academy in the first leg played on October 13 in the rain at Centennial Stadium. The clear skies on Sunday brought about a boisterous crowd on both sides of the bleachers, but it was the Croatian fans who sang last. Forward Preston Corporal scored the lone goal at 70 minutes from a play started by Daniel Niksic. The Hamilton midfielder started the play on the right side and found Aidan O’Keefe down the left flank. O’Keefe pushed the ball forward for Corporal who drove it perfectly into the lower right corner of the net well out of reach of TFC goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo. Corporal also scored in the first leg which snapped a personal scoring slump dating back to July 30. With forward Jason Shannon out with a concussion since the October 5 match against Milltown FC, the two goals could not have come at a more opportune time. Niksic had an outstanding game in the midfield, and Hamilton goalkeeper Melford James Jr. came up with numerous momentum changing stops during the game, including one brilliant game-saver in the 90th minute to preserve the shutout. In the other quarterfinal matchups, Toronto Croatia held York Region Shooters to a 1-1 draw to advance 3-1 on aggregate and Brantford Galaxy scored the golden goal at 11 minutes of extra time following 190 minutes of goalless soccer against the White Eagles to also advance. Fifth-seeded Portugal FC tied Milltown 2-2 on Saturday to go through 3-2 on aggregate. With York and the White Eagles — the top two seeded teams — eliminated, it sets up a home semifinal date for Hamilton Croatia against Toronto Croatia, while Portugal FC will play host to the Galaxy. Hamliton’s semifinal will be played this Sunday, October 24 at 7 p.m. at Brian Timmis Stadium. Tickets for the game are $15. Season’s passes are not valid for playoff games, but holders can show their pass and will be entitled to a $5 discount at the gate. There will also be another tailgate party at The Club, 200 Kenilworth Avenue North beginning at 4 p.m. All fans are encouraged to come join the HammerHeadz in the pre-game festivities which will include BBQ and drinks!