TSS Rovers become first semi-professional club to knock a professional club out of Canadian Championship

April 20, 2023 – Vancouver, BC

It was a historic victory for League1 BC and League1 Canada’s TSS Rovers at Swangard Stadium, as they became the first semi-professional side to eliminate a professional side from the Canadian Championship.  Rovers’ captain, Matteo Polisi, earned Gatorade Performance of the Match honours with his brace, scoring in the 39th and 62nd minute. Ivan Meiji added to the TSS Rovers’ tally 3 minutes after Polisi’s first goal got the home side on the scoreboard, as Meija hit one in off the post to double the League1 BC side’s lead.  Rovers could have extended the lead further, but had a 66th minute penalty saved by the Valour goalkeeper.

Swangard Stadium provided a great atmosphere on the night, and the supporter-owned club were the stronger team throughout the match and were deserving victors. Valour FC managed to get onto the scoreboard in the dying moments of regulation, with Anthony Novak converting from the penalty spot past Rovers goalkeeper, Justyn Sandhu, in the 88th minute.

Rovers FC will now eagerly await the winner of tonight’s clash at Starlight Stadium and a potential dream all-BC Quarter Final against Pacific FC, if the Langford-based side can defeat Alberta’s Cavalry FC.  Kick-off is at 7pm on OneSoccer.

Photo credit: @CanadaSoccer

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