Matteo Polisi scored twice as TSS Rovers FC, a semi-pro side that plays in League1 B.C., upset Winnipeg’s Valour FC of the Canadian Premier League 3-1 Wednesday in preliminary-round play in the Canadian Championship.
Ivan Mejia also scored for the third-tier Rovers, who will visit either Pacific FC or Cavalry FC in the May 9-11 quarterfinals.
It marked the first time a semi-pro side has eliminated a pro club in the Canadian cup competition.
Valour pulled one back in the 88th minute on an Anthony Novak penalty at Swangard Stadium.
Polisi, a former Pacific FC player, put the home side ahead in the 39th minute after a poor Valour clearance. The ball dropped to Polisi who shifted it from one foot to another before using the left to slot it into the corner of the goal.
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Three minutes later, a Rovers cross found Mejia in the penalty box. His shot squibbed against the goalpost but bounced in.
The third goal came in the 62nd minute. Valour failed to clear a corner and the ball came to Mejia, who drove down the right flank where a teammate took over. The ensuing cross found Polisi in space and he tapped it in.
Founded in 1997, the semi-pro Rovers count CF Montreal defender Joel Waterman among their alumni.
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