Sunday, August 31, 2008
MARKHAM - After a strong season and better play this year, Pistolas FC dropped an unlikely 4-1 loss to Silver.
Missing many quality players in Ivano, David Breau, Gus, Jay Shumski and Andrew Traetto the team didnt have many options in changing things up or trying different options.
Poorly scheduled as an early start on the the Sunday of the long weekend, the game started quickly without necessary defencemen Rocco and Luch, and Silver got out to an early 2-0 scoreline.
From there on in the game snowballed, and though the team regrouped and had good possession, it was the fitness on the counterattack that hurt the most. In this league fitness will kill you 80% of the time versus skill, and with many guys playing tired, hurt, and sore, it was tough to keep up in the scorching sun.
Eddy M.VP was the lone scorer, potting a nice one of the far post after Silver was already up 4-0. Goaltender Mark C. did his best playing with a fractured rib and was called upon with a peppering of point blank shots that were unanticipated.
Sadly, the boys will not repeat as champs this year, but will look forward to the offseason to contemplate getting fit, and revamping the roster for 2009.
TORONTO - "Raging Bull" Ivano Volpe is still suffering from shin splints, ankle and groin injuries and will unlikely play in today's match.
The injuries occured during the Inter Selects and Silver matches that were both played within the span of four days.
There is a small window of hope that he may decide come game time that he'll at least test it out, and his presence alone would at the very least contribute to the substitution situation. If he could play and provide a few short shifts even just to give the guys a break and some water, then showing up and playing would be a huge contribution.
With the weather and humidity expected to rise, it will be a scorcher and therefore substitutions will be key.
Game time is set for 4:30 pm at Mount Joy
MARKHAM - Though injury has caused some notable losses in the roster for today, plenty of the players are expected to play - some through injury - as we here at pistolasfc.com reveal our expected roster.
Firstly, it's been firmly confirmed that Jay Shumski, David Breau and Gus G. are out due to injury and contractual commitments.
On defense, Rocco will lead the crew of Matt Dookie, Luciano, Marcello, and Ronaldo.
At Midfield, Steve Ward leads a group of Eddy M, Carlos, Ivano, Davidinho and Arbi.
In the pressure cooker, Eckleton Richards returns to guide Charles, and gameday decision Mark R.
Between the posts nothing has been confirmed, but we are still hopeful in assuming that Star keeper Mark C. is will be back, rounding out the roster to 15 players.
Still, the young and fit Andrew Traetto would be welcomed back but as of Saturday night there was no word on his status. Also unconfirmed was the status of Andrew F, Eddie Moss, and Gerry.
VIVA PISTOLAS!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
MARKHAM - Late Saturday night, it was confirmed that Gus G. of the Pistolas FC Toronto would not play in Sunday's match versus Silver due to a lower back injury.
The injury, which limits his running and movement, affected him last game as well, and was visually obvious. There were strong hopes that with a weeks rest he'd be able to give a few shifts and provide an extra sub.
When healthy, Gus has proven to be one of the fitter players on the squad with plenty of stamina who can handle the run. He's versatile in both the midfield and striker position, and though he's only got one on the season this year, last year he was quite the scorer and has the ability to find the back of the net.
TORONTO - A boyhood dream. A a storied set of stars. A hope for new stars. Impossible is Nothing. And for the members of Pistolas FC, all this resonates intensively as they don on their cleats this Sunday with the task of proving doubters that Impossible is Nothing, in their quest to repeat as Centennial Cup Champions.More importantly, it is the do-or-die season for all clubs, and all nerves, injuries - in fact the whole season - doesn't mean a thing now, as the elimination season is just beginning.
Facing sudden death this Sunday, Pistolas FC are ready and roaring to go. Theres not much else to be said about last Sunday's meaningless game against Round 1 opponent, Silver, that hasn't already been said.
But perhaps last Sunday's loss has made the team bitter, angry, vengeful. And nothing would be more quenching than a victory to get them through to the second round. Perhaps last Sunday's hard fought loss was a blessing, a motivator, the key that would guide them as they bid to repeat as Centennial Cup Champions.
