Pistolas FC 2011

MARKHAM - Pistolas FC came out blazing on Sunday and avenged an earlier loss to the previously undefeated Markham Crush striking a 3-1 victory.

Though the game started off only 10 versus 9 at kickoff, players on both sides soon trickled in leaving PFC with a bench of 3 while the Crush had 5 subs.

But using some short, nice, passes, the lads were able to string together some offensive opportunities and maintained good possession on the ball. Avid www.pistolasfc.com reader Eckleton, had a much needed and welcomed return - as did Andrew T., as both these two fit and skilled players made key plays all game.

MVP Eddy was at his best as usual, striking home the opening tally before crossing a pass into the box where the ball got purposely manhandled by a defender, leading to a spot kick which again Eddy buried with more ease than the Italian team just moments earlier at another field.

The change in formation to only three defenders worked wonders as the 5 midfielders allowed for more offense as well as more coverage in getting back. Rocco, Luciano, and Dookie were solid throughout the game on defense while the "Ragin Bull" Ivano, Steve, and Carlos made great passes and plays at midfield.

Considering we were without key players like Davidinho, David B, Gus, Jason, and Ronaldo and only having three subs, the team gelled and showed it could win against any team.

But the victory was marred by a lopsided rash of yellow cards that eventually led to the sending off of Mark R. with a red card. In total 7 yellows and 1 red card were issued. In addition, Gerry picked up his 3rd yellow of the season which means he will also miss the next game along side Mark due to suspension. The frustration lies in the fact that the team was unjustly called for cards often cited by the referee as retaliation. Well, perhaps if the referee did his job there wouldn't be any retaliating!

Having now amassed 10 yellows and 2 red cards in only 6 games played, the team now faces team fines in addition to player fines.

And now, as the long weekend looms, both suspensions and personal commitments may render the team short on subs for this Sunday's match.

But the team has found a fit, skilled player in 'Daniel' who is close to signing and hopes to debut this Sunday. His potential and capabilities are definitely going to improve the team.

STOUFFVILLE - Just like the clouds of rain in June, new signee Roman is gone for the season.

Ready to go two weeks ago against Cornell FC, his debut was doused by thunderstorms. Then, in a Saturday scrimmage this past weekend, in preparation for Sunday's match, he sufferred a mysterious fitness injury that has rendered him gone for the season.

Never getting a chance to play this season, he is committed to rehabilitating his injury in the offseason in hopes cracking the roster next year.

MARKHAM - All but the two early 5 o'clock games were rained out this past Sunday, ruining PFC's plans to regain some momentum against Cornell FC - a team they opened the season against with a 2-0 victory.

The storms were teasing, starting with a violent wind and rain coupled with lightning all around, and were gone within 15 minutes. However, 15 minutes later they returned, and the process repeated itself all night.

New Pistolas FC member, and former star player, Roman "The Rainmaker" Prsa was roaring to go. His experience and skill should help in the midfield where he looks to return tp the match fitness of his youth. His presence will also help on a much depleted bench full of woes ranging from injuries, age, fitness, and other commitments. Luckily, Roman can play all positions and has a cracker of a shot - with accuracy - for up front. He'll debut this Sunday.

And PFC will need his and everyones presence this Sunday as the team has their work cut out for them against the undefeated Markham Crush. Tied for first in the league and ranked first in the division, the Markham Crush bring 15 points from 5 games, and 10 goals for while only conceding 4.

The last battle between these two teams was tight, with the Markham Crush sqeauking away with a 2-1 victory on a rough deflected goal.

Sunday also marks the Quarterfinal game between Spain and Italy at Euro 2008. Since that game should end at 4:45 ahead of the pistolas FC 5:00 game, Pistolas FC members will meet at The Duchess to watch the game since it's close by to the Field and no one is late.

Both games should be great!

MARKHAM - PFC played in sweltering humidity reaching 37 degrees this past Sunday, and could not contain Those Guys for 90 minutes, blowing a 1-0 lead in the first half.

At first it seemed as if things were going to ease up this game as Mark R. received a great pass, dribbled into the box to the goaline before feeding Charles E. for an easy touch. But from there things went downhill.

First, an errant clearance in the PFC end led to a fluke shot that caught the far post and went in, leaving the game tied at the half. 1-1.

The second half was disaster in more ways than one. First, a floater dipped down just under the bar to put Those Guys up 2-1.

Then, moments later, Charles E. received a yellow card for an innocent tackle in the offensive zone, officially making PFC the most carded team in the league.

Following that, a bad bounce in the box eventually made its way to the foot of Jason S., only for the other team to stop playing and cry for a handball - that was awarded after a long delay - though both the referee and linesman were in no position to tell.

Then, without even seeing a yellow, Marcello received a straight Red Card for abuse of the official after telling him to (and I'm paraphrasing) "Go 'do something' to himself" Another card tallied to the team total.

The loss, however, puts the Pistolas only 3 points out of 4th place in the league. The team can't wait for the return of Andrew T, Eckleton, Gus and Andrew F, but it was good to have Ron F. and David B. back in the lineup.

The team takes on Cornell FC next Sunday at 7pm from Centennial Field. The last time these two teams met, PFC were victorious 2-0, so anticipate a much tighter and tougher game.