Monday, January 21, 2008
TORONTO - Pistolas F.C. announced on Saturday, that they will become the world's first recreational team to offer free franchises, and with that a new era in recreational soccer was born.
The team, based in Toronto, Canada, has set a goal for 2008 to try and expand its brand across the country as well as into the United States, South America, and Australia.
Europe, Asia and Africa are future goals, and would be a bonus it that goal could be reached this year as well.
The way that franchising works would be that recreational teams, of any age group, would use the Pistolas F.C. name, team colours, logo, and website, and each player would receive an official @pistolasfc.com email address. You also get a Pistolas F.C. personalized team blog, managed by Pistolas F.C.
There is absolutely no cost to join, and anyone can do it, as long as they meet the requirements, which include applying for a specific city name (ex. Pistolas F.C. Los Angeles), providing proof of the recreational league you're in, and proof that you're using the Pistolas F.C. name in the league you're playing in. That's pretty much it for now!
Send an email to director@pistolasfc.com if you're interested in starting your own Pistolas F.C. team.
The personalized address makes it easy for players and fans alike to remember, as all they have to do is remember the name of their favourite team.
It is also a solid stepping stone to the aspirations of sustained growth both locally and internationally.
Also, team players received their new personalized @pistolasfc.com email accounts. The move will help streamline communications between team members, and allow a greater flexibility when checking emails.
It also prevents other email accounts from being bogged down by the heavily responded emails that circulate between players.
Finally, to add funcitonality to this site, team members can find a link on the right column of this page that will take them directly to their email login page.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
TORONTO - After countless goals from Charles, Gus, and Eckleton, the triumvirate returns for more - much more.
Not much was known about Charles at the start of last year other than - he's old. He quickly put those rumours of Big Mac Mondays, Toonie Tuesdays at KFC, Pasta Vita Wednesdays, Pizza Pizza Thursdays, and Fried Rice Fridays to rest. The Olden Boy even scored one game 45 seconds after arrving late to a game. With one year under his belt, this years rumour is that he's even training to get in shape for the upcoming season.
Eckleton joined the squad mid-season and after a few games showed speed, determination and stamina - the guy hardly subbed! But his never give up attitude led to chasing down his first hat trick, and notching other key goals in key games. He brings a year of experience upfront to get the job done again.
Gus the Greek did not disappoint last year. He came to camp in top shape, with the fitness of a midfielder which is where he spent plenty of minutes while switching up to striker at times. His endless energy and ability to connect on his shots and headers led to a few goals under his belt. With more opportunities upfront this year, he could have a breakout year in the goals department.
Mark and Rocco share a few things in common; they've both played net, sweeper, and striker in years gone by. This year, this duo plans to interchangeably split some time at both positions to give Rocco a well deserved chance up front where he is as talented in the striker position as he is on defence, and to give Mark a return to either glory or reality.
Your unofficial 2008 Strikers are: Charles, Gus, Eckleton, Mark, Rocco
TORONTO - With a commitment to quick substitutions and a no tolerance policy for 'walkers,' the team put high expectations on the midfield department.
Fortunately, the talent and depth at the position was overwhelming in response, and should allow the team to carry out their fast, non stop running, and quick subbing plan that should put added pressure on other teams, and allow them to compete with younger teams.
Dave B. should be one to look for this season, as he brings improved fitness and should be able to run forever on the left flank. He's supported by Carlos and Eddie Moss in an inside outside role.
Ivano brings his Raging Bull skills back for another season down the right flank while Steve W., Arbi, and Eddy M. round out the mids.
Also capable of playing the spot in case of emergency are veterans Gus and Jason who had solid stints in mid last year.
Your unofficial 2008 Midfielders are: Dave B., Carlos, Eddie Moss, Eddy M., Ivano, Steve W., Arbi, (with the options of Gus and Jason).
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
TORONTO - Pictures, like the one pictured right, (moments after winning the Centennial Cup Championship), are enough to bring a team even closer together.
Here is your unofficial 2008 Defensive Wall of 8: Davindinho, Ronaldo, Dookie, Marcello, John, Jason, Rocco, and Mark.
MARKHAM - As day 3 came to a close, there were 8 more player responses, bringing the total now to 14 preference declarations.
Steve Ward started the day claiming the versatile midfielder position, followed by Charles "Carlos" Eppich asking to play striker or sub. Ivano was also added to the mix as a versatile midfielder, before John breathed a sigh of relief i the squad accepting a defender position joining Dave and Ron. Marcello, (remember him from the semis and finals last year - ya, well that guy) also declared his defensive intentions, while Arbi - playing anything but defense - seems to excel at the midfield role. Jason "Mad Skills" Shumski, citing to play anywhere, sent the big shock of the day as many were left wondering, "even keeper?" Steve K. might be in the hot seat now! We'll be sure to clarify with Jay. Finally, Carlos Quinto also returns to the midfield, which adds much needed depth to given the demands of the position.