A much better team than last year, the team chemistry continues to grow. Averging out as the oldest club in the league, the team has found a passing game and organically grown into a style of their own, and allowed them to compete at the highest levels against younger, fitter teams. That style needs to be there this Sunday - and it will.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
In that game, Mark was called upon to stop a penalty kick, with the game still tied 0-0. He made a fantastic save and was quick to get up and grab the rebound from a charging striker.
Unfortunately the dive to make the save also caused a cracked rib that he felt by the end of the game. A visit to the walkin clinic later confirmed it.
He did, however, miss Sunday's game in hopes of resting and recuperating for this Sundays playoff game. He'll be a game time decision, but things are looking hopeful.
Click on the picture for a closeup of the cracked rib.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
TORONTO - Steadfast defensemen Jason Shumski, and workhorse midfielder David Breau have both been ruled out for this Sunday's playoff game against Silver.
Shumski, who has been seeking physio, missed most of August after injuring his ankle in a game early in the month. He returned to play in the last 3 games but reinjured it this past Sunday. He's roaring to go in Round 2, so look for him in the stands cheering on the boys.
Breau has a contractual bind, that would rule him out not only for this match, but should PFC advance, he would also miss the next match as well. He would, however, be ready to go in the semis and finals and should be well rested by then.
Monday, August 25, 2008
MARKHAM - Well, the regular season is over and now the elimination playoffs begin. It's do or die time, and it'll take 4 wins to claim the coveted Centennial Cup Championship.
After the games were completed and the standings set, there were two ties. Pistolas FC and Limeys FC tied for 3rd overall, but in head to head action Limeys FC won both its matches against a short benched PFC squad, and therefore wins the tie breaker for third. The other tie was for 9th spot between Titans FC and Silver. Agains, Silver had won the head to head against Titans FC and claimed the 9th spot.
With that set, Pistolas FC will take on Silver in the first round of the playoffs, in a rematch of this past Sunday's game.
"Ultimately, a deep bench is crucial to winning this coming Sunday, and I expect a completely different Pistolas team than last night," said team director Mark R, "we'll have our keeper back, our scoring leader, and a host of other lethal weapons. The key for us is really a deep bench. We've now played two years together and had a great run this year. We're capable of beating any team in this league if we communicate, pass well, and get back to support our stellar defense. We have by far the best keeper in the league. We have guys coming off well desrved rest in Eckleton, Andrew T, Eddy M, Davidinho, and Ronaldo. If all goes to plan I expect a squad of 18 motivated guys this Sunday looking to seek revenge on this Silver team. There are many different options and weapons on this team, but the determination and heart is going to really be important in pulling together. Take no team lightly. Let's win this Sunday boys!"
There work will be cut out for them as they play a fit Silver squad who likes to run. They were a challenge on Sunday, and their record doesn't accurately reflect their abilities as they forfeited 5 games during the regular season.
This Sunday, 4:30 at Mount Joy, should be a hard fought battle!
VIVA PISTOLAS!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
MARKHAM - After winning the last 5 straight games and 8 of their last 10, Pistolas FC dropped the last game of the regular season 2-1 to Silver.
Playing their 2nd game in 4 nights, the team looked sluggish all around showing only few signs of determination.
But with the previous game ending in a lopsided 6-1 Titans FC over Limeys FC, the boys in black weren't as pressed into a must win situation and experimented with an unusual lineup.
Of particular note was the absence of plenty of regulars including Davidinho, Ronaldo, Eckleton, Eddy 'M.VP', Andrew Traetto, and starting keeper Mark C.
Gus G. played as the third string keeper, and did well toughing through injury, coming up big with a few saves, most notably off a free kick going straight for the top corner.
Ivano and Mark R. were also battling injuries and weren't as fluent or speedy in their runs, though Mark R. - playing midfield - made some crafty runs through Silver as if the ball were on his foot with a string. Alas, what dimension could he bring if his weight and conditioning weren't an issue; one can only wonder.
