A 2-1 win on the weekend over Scrosoppi FC might not have been enough to vault the Sudbury Cyclones out from OPL1 (Ontario Premier League1) relegation territory, but it was, most certainly, their biggest win of the year.
Entering the contest with a record of 2-10-1 and facing the second place team in the league (8-2-3), the Cyclones had little reason for optimism beyond a late April 2-1 loss to Scrosoppi on the road.
Well that, and a seemingly endless belief in the team from their head coach.
"I am convinced this team belongs in OPL1," said Giuseppe Politi, a couple of days after a first half goal from Dominic Parris (33rd minute) and a second half highlight-reel volley from Jaiden Santo were just enough to lift the home side to victory.
"We are certainly realistic," Politi continued. "We are not anywhere near competing for the title, but we are a competitive mid-level club that can put on a good performance, week in and week out."
His belief in that foundational statement has made it much easier for the man who has guided the Cyclones to promotions in each of the last two summers to avoid all of the spiraling traps that more frequent losses than wins can often entail.
Politi has pulled out every trick in the book in trying to ensure that his lads keep the faith.
"I don't know that it's just one thing," he said. "There's a lot of variables. Staying positive in tone, whether that be in-person conversations or in group chats. Showing the players the evidence in video of the quality chances that we have created, the minor mistakes that we need to clean up."
"They're young men and they know that we are competing."
With the win and their total of ten points, Sudbury moves to within five points of Burlington SC and six of International FC, with games against both remaining as part of the eight encounters still on the slate for the locals.
(Technically seven once their matchup with Vaughan Azzurri scheduled for Wednesday July 15th at Cambrian field is in the books ... just in - this game has been postponed due to weather and will be rescheduled)
For as much as there is always room for improvement in a whole variety of game details, it really is difficult to escape the inability of the Cyclones to put the ball in the back of the net when quality opportunities arise as the overwhelming reason as to why the team is not much closer to a middle of the pack slotting.
"Our formation has been pretty consistent; our style has been pretty consistent all year," said Politi. "It's more about executing. When we get the chances to score, we've got to score. And we cannot make senseless turnover errors or fall asleep for even a moment."
"It's cost us points."
Following their battle with Vaughan, the Cyclones continue a very busy stretch with a visit to Burlington (Sat July 18th), a midweek trek to Barrie to face the Simcoe County Rovers (Wed July 22nd), a head to head in Hamilton with Sigma FC (Sun July 26th) and a rematch with Vaughan on the road (Sun August 2nd).
