​Huron United Football Club advances to league semi-finals with win over Stratford

After finishing third in the Tri-City Men’s Soccer League standings, with a record of 6-5-1 at the close of the regular season, the Huron United Football Club faced the sixth-seeded Stratford CT FC in their quarterfinal match-up in Listowel, Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Huron United controlled the balance of the chances in the early going, with midfielders Luke Kim and Andrew Wiegersma earning quality shots in the opening sequence. The centre-back pairing of Masoom Saromie and Murray Martin dissipated Stratford's attempts at long ball offence with their command of the air.

Huron United broke through in the 12th minute after attacking midfielder Ryan Schriek played a long through ball ahead of streaking winger Drew Cobean. Cobean slid an inch perfect cross into the path of striker Gerrit Satosek, who laced the ball into the top left corner on his first touch.

The attacking momentum flipped to Stratford once it was trailing, forcing both keeper Aidan Calcutt and defender James Tigert into heroic diving saves. Stratford eventually pulled even at the half-hour mark on a chipped through ball that left Calcutt without much of a chance at a stop.

Midfielder Flynn Colwell-Castles made an instant impact upon arrival with a series of nutmegs and flicks that generated offensive pressure for Huron United. Holding midfielder Simon Andonian had a stand-out sequence shortly thereafter, first taking a tactical foul to shut down a Stratford break and then blocking the subsequent free kick.

Huron United got a clutch goal from the irrepressible Luke Kim, who slotted a low shot in across the goal after Andonian corralled a loose ball at the edge of the box, to regain the lead shortly before the half-time whistle.

Calcutt was tested immediately in the second half, dispatching a sizzling Stratford free kick with a clean punch. Huron United took a big blow in the 60th minute when Calcutt got clipped in the head while closing out a loose ball. Once again, Saromie bravely deputized as keeper under difficult circumstances.

Huron United rallied around its conscripted keeper, and Cobean and Satosek again combined to bolster the lead in the 70th minute. After Schriek laid his body on the line in midfield, Cobean threaded a pass ahead to Satosek, whose firm shot forced a loose rebound, which Cobean confidently volleyed into the top corner.

With Stratford chasing the game late, Anderson Wolfe came up with one of the plays of the season: pressing up from his full-back position, he dispossessed a Stratford player around the halfway line and launched into a sprint all the way to the Stratford box, where he was brought down in desperation for a penalty. Adam Carty stepped up to the spot and ripped home a textbook penalty kick to seal the match.

Huron United picked the right time to have its game of the season, and the Man of the Match voting reflected the surfeit of strong performances. The award was ultimately a split between Cobean and Kim, both of whom gave Stratford's back-line fits throughout the match. Honourable mentions went to Saromie, Martin, and Wolfe.

With the win, Huron United advances to the semi-finals against Simba FC, which will take place Tuesday, Sept. 10, in Kitchener. Huron United’s roster is composed of players from Kincardine, Port Elgin, and surrounding areas. The club can be followed at www.kdslsoccer.com/teams/default.asp?u=KDSL&s=soccer&p=home.