Uneven second half costs Huron United in frenetic match against Simba FC

The Huron United Football Club came out on the wrong side of a goal-filled affair in its Tri-City Men's Soccer League match-up against Simba FC, July 8. After battling to a draw at half-time, Simba pulled away in the second to earn a 7-3 victory.

Holding midfielder Simon Andonian got Huron United off to a strong start with a screamer in the third minute. Huron United’s high press forced a bouncing ball loose, which Andonian seized upon and laced a volley through the keeper's hands.

An unfortunate call on a resilient challenge by fullback Anderson Wolfe gave Simba a penalty in the fourth minute. Keeper Josh Coleman dove and smothered the ball on the initial shot, but Simba was granted a second attempt due to a line violation, which it converted to draw level.

Simba flexed its fast break bonafides and capitalized on a Huron United turn-over shortly thereafter, taking a 2-1 lead on another firm shot to the bottom corner.

Defensive stalwart Andonian brought Huron United back square with another brilliant offensive play. A swinging corner from attacking midfielder Ryan Schriek found a surging Andonian at the far post, and he smashed a lunging volley into the back of the net in the 16th minute. 

Newly-signed player Alex Samuels made an immediate impression upon substituting into his debut match after intercepting an errant Simba pass. Samuels settled the ball, surveyed the field, and then curled a precision strike into the bottom corner to restore Huron United's lead in the 20th minute.

A frenetic first half ended level at 3-3 after a late equalizer narrowly beat Coleman.

Unfortunately, things went off the rails for Huron United in the second half. Attackers Drew Cobean, Jason Leiskau, and Adam Carty had near misses, but Simba dominated the closing 45 and stacked some late goals to walk away with a 7-3 victory.

The squad voted Andonian as Man of the Match on the strength of his brace. Honourable mentions went to Samuels for his stand-out debut and Wolfe for his relentless defensive work rate.

Huron United, based out of the Saugeen Shores United Football Club, continued its TMSL campaign against Suspects FC, Tuesday, July 15, at Spinrite Field, Listowel. The squad features players from Kincardine, Port Elgin, and surrounding areas. For team updates, visit kdslsoccer.com.