And, in a goal reminicent of Argentinian Angel Di Maria's Olympic Gold Medal Winning Goal against Nigeria, Carlos Quinto pounced on a high bouncing ball, out ran the charging keeper, and ever so craftily just chipped it over him bouncing the ball into an open net.
Jason Shumski, also battling through injury, was re-injured and left the field. Hopefully a little ice will have him back next week for the start of the playoffs.
With the win and a number of other results still to be revealed, the playoff picture became a bit more cloudy, and as soon as the information is known, http://www.pistolasfc.com/ will be the first to report it here, so check back often.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
TORONTO - With Saturday's results in, there is only one game remaining on the schedule for each team before the final playoff picture is solidified.
On Saturday, Solun FC beat Limeys FC 3-1 to put Pistolas FC in 3rd position based on goals for.
The Markham Crush continued their reign as they downed Titans FC 3-0, while Pamir FC - pounded Inter Selects - catching them on their second of three games in four nights - 7-1. And as expected, Cornell FC beat the Blue Devils 3-1.
With Sundays matches remaining, Pistolas FC must win to secure 3rd as they remain tied in points with Limeys FC, and only hold 3rd by way of Goals For. A third place finish would have them square off against the 10th place team in the league in round 1 of the playoffs. A victory would be two-fold as it would also pit them against either the Silver team or Titans FC.
Sundays remaining matches at include 5:00pm Markham Crush vs. Blue Devils; 7:00pm Pamir FC vs Markham Dynamo; and 9:00pm Cornell FC vs. Solun FC, all at Centennial Field, while at Mount Joy Field at 5:00pm Limeys FC vs. Titans FC; 7:00pm Pistolas FC vs. Silver; and the last game of the year, 9:00 Those Guys vs. Inter Selects.
It should be a great finish to an awesome season.
Check the standings, look at the games above and try to figure out the playyoff picture yourself!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
MARKHAM - Two 'Magical Men of Mayhem' were pulling out the tricks last night, as Eddy M. and Mark C. led the Pistolas to their latest victory.
Eddy 'M.VP' didn't need many games to return to his All Star form as he netted a hat trick. With 5 goals in his last two games, you'd never know he was injured all these weeks.
Mark C. has also been strong of late, stopping a penalty shot, snapping up the rebound, and making leaping save after save on some poorly called free kicks just outside the box (does the ref have something against Marcello?? Because all the whistles seemed to go unfairly against him!). With his third straight shutout, he now boasts 5 on the year.
The rest of the team played well at all positions, and showed once again that they are a team with the experience of playing together - by far the biggest advantage thats shown itself game after game.
Winner of their last 5 straight games, they've also won 8 of their last 10. After last nights victory, the Pistolas are guaranteed to finish 4th with a chance at 3rd still in reach. 5th spot Solun FC are down 7pts on PFC and have only two remaining games, thus they cannot catch them. It will all depend on how Limeys FC play against Solun FC on Saturday and Titans FC on Sunday.
8 teams are in action on Saturday and the playoff picture will start to shape up better after those results are in. Pamir FC plays Inter Selects, Cornell vs. Blue Devils, Markham Crush vs. Titans FC, and the aforementioned Limeys FC vs. Solun FC.
With the bottom tier of teams ever so close with many tied at 14pts, its hard to guess who might end up where in the final standings. If the playoffs were to start today, Pistolas FC would play Silver - the team they play this coming Sunday in the last game of the season. But there is a strong possibility they could face one of the following teams; Silver, Cornell FC, Titans FC, Inter Selects or Pamir FC.
This weekend will be one you'll definitely not want to miss.
TORONTO - It has been a very different year in the world of Pistolas FC.
Last year, the team finished in 8th out of 10 teams, struggling in the league, before gelling late in the season and late into the playoffs culminating with winning the championship.
But this year the team has enjoyed some league success, and after a slow first four games, have rebounded strong and won their last 4 straight and 7 of their last 9 games. They are battling for third seed with two games remaining and it's all because of goals.
