Attak ready for CSL matchup with Shooters

Of the four remaining teams left in the Canadian Soccer League playoffs, the Trois-Rivieres Attak are the only club without a championship in its history.

This year’s National Division champions will look to inch closer to joining that elusive group as they meet the Italia Shooters this Saturday [5 p.m. ET] at Maple in the first of a two-game home and away series.

“The playoffs are a totally different competition than the regular season,” Attak head coach Philippe Eullaffroy.

“Now that we have reached the semi finals, it is a one-in-four chance of winning the CSL Championship.”

The Attak eliminated Portugal FC on Oct. 3 after a 1-0 defeat at home. They had pitched a 3-0 shutout in the first match on Sept. 26 at Brockton Stadium, winning the two-game goal total 3-1.

In order to emerge with a victory this weekend, Trois-Rivieres will have to contain Shooters defender Desi Humphrey, who scored a hat trick in the club’s 5-0 win against their quarterfinal opponents, the St. Catharines Wolves on Sept. 25.

Italia’s Geron Duporte will also look to continue his hot start to the playoffs as the forward netted two in the club’s 2-1 victory against the Wolves on Oct. 4.

Eagles prep for Croatia

The other semi-final matchup features the International Division champion Serbian White Eagles as they welcome the Toronto Croatia to Centennial Stadium on Sunday [4 p.m ET].

The Eagles, who eliminated TFC Academy, will look for forward Sasa Vickinez to continue his strong play as he scored the team’s lone goal in a 1-0 victory on Sept. 27 and scored two last Saturday in the Eagle’s 4-1 clincher.

As for Croatia, after winning 3-0 in the series opener against the Brampton Lions, they tied 1-1 last Sunday to advance to the semi-finals.

The four teams will also play next weekend and the two who advance will meet in the championship game on Oct. 24 at Lamport Stadium.

About this article

By: Ryan Glassman
Posted: Oct 9 2009 8:12 pm
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Filed under: Soccer Sports