Road Win Clinches Post-Season Berth

Two points back of first, two games remain

TORONTO — Two second-half goals and a shutout by Melford James Jr. helped Hamilton Croatia earn a playoff berth in their inaugural CSL season with a 2-0 victory over Toronto Croatia at Centennial Stadium Sunday night. Hamilton played a solid road game by minimizing Toronto’s chances and creating a few of their own. In the 45th minute Hamilton’s Jerko Grubisic hit the bar after Toronto goalie Sandi Matika palmed a corner kick through the box, and Jamie Dodds was stopped by Matika from eight-yards out on the rebound. A goal at 75 minutes by Hamilton Croatia midfielder Adam Leggett gave the Steeltowners the lead they were looking for in an attempt to secure the three points and a post-season appearance. Aidan O’Keefe led a rush down the left side and found Leggett who’s low, 15-yard shot found the right side of the net beyond Matika. Hamilton’s Danny Jirta made a key sliding tackle inside his own penalty area to prevent an open shot from six yards in the first minute of injury time. The ensuing corner kick was cleared, and with time running out and Matika caught out of his goal in an attempt to assist in an equalizer, O’Keefe scored his 12th goal of the season with a shot into the empty net from 55 yards to seal the visitors’ victory. Referee John Oliva kept control most of the match with a few strategic yellow cards, while both teams had trouble with offside calls throughout the night. The win gives Hamilton Croatia an improved 11-5-6 WDL record for 38 points, now tied for third place with TFC Academy in the standings and two regular season games remaining. Toronto Croatia are still attempting to secure a playoff berth, they have a 7-7-6 record for 28 points, they are in 8th position in the table and have four games still to play. Sources: Rocket Robin & http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/