By Eaglesafc.com
09:15 AM Sun 24 May, 2009
The TORONTO EAGLES have lost their season opener after going down to the Etobicoke Kangaroos by 35 points at Humber North Oval on Saturday morning.
A lapse in the second quarter and the late withdrawal of some key players proved to give the visitors the edge in the highly anticipated match.
The Eagles created more chances in an even opening term and took a 1-point advantage into the first change, but the Roos kicked 5 in the second term and held the home team to take a comfortable lead at half time.
“That was definitely the turning point” said a disappointed but enthusiastic Aaron Falcioni “We had a specific plan coming into this game and for 3 of the 4 quarters we stuck to it.” When asked if the late withdrawals also contributed to the loss Falcioni stated “It’s always tough when you lose some of your key players, but I have confidence in all our guys that when they get called up they know they have a role to do for the team.”
Falcioni also stated that he was very happy with the progression of first year players Chris Grey and Brent Jensen. “The new guys we have this year have really taken to the game of football and I was happy that they had the chance to play against some of the competitions best.”
Speaking to Grey after the game about his first official league game he stated “It was great to be out there and play against one of the league’s best teams, but to be honest it sucks to lose.”
Another player who performed well was backman Curtis Gallant who keep his opponent well held throughout the game. “I know I have a task to do out on the field” said Gallant “So I just make sure I stick to it the best I can.”
In the third and fourth terms both teams played very competitive football with the Eagles holding their own despite being two men down with an unfortunate injury to Eagles utility Tom Hammond and foot injuries to midfielder Salvatore Capoferri.
There were some hard workers in the midfield for the home side, with Ajit Alister (4 goals) and Oliver Hayward both standing out. Marko Hellstrom and Tasos Dimacakos (1 goal) were also very solid in their respective positions getting plenty of the ball throughout the match.
Full forward Matt Bachinski and center half forward Aaron Falcioni both booted three for Toronto, but the Eagles just couldn’t keep up with a full strength Etobicoke side.
TORONTO EAGLES 3.1 5.2 6.4 11.6 (72)
ETOBICOKE KANGAROOS 2.6 7.8 12.10 16.11 (107)
GOALS
Alister 4, Falcioni 3, Bachinski 3, Dimacakos
BEST
Alister, Falcioni, Bachinski, Hellstrom
INJURIES
Troy Marsh (Nose Injury) replaced in selected side, Tom Hammond (Dislocated shoulder/ fractured humorous)
Reports: Nil
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
