Croatia, Windsor through

Toronto Croatia and Windsor Border Stars are in the semi-finals of the CSL Championship following narrow quarter-final victories Sunday. Croatia nipped Laval Dynamites 1-0 at Victoria Park in Brampton and Border Stars edged National Division winners Oakville Blue Devils, 2-1 at Bronte Stadium in Oakville.

Croatia’s winning goal came after 51 minutes following a hard-fought scoreless first half played at a strong pace despite the heavy ground conditions and it was forward Tommy Ples who collected a shot off the Laval crossbar to hit a volley well clear of goalkeeper Andrew Olivieri just inside the post.

Windsor Border Stars jumped 2-0 in front in the first 30 minutes at Bronte Stadium and held on for the 2-1 win. Woreth Samson put the border team ahead at the 16th minute mark and defender Wil Kletzien made it 2-0 on the half-hour.

Oakville Blue Devils fought back and their determination paid off with a goal 5 minutes to half time when Petro Czoli tapped in a rebound from close range. There were some close calls by both teams but the 2-1 score held to the final whistle.

A third quarter-final game scheduled for Sunday, Brampton Stallions vs. Italia Shooters, was postponed due to poor ground conditions and will be rescheduled.

The fourth quarter-final game, Serbian White Eagles vs. Toronto Supra Portuguese, has been scheduled for Monday, October 2 at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke, an 8 pm start.