Pistolas FC 2011

MARKHAM - The transfer market has started to heat up again, just in time to melt those winter blues away.

Earlier this week we told you that Keeper Mark Cinerari was back, which helped the discussions with our yet to be named player. The imminent signee brings top fitness to the team, strength, and experience. More on this later this weekend.

Alas, everything comes with a price, and there will be some big shoes to fill. In a tearful press conference at The Duchess this evening, midfielder David Breau announced his retirement.

Breau had been a strong, fierce, competitor giving his all 110% of the team and often playing through the pain of injury. One can recall the loud sound he made on the ball when he went in for a challenge against an opponent. His speed, vision, stamina and love of the game will be gone but not forgotten.

"David Breau has been a great teammate and a good leader in the dressing room. Off the field, the team will definitely miss his wit and humour," said Romerinho, "but this isn't goodbye as he's a Pistola for life, and I'm sure we'll see him at The Duchess."

In other news, Andrew 'Big Laser' Eppich will not be returning to the team after a year hiatus - also citing retirement - as confirmed in a conference call from cottage country earlier in the day.

TORONTO - It's like Plaxico Buress all over again.

Another day, another player getting caught up in things deemed detrimental to the team; only this time it's 2007 First Team All Star Defender Jason Shumski and Pistolas FC.

After playing through injury in most of 2008, Jay Shumski saw his appearances in 2008 dwindle from his ironman efforts of 2007. Finally in late July/early August, Shumski conceeded on advice from the physio that his ankle just wouldn't heal without rest and an all out stoppage of soccer.

But in a last ditch effort to solidify 3rd place, Shumski showed loyalty when he took to the field in the last game of the regular season only to re-injure his ankle, forcing him from the game, and out of the playoffs.

Citing the need for his defence, skill, and stamina, PFC was thankful for his efforts, and told him to rest up over the offseason in time for training camp next spring.

However, just this past weekend, pistolasfc.com learned that Jay Shumski has severely injured his ankle yet again, playing indoor soccer, a move clearly unsanctioned by the team and which clearly violates the terms of his contract. The worst part is, he never even informed the team which seems all a little reminiscent of a certain Monta Ellis of the NBA's Golden State Warriors. In that case, Monta injured himself riding a motorcycle, but wasn't up front with his team because he was in violation of his contract. He later got a team 3 month suspension.

In keeping with precedent of long suspensions set by teams like the Golden State Warriors for violating contracts, pistolasfc.com has learned only minutes ago that Pistolas FC has suspended Jay Shumski for 4 months. The terms of the suspension are effective immediately, and Shumski is expected to return April 8th, just in time for the game tentatively set for BMO Field on April 9th, 2009.

In the meantime, it should give Shumski sufficient time to heal and get the much needed rest to thrive on the field next season.

MARKHAM - Christmas came early for members of the Pistolas FC organization as they got a much needed gift.

Reigning 2008 MVP of the Year, Mark Cinerari, agreed to re-sign with the club turning down offers from the likes of Juventus and various Woodbridge clubs. The All-Star Keeper was tops in the league, and brings a resonating sigh of relief to his teammates.

Resting his ribs this offseason, Mark C will rejoin other defensive stalwarts Rocco, Dookie, and Jay Shumski on defense, making the 2009 squad committed to defense and garnishing the confidence of the team.

Re-signing Mark C brings the total number of re-signed players to 12. And they are:

1. Mark C 2. Romerinho 3. Ivano 4. Davidinho 5. Charles 6. Carlos 7.Steve 8. Dookie 9. Shumski 10.Eckleton 11. Rocco and 12. Luch.

The team is also currently in negotiations with Arbi, Gus G., and 2007 MVP Eddy Megurian. Stay tuned!

TORONTO - Coming as no surprise to any PFC fan, teammate - or anyone in the league for that matter - Pistolas FC superstar keeper Mark Cinerari was named team MVP.

A fan favourite for his acrobatic saves, Cinerari was attributed by teammates as the most dominant piece of the puzzle in helping Pistolas FC compete week in and week out. Sporting a combined keepers goals against of only 23 - good for second in the league - Cinerari only let in 13 goals in the games he played and had 5 shutouts as well, making him hands down the top goalkeeper in the league.

"Aside from the phenomenal stat sheet, Mark truly lived up to the hype. Many times on the bench I found myself, the fans, and even the other team oooing and ahhinng at some of his unbelievable grabs. He definitely kept us in there each game especially when we were sluggish to start, so essentially he brought us the wins. And that's why he is the 2008 MVP," said Romerinho.