NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY ROVERS FC
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This past weekend saw the Simcoe County Rovers travel to Sheridan Trafalgar campus in Oakville to face Blue Devils FC with another huge three points on the line.
With four games left in the 2023 League1 season, the team is vying for a top-two finish to secure a bye into the semi-finals and a home match, or a top-four finish and a quarterfinals home match at J.C. Massie Field.
Entering the game, the Blue Devils sit only five points ahead of the Rovers. A win and three points give the Rovers an excellent chance of a top-two spot as they have two games in hand on the Blue Devils. As a result, there was a lot to play for from a Rovers perspective.
As they have the past few games, the Rovers came out flying and attacked from the opening whistle. Striker Jevontae Layne was back in the starting 11 and opened his account very early in the match with his 11th goal of the season. Layne’s work rate pressing defenders paid dividends after he stripped the ball from a defender in the box and drove a low volley past the Oakville keeper into the corner of the net.
Oakville tied the game shortly after, and the game settled in until attacking midfielder Orlendis Benitez-Hernandez scored his 14th goal of the season. He struck again soon after with his 15th goal in 17 matches. The Rovers played with confidence and moved the ball with precision from that point on. Winger Shawn Claud Lawson added one more, scoring his fifth of the season, and the Rovers won 4-2. With the win, the Rovers move to 12-4-1 with three games left to play in the regular season.
“Very pleased with the win,” said coach Jason Beckford. “The boys showed good character and resilience against a very experienced and direct Blue Devils team. We now go into a very difficult fixture with Darby FC, who always provide strong opposition on their home turf. We won’t be fooled by their current position in the standings and will prepare for the match accordingly. Hopefully, we can collect the three points and secure a playoff spot.”
With his 15th goal of the season, Orlendis Benitez-Hernandez ties Ethan Beckford’s club-scoring regular-season record. With three games still to play, there is a very good chance he will break it before the season is over.
Winger Ijah Halley collected another assist against Oakville, bringing his season tally to 10, a personal regular-season record and now a club record as well.
The men travel to Whitby to face Darby FC on Friday, Aug. 11 at 8 p.m. for another match with huge implications in the standings.
For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including schedule details, ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.roversfc.ca.
Single and group tickets to the match can be purchased by visiting www.roversfc.ca.
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