Same Old, Same Old

Croatia beats TFC 2-1 for third time this year

Frank Perin — A goal at 84 minutes by defender Ivan Razumovic gave Hamilton Croatia a 2-1 victory over TFC Academy in their quarterfinal first leg playoff game at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke. It rained prior to the game and in spurts during the game, but that did not dampen the spirits of the TFC and Hamilton Croatia fans who have quickly developed a friendly rivalry trying to out-chant and out-sing eachother in the stands. Hamilton Croatia took the lead at 32 minutes on a low drive from 20 yards by forward Preston Corporal, after he received a perfect 30-yard through-ball by Daniel Niksic. The 1-0 score stood until halftime. TFC Academy tied the game on a goal at 51 minutes. Defender Ashton Morgan struck a seeing-eye knuckler from 35 yards that looked as if it had caught Hamilton goalkeeper Melford James Jr. off guard and went into the top left corner off James’ hand. The home side then had an opportunity to go in front at 78 minutes when awarded a penalty kick by referee Justin Tasev. The tripping incident inside the box was questioned by three or four Croatia players who had a differing opinion of the call. The kick was taken by Keith Makubui, but James Jr. came up with the save to keep the game locked at 1-1. Hamilton had the edge in the second half. Striker Aidan O’Keefe missed an empty-net opportunity from six-yards out and later, a shot off the cross-bar looked as if it had fallen across the goalline before spinning away from the net but no signal was given from the linesman. However, an unlikely hero emerged in Ivan Razumovic. The Croatian defender beat an offside trap and headed home his second game-winning goal in as many games in the 84th minute. With the 2-1 win, Hamilton Croatia can clinch a semifinal berth with a win or a tie at Brian Timmis Stadium in the return match. The second leg will be played this Sunday, October 17 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 a 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! Upcoming CSL Schedule: Quarterfinals, Second leg Saturday, October 16 At Lamport Stadium: Portugal FC vs. Milltown FC, 6 p.m. (Portugal won first leg 1-0) Sunday, October 17 At Maple Field: York Region Shooters vs. Toronto Croatia, 6 p.m. (Toronto won first leg 2-0) At Brian Timmis Stadium: Hamilton Croatia vs. TFC Academy, 7 p.m. (Hamilton won first leg 2-1) At Esther Shiner Stadium: White Eagles vs. Brantford Galaxy, 8 p.m. (First leg tied 0-0)