Three goals by midfielder Gregor Zugelj lifted St. Catharines Hrvat to a 4-1 victory over Euru Academy in ProSoccer Cup action played at Centennial Stadium, the only match in the Canadian Soccer League Tuesday.
Zugelj struck early with a free kick from 20 yards out of reach of Euru goalkeeper Eric Griffin and Andrej Truyen increased the lead to 2-0 for St. Catharines at the 12th minute mark. Zugelj made it 3-0 for the home side, Ryan Sturdy reduced the lead to 3-1 for Euru before Zugelj completed the hat-trick at 54 minutes for a 4-1 score which held to the final whistle.
The hat-trick moved St. Catharines Hrvat to the team’s first win of the competition following a 2-1 defeat to Toronto Tigers on September 10, while it was the Euru Academy’s third defeat having gone down to BGHC 1 by a 4-2 score on September 4 and a 3-0 result in favour of Atletico Sporting Toronto on September 11.
St. Catharines’ head coach Martin Mamic was pleased with his side’s performance to gain the first win of the competition following a period when the side has been missing several players through injury. “That includes three starters that have not been able to play yet, and our captain,” he said following the final whistle. “I feel 100 per cent confident with our full side we have a chance,” referring to the ProSound Cup with eight teams competing for playoff spots leading to the semifinal and final late October.
There will be four games this coming Saturday, September 18 with Atletico Sporting Toronto at home to BGHC 1, a 3 pm kickoff, Serbian White Eagles are looking for their first win at home to St. Catharines Hrvat at 5 pm, FC Vorkuta will host Toronto Tigers at 7 pm and Scarborough SC are at home to Euru Academy at 9.
A limited number of spectators are allowed into Centennial Stadium for all four games on a full day pass available for $10. Spectators are required to wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin, unless they are entitled to an exemption. While seated in the stadium, the face mask can be removed. Physical distancing is required.
Stan Adamson
