The budding relationship between FC LONDON soccer and League1 Ontario is off to a great start, and FC LONDON has risen to the challenge with its men’s and women’s teams both vying for league titles.
Mike Marcoccia and Mario Despotovic (head coaches for the women’s and men’s team, respectively) have put their top squads on the field in a run for league championship honours. The men’s team specifically has been bolstered with an U21 team from which Despotovic regularly selects players to ‘play up’ on the League1 men’s squad.
The women’s team has been led by league leading scorer Jade Kovacevic, a League1 all-star. Kovacevic, defender Meagan Scott, and midfielder Julia Benati all represented FC LONDON on the Ontario team in the all-star game against Quebec, while Marcoccia received the coaching honours. Beyond league-leading stats and scores, the team has served as a launching pad for college careers, as many players are now moving into their fall seasons in post-secondary schools throughout Canada and the United States.
“It’s truly been a whirlwind of a season, and I think we’ve surprised a lot of people in the soccer world – not only here in London, but throughout the country,” said Marcoccia. “Our goal was to create opportunities for these young athletes while creating a positive atmosphere and good role models for young players. I think we’ve achieved our goal, and to do that in the first year is fantastic.”
The success has been similar on the men’s side, with three players and head coach Despotovic all receiving all-star honours. Beyond midfielder Randy Ribeiro, goaltender Anthony Sokalski, and international defender Steven Al-Sayed, team-leading goal scorer Elvir Gigolaj was also selected.
“Our players all deserved to be there,” Despotovic said. “They represented FC LONDON well, and showed why we’re regarded as one of the top teams in the province.”
League1 Ontario has been lauded for their attention to detail to create a consistent and professional atmosphere. London has taken the sentiment to the next level by adding a family entertainment component.
“Hats off to Tatiana Stolf, who has managed our game-day operations this year,” said Ian Campbell, FC LONDON President. “There are a lot of moving parts to every game, including video, announcing, DJ, sponsors and special guests. Managing everything is a tough job, and we’re proud and thankful for the efforts of Tatiana and our volunteers. They do a great job.”
HOME SCHEDULE
Men
Sept 9 – 7:30 pm – GCFC
Sept 14 – 8:00 pm – GCFC
Oct 2 – 4:30 pm – Location TBD
Oct 7 – 7:30 pm – Location TBD
Women
Sept 17 – 7:30 pm – GCFC
Sept 25 – 1:00 pm – Hellenic Field
Story submitted by FC London