Last year, finding the net was a huge problem. This year, the team boasts 9 different scorers - 6 of them multiple scorers.
It also boasts a heavy up top scoring lead with 3 guys tied for 1st in the scoring race with 6 goals a piece. Charles, Eddy M., and Steve Ward have all been instrumental in team scoring and with such a close race any of them can win.
It is definitely where the team wants to be right now and it's nice to have options - a wealth of players that can score. To top that off, there are still a number of players bursting with potential to score as well such as Carlos, Ivano, Shumski, Ronaldo and Breau just to name a few.
Any which way you look at it, the team has definitely improved, and the goals keep flowing.
VIVA PISTOLAS!
MARKHAM - The Markham Crush have emerged as the new leaders of the league after downing the Markham Dynamo 2-0 in a battle for first place.
After a surge to the top with 11 straight victories, the Markham Dynamo have gone winless in their last four games, dropping the last three straight. In only two of those matches did the Dynamo field a short bench, so the questions are starting to arise.
In the other Tuesday match, the ever strong Solun FC dropped their match 4-2 to unlikely spoilers Pamir FC. The loss was huge as now Solun FC have completed the same number of games as the rest of the league, and are a comfortable 4 points behind Pistolas FC in the standings.
Which sets up an interesting week for Inter Selects. The only team not to have played 14 games yet, Inter Selects has 3 matches in the next 4 days, playing tonight against Pistolas FC and then again on Saturday and Sunday.
With the Dynamo having now completed 15 of 16 games, they are now 2 points behind the Crush, and will probably finish 2nd overall with the Crush taking the league title.
The battle for third place is still on with a tight race between PFC who trail Limeys FC by 3 points with only 2 matches to go. Limeys FC square off against what is hopefully a more competitive Solun FC team on Saturday and finish off against Pamir FC, while the Pistolas face Inter Selects tonight, and Silver on Sunday.
TORONTO - Star midfeilder and header extrodinaire Davidinho will miss the rest of the season and hopes to be back for the playoffs after injuring his tailbone in Saturday's game against Titnas FC.
Already having missed Sundays game against the Dynamos, Davidinho was involved in a first half collision that sent him to the ground, landing on his tailbone causing serious pain.
"I've been advised by Pistolas FC medical staff to not play for a month," chuckled Davidinho, "which really means I hope to be back August 31st for the playoffs."
He will miss tonights game against Inter Selects, as well as Sundays game against Silver which he had already planned to miss due to international commitments. Surely we'll need a strong crew on both these days to replace his presence.
Don't forget fans, tonights game, Thursday August 21st, 7:00pm at Centennial Field.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
MARKHAM - The man from center-mid made his presence known this weekend, using his new boots to pot 4 goals in two games, leading Pistolas FC to victories over Titans FC and the Markham Dynamo.
It all started Saturday, in a makeup game versus Titans FC. In a must win attitude, the team came out gunning, and finally capitalized on Arbi's stop, setup, and shoot goal that got PFC on the board 1-0.
Next, it was Steve who launched an evercurling shot high into the mesh for his first of the game. His second would look eerily similar, and was just as effective. Charles 'The Chances' Eppich was also instrumental in what clearly looked like he forced an own goal by pushing his dancing partner from the other team, but was later credited with the goal.
Mark C. was solid as usual called upon when needed to garner his 3rd cleam sheet on the year.
With a 4-0 win under their belt, PFC looked to the next nights game against the highly acclaimed Markham Dynamo.
But the game against Titans FC didn't come without a cost. Striker Mark R. re-injured a nagging hamstring injury and was ineffective upfront, but had fun playing spots at mid; he was unable to attend Sundays game as a result. Midfielders Davidinho and Ivano were also hurt, re-injuring their ankles and groins (seperately) though their game play wouldve never shown it; they were unavailable on Sunday as well. And captain Charles himself was also a 'no go' citing the need to practice hitting the target.
However, Sunday did have asurprise visitor from newlywed Eckelton Richards (Congrats!) who has regained his scoring touch and did it again against the Dynamo.
