NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY ROVERS FC
**********************
The Simcoe County Rovers FC are pleased to announce the returning core group of players that led the men’s team to a fantastic championship 2023 season.
The Simcoe County Rovers lifted the championship trophy with an exciting 4-2 win in the finals against Scrosoppi FC.
Moving into their third season, the Rovers have the added excitement of representing League1 in the Canadian Championships.
The Canadian Championships see Canadian teams from Major League Soccer, including Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps and CF Montreal, the Canadian Premier League, Canada’s Professional Domestic League and League 1 semi-professional teams face off against each other for Canadian soccer supremacy.
Rovers FC are pleased to announce the signings below for the 2023 League 1 Ontario Season.
- Shawn Claud Lawson
- Jevontae Layne
- Ijah Halley
- Tajay Reid
- Paul Karagianakos
- Cameron Da Silva
- Javier George
- Shamir Akbar
- Alejandro Portal
- CJ Smith
League 1 Ontario 2023 all-star and star striker Jevontae Layne, who scored a brace in the finals, had the following to say regarding re-singing with the Simcoe County Rovers:
“Re-signing with the Rovers wasn’t a debate. We have the best coaching staff and an ownership group who want to see each player continue to improve everyday and reach our full potential. We also have the best fans in the league who make playing for the Rovers even more enjoyable. Defending the L10 title this season provides us with even more of a challenge since every team we face will make it their goal to beat the champions," Layne said.
Newly appointed head coach Zico Mahrady is happy to have secured the signatures of the core group of players from last year and is looking forward to building off the foundations built by the core group as they prepare to defend the title.
“We are pleased to welcome back our core players for the upcoming season. Their return not only brings experience, leadership on and off the field, and knowledge of how we do things, but it also allows us to strengthen our continuity as we look to build on last year. Their commitment and trust in what we do, enhance our collective drive toward excellence as we continue to prepare for and look forward to the year ahead," Mahrady said.
“It’s an exciting time for the team," said club president Julian de Guzman. “We are preparing for the 2024 season knowing there is a lot on the line. Defending the title is one of our main priorities this season and we also look forward to making history in the Canadian Championship.
"The coaching staff both on the men’s and women’s have invested a lot of time during the off season recruiting top quality players and retaining Rover players who are fan favourites. We want to continue to bring exciting football for our fans at J.C Massie Field. They deserve it and they play a massive role in helping us bring a winning culture to the Simcoe region.”
Alejandro Portal, who represented Cuba at the 2019 CONCACAF GOLD and is a two-time League1 champion, is excited about the challenge that lies ahead and his leadership role on the team.
“I take my responsibilities as one of the more experienced players on the squad very seriously. My family sacrificed a lot and I overcame many obstacles to achieve each and every milestone in my career, so it’s an honour to be able to share some of what I’ve learned, both on and off the field, with my younger teammates," Portal said.
"But, to make it to the end of the season where we want to be, it takes every member of the squad, regardless of age or experience, bringing their best selves every time they step onto the pitch. I’m also still growing myself. In soccer and in life, there is always more to learn, so it’s important to stay humble — and stay hungry.
"I’d be remiss not to mention the opportunity to play in the Canadian Championship, but I’ve also found my place here with the Rovers," he added. "From having the most supportive fan base in the league and a leadership team who understands players’ needs to talented coaches and dedicated teammates, there’s no other League1 Ontario team I would rather sign with this season.”
“As players, and as an organization, we’re always looking for the next challenge. Our eyes are always on the next prize. From the moment we secured the title last season, all of our focus has been on bringing it home again. I don’t think many people have been able to accomplish that, so I’m definitely proud, but as players - and as an organization, we’re always looking for the next challenge. Our eyes are always on the next prize. From the moment we secured the title last season, all of our focus has been on bringing it home again.”
Defender Tajay Reid who played a pivotal role with Portal in the Rovers back line last season echoed his teammates comments and is pumped about re-signing with the Rovers.
“I’m excited about kicking off the season again, it’s been a great off season, but I know the squad and myself are anxious to get back out there on a consistent basis. The new promotion doesn’t frighten me at all because I know the talent we have & the chemistry we’ve built thus far. It’s hard having a team with everyone having the same goal, but that’s one of our strongest attributes.
“Coming back to defend the L10 title means the world to me. As a team I’ve felt we’ve worked extremely hard to win the championship. All of us made major sacrifices to do it. The league title belongs to Barrie and Simcoe County, and I’ll do everything in my power to help us repeat and become the first L10 team to win the championship back-to-back. We’re all excited about representing the community in the Canadian Championship and showcase our abilities against professional teams."
The Simcoe County Rovers men’s and women’s teams will kick off the 2024 season in April and will play their home matches out of J.C Massie Field at Georgian College in Barrie.
For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
***********************
