A last-gasp equalizer by London City salvaged a 1-1 tie with North York Astros in a well-played encounter at the Hellenic Centre in London, the only game in the Canadian Soccer League Friday night.
The Astros took the lead at the 19 minute mark, the goal coming from a free kick then headed down to midfielder Jose Melo who sent the ball into the back of the net out of reach of London goalkeeper Vladimir Markotic. It was Melo’s fifth goal of the season.
North York defended the lead for the rest of the first half and almost the entire second half until at 94 minutes and just before the final whistle, London’s Marin Vucemilovic Grgic sent a volley into the net from 12 yards to tie the game 1-1.
It was Grgic’s seventh goal of the season and follows the prolific striker’s hat-trick in London’s 5-2 victory over the current CSL champions SC Waterloo July 11. Grgic was the CSL’s MVP in 2012 for his outstanding goalscoring and attacking ability while playing with Toronto Croatia.
The Astros are fifth in the standings with nine points following the tie, while London City are tied for seventh position with seven points.
Remaining games this weekend:
FIRST DIVISION
Sat July 19 Queen’s West Field 6.45 pm Kingston FC vs Serbian White Eagles
Sat July 19 Hershey Centre 8 pm Toronto Croatia vs Brampton City Utd
Sun July 20 St. Joan of Arc 6.30 pm York Region Shooters vs Niagara United
Sun July 20 Warrior Field 7pm SC Waterloo vs Burlington SC
SECOND DIVISION
Sat July 19 Warrior Field 10 am SC Waterloo B vs Burlington SC B
Sat July 19 Queen’s West Field 4.30 pm Kingston FC B vs Serbian White Eagles B
Sun July 20 St. Joan of Arc 4 pm Winstars Shooters vs Milton FC
Sun July 20 St. Joan of Arc 9 pm York Region Shooters B vs Niagara United B