(PERNS) – It was arguably the best possible draw for the men’s Spectator Cup final on Sunday. The Ontario Soccer League’s South Region second place team Hamilton Croatia took on the Hamilton and District Premier Division’s first place team Hamilton Star.
And the sounds of the pro-Croat crowd, there by the hundreds, told the story as Croatia defeated Star 1-0 to capture their second consecutive Spec Cup championship. Croatian forward Steve Rezo had the lone goal in the match, with a textbook header converting a beautiful cross from teammate Silvano Rajkovic early in the second half.
Star controlled parts of the first half but could not muster many quality chances against goalie Chris Tournidis and the Croatian back four. The Croats dominated the second half with numerous scoring opportunities coming from Rezo and midfielder Armando Megia, and none closer than a shot from inside six yards that was sent just over the bar by second-half substitute Marco Melfi.
Unlike the 2004 final against the Hamilton Serbs, Croatia did not score an insurance marker, however, they did not need one. “We defended our title by defending our net”, said captain Allan Perin. The ‘A’ Team now has eight-straight wins in Spec Cup play dating back to last year.
In Men’s Over-35 action earlier in the day, NK Zagreb Hamilton doubled up FC Njegos 6-3. The final score was kind to Njegos who were at one point down 5-0, the highlight being a free-kick goal from 25 yards out by Zagreb midfielder Vele in the first half.
There is a myth that the Hamilton Spectator Cup trophy is actually the former English FA Cup trophy which may have been stolen. It has been contested every year since 1896, making it the oldest soccer tournament in North America.
