Croatia takes on York in their CSL home debutA 0-0 draw last week in Montreal has Croatia confident going into their game against York.
Frank Perin – A win and a tie after two tough road games is as good a start to a season an expansion team could anticipate. Hamilton Croatia hopes that the York Region Shooters do not spoil what is expected to be an exciting opening night at Brian Timmis Stadium.
York Region — previously the Italia Shooters — notched its second win in as many games with a convincing 3-0 triumph over London City on May 23. Forward Geron Duport has scored a goal in each of the two games, and Croatia’s defence will look to shut him down.
The back four of Sandro Rajkovic, Niko Jelicic, Ivan Razumovic, and Tom Bilic were solid in helping goalie Cam McKay earn the clean sheet last weekend at Montreal.
Hamilton Croatia may see a few familiar faces when they line up tonight. “Last year’s Ontario Cup champions Real Toronto have folded and a good portion of the team have signed with the Shooters”, says coach Ronnie Davidson. Hamilton lost 4-1 to Real Toronto in the semifinals of the OC last summer.
The team hopes to see a large crowd for the 9 p.m. kickoff to help give them the home field advantage. In 14 games at BTS last season Croatia finished 12-1-1 and outscored opponents 42-16.
“Nothing’s better than hearing the crowd get behind you and giving you that extra step,” says captain Bilic.
Croatia plays again Sunday at Victoria Park in Brampton against Lions at 7:30 p.m. before returning for two Friday night home games on June 4 and 11.
