The Windsor Lancers ended a tough week with a home game to league topping Western Mustangs. As seems to be the case with the 2010 Windsor Lancers, the team started very strongly, dominating the early possession. Reinaldo, starting his first game back from an injury was controlling the game from midfield. The first 20 minutes Windsor dominated the game, and despite Michael Watson and Massimo Megna dominating the midfield battle, Windsor was unable to create any real scoring chances.  On 28 minutes the referee award Western a very soft penalty for what appeared to be a shirt pull off of a corner, though replays shows minimal contact if any, leaving the officials a lot to answer for (which they were unwilling to clarify after the game). The penalty was converted by Western midfielder Eric Amato who sent the Windsor keeper the wrong way. The award of the penalty visibly shock the Windsor team, and a matter of minutes later Western midfielder Vince Caminiti walked through the Windsor defence before dispatching a clinical finish inside the far post to make the score 2-0, which remained the score until half time. But not before the referee made the extraordinary decision to book Windsor midfielder Reinaldo for a foul which ruled him out of the game and awarding Windsor a free kick. After going 2-0, Windsor lost all composure, with Windsor goalkeeper Dan Mendonca screaming at not only teammates, but also at the bench for certain players to be replaced, which could easily be perceived as overstepping the mark. Once again, despite dominating the first 20 minutes of the game, Windsor were unable to capitalise on there superiority with goals and were made to pay.

Western took off in the 2^nd half where they left off, and only for smart saves in the early exchanges in the 2^nd half for Mendonca were Windsor able to remain in the game at 2-0. After 15 minutes of the 2^nd half, Coach Hart decided to move captain Deilemans to right back and looked to spread the midfield and Windsor attack. This tactic worked for 15 minutes as Windsor looked more dangerous in attack, with midfielder Michael Watson gaining more space to operate and John Sorge working hard to shut down any Western attack.

Western left back Alex Lewis was whipping in quality crosses all night, and Western’s superiority on the night eventually showed when a Daniel Baxa flick on was met by a first time finish by Alex Martins to make the score 3-0 and finish off the game as a contest. Windsor ultimately faded badly after the penalty was awarded and only threatened for 10 minutes in the 2^nd half. If things are to improve the Lancers need to capitalise on their periods of domination with goals. Be sure to listen in to our Windsor Lancer podcast to hear reaction from both coach Hart and members of the playing staff which will be coming later in the day.

Tags: OUA Soccer, Western Mustangs Soccer, Windsor Lancers Soccer

Posted in OUA Soccer/Windsor Lancers
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