Huron United falls to Simba FC in league semi-final

After besting Stratford CT FC by a score of 4-1 in the Tri-City Men's Soccer League quarter-final, the Huron United Football Club travelled to Kitchener, Sept. 10, to face Simba FC in a much-anticipated semi-final match-up.

Cheered on by a strong contingent of travelling supporters, Huron United weathered a barrage of early pressure from Simba, which was clearly more accustomed to the turf conditions in the opening minutes. Simba drew first blood in the sixth minute with a well-placed shot that escaped the grasp of Huron United keeper Dylan Simon.

Huron United sobered up quickly after its lackadaisical start, stringing together passes with a purpose. The momentum shift yielded results: a lofted ball forward from centre-back Murray Martin was deftly flicked on by Drew Cobean, giving winger Riley Cherrett a chance in behind the Simba backline. Cherrett confidently struck the volley at full speed, bringing Huron United level in the 11th minute.

Simba pulled back ahead in the 18th with a tightly laid low cross that left Simon and fullback Charlie Hall-Elwood with no chance at a clearance. Huron United nearly provided another swift answer after striker Gerrit Satosek’s unrelenting pressure forced a turnover. The ball fell to Cobean, who curled a sumptuous cross to a diving Satosek, but his header rolled just outside the post.

The lead swelled to 3-1 after another Simba cross picked out an open man in the Huron United box in the 25th minute. A savvy formation switch from manager/fullback Anirudha Panditrao earned Huron United some additional chances in the later stages of the first half, with Satosek, Luke Kim, and Jason Leiskau earning opportunities at goal.

Huron United opened the second half with renewed energy as Satosek ripped a volley just over the cage after only 45 seconds. Satosek one-upped himself only two minutes later: after holding midfielder Simon Andonian bullied a Simba player off the ball, Andrew Wiegersma whipped in a cross that Satosek smartly deposited into the Simba goal.

With the lead down to one goal, Simba and Huron United exchanged chances as both teams came close on multiple occasions. After a tough foul call, Simba won a penalty in the 70th minute and converted despite Simon's correct read on the placement.

Facing a 4-2 deficit, Huron United marshalled attackers forward and put extreme pressure on Simba’s backline. A Simba handball in the 85th minute brought Huron United taker Ryan Schriek to the spot. Unfortunately, Schriek's attempt sailed over the bar.

Despite a series of urgently created chances, the end product proved elusive for Huron United. Simba added an insurance marker in the waning minutes and secured a 5-2 victory and a well-earned spot in the league’s playoff final.

Man of the Match in the losing effort nearly unanimously went to Satosek for his trademark intensity and timely offensive contributions.

“The loss stings but I'm really proud of this team,” said Panditrao. “We were able to overcome some crucial injuries and early season stumbles to improve on our place in the standings from last season. This is a really strong group with a lot of potential; the players have shown they can match up with the best teams at this level.”



The Huron United Football Club includes, in the back, Charlie Hall-Elwood (left), Luke Kim, Angus Sharpe, Jason Leiskau, Gerrit Satosek, Riley Cherrett, Murray Martin, Masoom Saromie, Drew Cobean, Andrew Wiegersma, Dave McNeish; and in the front, Anirudha Panditrao (left), James Tigert, Flynn Colwell-Castles, Dylan Simon, Jacob Hunsburger, Adam Holley, Simon Andonian and Ryan Schriek; absent for the photo, are Chris Coady, Anderson Wolfe, Cam Fletcher, Andrew Benney, Haydon Armstrong, Aidan Calcutt, Adam Carty, Ryan Carty, Pat Carty, Bailey Fidler and Zack Stoneman