Sporočila za javnost

The Ontario Alpha Particles went into their 42nd season match with high expectations. For many of them, it was their last game with the team as they would be transferred out the following day. However, for the franchise as a whole, it was a shot at returning to international competition.

After 41 games played the Alphas sat in 6th place with 66 points and a +24 goal differential. Ahead of them, Loser Patrol FC, sat in 5th with 69 points and a +27 goal differential. To make the Champions' League in season 6 the Alphas would have to climb into 5th position and hope that NK Divlje Jagode won this season's Champions' League final on Wednesday.

A win would draw the Alphas level with Loser Patrol (providing they lost) to 69 points. The first tie breaker is goal differential. The Alphas would have to make up 3 goals to tie in that regard which would make it come down to total goals scored as the next tie breaker.

The game itself was a very emotional affair. Players and fans enjoyed every minute of action. The Alphas dominated the match through the first 45 minutes especially after Yoshi was down to 10 men. In the final half the players pressed hard. Using their 70+% possession advantage they fired 11 shots on target and another 9 wide, 7 of those 20 attempts came from Purdon alone.

When the final whistle blew, in fitting fashion Jacob Hodge and Ethan Purdon had both scored and the Alphas secured a 2-0 victory. They watched on the screen as the final moments ticked away in the Loser Patrol game where Shinodas were winning 1-0. As the final whistle blew there, a 1-0 final, Alpha players and fans alike had their hopes dashed.

With a 2-0 win and a 1-0 loss for Loser Patrol, the Alphas finished 6th in I.1 missing a shot at the Champions' League. They are tied with Loser Patrol for 69 points and +26 goal differential. However, Loser Patrol's 60 goals for to the Alphas 54 meant Loser Patrol would stay in 5th.

"It's a devastating blow. We really wanted to win this match and give the team a shot next year at a Champions' League birth. We left everything we had on the table. Sadly, it wasn't enough. I'm deeply saddened to leave, but the game tonight was really something special. The Hall of Fame induction was something my family and myself will remember forever" said Jacob Hodge.

"You have to look at the positives" said Purdon when he addressed the team after the game prior to cleaning out his stall. "Last season we finished 9th with 60 points and a -1 goal differential. We surrendered 38 goals and scored a mere 37. This season, we went younger and we got exceptionally better as the season went on, especially down the stretch. We finished 9 points better, gave up 8 fewer goals and scored a whopping 19 more goals. The +27 improvement is something we need to hold our heads high on. It took a lot of effort and dedication from everyone. I am proud at what we've accomplished. I may not have had a solid on-field role this season, but I embraced my role off the pitch. You all are family, and I will forever carry you in my thoughts to every match I play... I'm an Alpha for life."

The remaining two weeks will see the Alphas participate in the League Cup. Their top 15 players are at training camp so fans will be treated to matches featuring some of the reserves and prospects.

---

---