Eddy MVP was also back this weekend and after a gutsy performance on Saturday, and well advised rest during the second half, Eddy came out firing on Sunday notching two goals in his usual rhythym.
The Steve Ward story continued as well, as he tallied 2 more goals in a thrilling 5-0 victory over the Markham Dynamo.
Mark C. posted his second consecutive shutout and raised his tally of clean sheets on the year to 4.
The victories were huge this weekend and with two more on the schedule before the playoffs, PFC will have to win them to control their own playoff destiny.
Playing their 3rd game in 6 nights, Pistolas FC will square off against Inter Selects this Thursday August 21st, 7:00pm, at Centennial Field.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
MARKHAM - The game this Saturday August 16th between Pistolas FC and Titans FC will be played at 1:00pm at Mount Joy Field.
Home to a few key wins this season, PFC hopes to field a strong squad with subs, in order to take down th Titans FC.
The late notice, however, has caused some scheduling problems for some players, but the team is hopeful that more than a few will be ready to go.
"I hope we can get at least 14 or 15 guys, simply because we need the substitutions so that those playing on both days dont exhaust themselves on the Saturday. Sunday is a big, big game, and we cant afford to be worn out against the Dynamo, especially since they dont play on the Saturday. And last game against the Blue Devils we only had 11 guys. We fought tough in a come from behind win, but nobody wants to play in that type of situation again, " said Mark R.
MARKHAM - Word broke early this morning, that the previously rained out August 10th game versus Titans FC, will be played this Saturday at 1:00pm, at a yet to de determined field.
This makes it another heavy weekend as Pistolas FC also square off at 6:45pm on Sunday versus the Markham Dynamo.
Stay tuned to www.pistolasfc.com for more breaking news throughout the day.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
MOUNT JOY - This past Saturday marked the rematch games from those rained out earlier in the season, and though the rain poured the entire day all but two matches played leaving in its wake an interesting result.
Both the PFC vs. Inter Selects and the Pamir FC vs. Solun FC were cancelled on Saturday, citing poor filed conditions from the combination of rain and previous matches. These games will be rescheduled at a later date (as of yet not determined).
In the other games, Titans FC (whom PFC was supposed to play this past Sunday) cruised in victory over Cornell FC by a score of 3-1. The Titans are not to be underestimated by any means as they have been known to come with plenty of goals from time to time, as PFC remember last years 6-4 opening season loss. The rematch in a makeup game should be one to watch.
Second place Markham Crush took on Silver only to squeak by with a score of 1-0. Dont underestimate this Silver team, because even though they lost, they have also showed flashes of brilliance this year and allowing only one against a team like the Crush shows their defensive resolve.
Powerhouse Limeys FC, fresh off a tie with the first place Markham Dynamos took on the lowly, winless Blue Devils, but the powerhouse team known for its goals, only edged the boys in blue by a score of 1-0.
And in the match of the weekend, the highly acclaimed Markham Dynamos conceeded their first loss of the season, dropping a 2-0 decision to Those Guys FC. This interesting scoreline raises many questions and stirs many rumours, like whether or not they had subs, fielded a full team, or perhaps if a some of their players returned to their university dorms around the world. In any which case it will make the battle between PFC and the Dynamo more intense as the Dynamo are winless in their last two games and will be looking for blood.
Back at the PFC Camp, the team is already gearing up for this game, and are happy to welcome Jay back to the lineup after an ankle injury kept him out for most parts of the month. Also, there is hope for Eddy MVP to return this weekend. Many will remember him as the guy who inflicted the final dagger into the Dynamo in last years finals, to win the Centennial Cup.
This Sundays match also pits the teams back to last years field, Markham District High School North Field, and at 6:45pm.
This is the game to watch this season.
Monday, August 11, 2008
TORONTO - In the shadows of Toronto's MLS team, Toronto FC, is an ever growing phenomenon that is Pistolas FC Toronto. But now PFC is starting to garner attention and has been classed as one of the 5 Official Club Sites listed on Football-Linx.com.
