With just two weeks to kickoff there is high interest in the York Region Shooters vs Toronto Croatia game to be played Sunday evening, May 10, the second day of Soccer Fest ’15 – a weekend of 11 First Division and reserve team games in a near festive atmosphere to open a six-month Canadian Soccer League campaign
This first game of the season for these two Toronto area clubs will repeat a memorable CSL Championship encounter of last October 26 when the Shooters won the title in a 5-4 penalty kicks squeaker. The clash was described by fans on hand as being the most exciting game of the entire CSL season.
Following a scoreless tie at 90 minutes, York Region went ahead in extra time with a Richard West header from a cross by Adrian Pena, but Toronto Croatia tied the game with just four minutes remaining on a goal by Sean Brown. Then came the penalty kicks.
Darryl Gomez, former coach of York Region and coach of the winning championship team that day at Esther Shiner Stadium, who has experienced some great victories in the past in Canada and abroad, said recently the game was very special. “It was the beginning of some serious coaching for me and to end the season and win the title following 20 games undefeated was certainly one of my special moments in soccer,” said the former standout attacking midfielder, now 37.
The Shooters have strengthened their technical staff with the addition of Carlos Rivas, the former Chilean international who became a national hero with a goal that defeated Ecuador to put his country into the World Cup in 1982.
York Region Shooters and Toronto Croatia finished one-two in the 2014 final standings and the game to be played at 7 pm will be the highlight of the opening weekend that will feature prizes and fun during the two-day event.
Admission at the ground is $10 for Adults, Children 12 and under is $5.
CSL Soccer Fest ‘15
Saturday, May 9
10 am Serbian White Eagles B vs Burlington SC B Second Division
12 pm Toronto Atomic FC vs Niagara United First Division
2 pm Toronto Atomic FC B vs Niagara United B Second Division
4 pm London City vs SC Scarborough First Division
6 pm York Region Shooters B vs Toronto Croatia B Second Division
8 pm Milton SC vs Brampton City Utd First Division
Sunday, May 10
11 am SC Waterloo B vs Brantford Galaxy B Second Division
1 pm Serbian White Eagles vs Burlington SC First Division
3 pm Milton SC B vs Brampton City Utd B Second Division
5 pm Brantford Galaxy vs SC Waterloo First Division
7 pm York Region Shooters vs Toronto Croatia First Division