NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY ROVERS FC
*************************
The 2024 League1 Ontario season kicked off for both the Simcoe County women’s and men’s teams Sunday night in a much-anticipated double-header against rivals Vaughan.
The women got things started Sunday at 4 p.m. The women’s team has been preparing for the season diligently under new head coach Carli Tingstad and have high expectations. The game was a back-and-forth affair and unfortunately the Rovers came up short, as the game finished 2-1 in favour of Vaughan.
Rovers forward Marlene Siwula scored her first goal of the season after entering the game early in the second half.
Coach Tingstad was positive about the effort and what she saw from the squad.
“We as a staff are overall pleased with our performance against a strong Vaughan team on the road," she said. "We felt that we showed good moments and the performance overall was positive for our first outing as a team. Ultimately it is a disappointing result as we felt there were points that we could have taken away. We will look to review the film, reflect on the mistakes and be ready to regroup for our home opener on Saturday against last year’s champions, Alliance.”
In speaking with the team in the lead-up to the season, players, coaches and management all contributed to objectives for the 2024 season.
“Ultimately, we want to win games and win trophies,” said Tingstad. “That’s what the club strives for and that is what we want to do. The Premier division is exceedingly difficult with so many quality teams and quality players. Every game is like a final. Despite me being a new coach with the club and some new faces on the roster, we feel like we have built a roster that can compete and challenge the top teams in the division.”
(The Rovers men's side tied Vaughan Azzurri, 1-1, on Sunday.)
The Simcoe County Rovers men made history on Wednesday, April 24 as the first League1 Ontario team to take on MLS giants TFC in the Telus Canadian Championship. Close to 2,000 Rovers supporters dressed in blue headed to BMO field to support the team. The outcome wasn’t the desired result, but for the club, community and the fans, it’s a day that will never be forgotten.
“The game was an enjoyable experience for all, and we knew it was going to be a challenge,” said coach Zico Mahrady. “The boys gave it everything out there and there were positive moments, but unfortunately, we came up short against a good team.”
With a tight turnaround to the first game, the team needed to regain focus quickly in preparation for longtime rival Vaughan. To do so they met as a group and discussed areas for improvements after breaking down film from the TFC game. As defending League1 champions the Rovers know they will be tested game in, game out this season.
“We want to continue to grow and improve our game to ensure the small details come through when it matters,” said Mahrady. “It’s now time for us to improve our process and continue to grow and improve week to week.”
The Simcoe County Rovers’ home opener double-header is May 4 at J.C. Massie Field versus Alliance. The women kick things off at 2 p.m. The men play at 6 p.m. A large crowd is expected as the club prepares for a dual championship celebration and Youth Soccer Night.
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.
*************************