Pistolas FC Toronto now joins fellow Official Canadian clubs, the Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto Lynx, and Ottawa Fury - read on - http://www.football-linx.com/clubs/canada.htm.
With the Toronto Lynx out of the picture, the other three clubs have been rumoured as names on the shortlist for MLS expansion, with the Impact and Whitecaps garnering serious and well deserved consideration but is their room in the long term for a second Toronto team?
One only has to watch a Toronto FC game or venture down to BMO Field in person to see what kind of rabid futbol fans Toronto has, and would definitely be a market quite capable of handling more than one futbol franchise, comparable to the number of teams in London, England.
PFC fans and administration alike would like nothing more than to grow into a sizeable organization so that somewhere down the line, perhaps their could be a bid for a second Toronto team - a Pistolas FC Toronto team - that the heroes of tommorow from around the world would give anything to play for. I'll give it about a decade. For now, just stay tuned.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
MARKHAM - The torrential rains continued their downpour this weekend rendering the field conditions completely unplayable.
After yesterdays game against the Inter Selects was postponed, many were optimistic that todays 5:00 Sunday August 10th game against the Titans FC would be something to look forward to. But the fields resembled a swamp - better yet, a wading pool and were in no condition to be used.
This means these two games will have to be made up within the next two weeks as the playoffs start August 31st.
Start looking ahead to next Sunday though, as Pistolas FC play the Markham Dynamos in a rematch of last years Centennial Cup Championship game, won of course by PFC.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
TORONTO - The story of the summer has been the ever falling rain. And it reared its ugly head for the third time this season on the Pistolas.
Having waited weeks to play Cornell FC after a rain out, Pistolas FC was involved in a makeup game only 2 weeks ago. And only 3 weeks ago, the regularly scheduled game versus Inter Selects was rained out leading to todays makeup game.
Alas, we'll have to wait yet another time when PFC and Inter Selects square off against one another.
The much awaited match carries a lot of hype as it pits the triumvirate of Mark R., Davidinho, and Ivano against former teammates Cody, Steve, Maurizio and Carmen.
TORONTO - In late breaking news this evening, Pistolas FC officially announced the launching of its very own fan forum.
"In a response from players and fans alike, PFC decided now was the time to launch an interactive forum where we can get some fun filled discussions and debates going on," said the team Director. "We've noticed that nobody was commenting on the articles on the official website for whatever reason, but a forum provides a more interactive discussion, and allows the players and fans alike to start discussion. It should be a great experience for all!"
And without further adu, here the FORUM.
Friday, August 8, 2008
TORONTO - It was a devastating Sunday afternoon way back on June 29th when star player Eddy "M.VP" went down with a horrific knee injury. The concern was over his well being first and foremost as it was clear he wouldn't be back playing anytime soon.
But breaking news today from the Forestieri camp, has Eddy returning this weekend to contribute as best as he can. His timing cou;dn't have been better as the team faces some serious roster crunches for both Saturday and Sunday.
Having Eddy back will help in more ways than one as he can play a multitude of positions including keeper if need be, or in case his fitness isn't quite there yet.
"This news comes as a much welcomed shock," said Mark R., "of course our concern is for him and that he doesn't risk further injury. But I'm sure Eddy knows his body well and will know exactly how much he can give or whether or not he needs to rest. Speaking on behalf of the team I can say we're all ecstatic to have him back!"
TORONTO - Team leading goal scorer Charles, has been in an 'Epic' goalscoring drought since he first broke mesh way back in May.
Leading the team with 5 goals on the season, Charles scored in the opening game back on May 11th, before tearing it up in June scoring 4 goals - a goal a game - in 4 straight weeks starting on June 8th.
But his last goal was on June 29th - well over 7 weeks ago - and the fans are starting to blog and wonder when he'll regain his scoring touch.
Charles and the Pistolas will take on lower ranked - but nevertheless dangerous - Inter Selects and the Titans this weekend. Let's all hope he knock one in the mesh and end this drought.