As a late breaking point, Rocco will team up with Mark in an interchanging Striker/Sweeper role this year. This will allow both players a chance to play the 2 positions they love without affecting the rotation or substitutions.
The team is shaping up well, as we look forward to responses shortly from Matt, Andrew, and Eddy.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Eckleton Richards also responded that he'd be interested in resuming his striker role from last year, where he was comfrotable and hit for the hat trick in a critical match that advanced the Pistolas FC to another round.
Having heard from 6 players (Mark, Gus, Dave F., Dave B., Eddie Moss and Eckleton) during the off days, Day 3 should bring about a flurry of emails and position preference declarations. Also, as of now, Steve K. is our goalie, with Arbi offering to play 2 or 3 games as a backup.
All eyes will be looking for the defenders to sign up as that is the crucial position for the team.
Mark was the first to respond that he'll play the Striker/Defender role according to the best interest of the team. "During my last season with Ivano at Inter F.C., I enjoyed the role of defense though the lack of midfielders and strikers on that team made the workload 90 minutes long which was unbearable. But having played striker in my youth setting records at St. Andrews S.C. and NSSC, I'd like to give another shot upfront again, especially having sacraficed playing defense and keeper in my last 3 full seasons of play."
Davidinho also replied saying, "In my case, I began the (2007) season wanting to play the left mid position, a spot I played in my younger, quicker days, however, I moved back to left defense around game 5 and found that I contributed to the team in a greater way than at left mid....I wanted to win, like I know we all do, and knew it was the best spot for me to help the team do so."
In Davidinho's place, Dave B. stepped up with the following comment, "I prefer playing either the inside or outside left midfield position. I have a lighter starting weight (this year) and will be in much better condition, so I expect that running long will not be as much of an issue."
Gus the Greek capped off the days position preference replies that he'd be returning to the striker/midfield role, which was no surprise to the team given his contributions in the goal scoring department, and his fitness in midfield.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The early practices showed promise, as a cast of different characters gathered to display their talents and skills. The outset from the get go was that we were 'in it to win it,' and the feeling throughout was that this team had the skill capable of winning the championship.
The first exhibition game was well fought against an impressive F.C. All Stars that resulted in a 2-2 draw. Opening day however, saw a hard fought high scoring battle end in a 6-4 loss to the Titans, and PFC soon realized that the league skill level had improved. Injuries to Marcello and Andrew (gone for the season), coupled with the loss of keeper 'Scorpinho' for 3 weeks in Greece, left the team with 3 less roster players. The next 3 games would prove to be the toughest games of the season, but also acted as a catalyst for change.
The team suffered in roster size culminating in the last of the 3 games with an 11-1 routing by the Markham Blues, versus a depleted 9 man squad reduced to 8 with an injury. This called for a massive change, and soon the game confirmation emails became team policy.
From the next game onwards, the team began to grow in numbers, and gel with each other more on the field. The goals started coming and so did the wins. The team clinched a playoff berth, and in the darkness, beat out a highly seeded Gold F.C. team in a shootout to advance.
The team lost the following game by the narrowest of margins, and in some unconventional league rules, saw the Gold F.C. team advance froma wild card (yes, this is the team they beat the previous week).
Out of the playoffs, the Pistolas set there sights on the highly coveted Centennial Cup Championship Trophy. The team used the next series of games to gel even more. Up against tough competition, the team defeated a highly skilled Solun F.C. (two time league finalists), and the Spartans F.C. (guess they would've needed 300 of them to stand a fighting chance). Off to the finals, the boys would soon face the ferocity of the Markham Blues again, 2 time league champs, and undefeated all season including the playoffs and cup championship.
In probably the best played game by each and every squad member, the Pistolas took the game into overtime, only to hold off a pressing barrage of chances by the Blues. As time wounded down, this highly competitive match from both teams soon would be solved via the dreaded penalty kick shootout.
'Scorpinho' stabbed 3 out of 5 kicks and team MVP Eddie Megurian notched home the decisive goal, and the confetti was out. A capacity crowd erupted in the stands as the lads, reminiscent of boyhood dreams, celebrated in glory. A long journey had brought them the inaugural Centennial Cup Championship.
Now, in 2008, their goal is to repeat as champions, and set their sights on the league title as well.
