Pistolas FC 2011

STOUFFVILLE - For one player, offseason training has been critical in his resurgence as a member of the Pistolas FC.

Marcello, or Marcy to his teammates, spent a lot of time during the offseason getting into shape, building muscle, and working on conditioning. The results so far have been impressive.

Many pounds lighter, and with a quicker step in his game, Marcello has become a pleasant surprise in the midfield, a move he made from left defence, and has impressed teammates and fans alike.

"Guys have been making plenty of positive comments about how he's looking this year, and if you've seen any of his play the first 4 games of the season, he's been involved in the play, made good passes and chips upfront, and has just been a steady, reliable midfielder," said the Director.

In the last game against the Young Gunners, Marcello had a fantastic shot from well outside the 18 yard box, that was just above target. Nevertheless, he does have a hard kick and did well to take the shot.

With his new found hustle, he'll surely be called upon to step his game up even further at midfield, as the absence of a few regulars this Sunday against Rangers FC will require the best efforts of all attending players.

TORONTO - He is known by his teammates as Carlos, Carla, Chuck or El Capitano.

Simply put, he is Pistolas FC Captain Charles Eppich, leader of the World's Most Fabled Amatuer Club. He is often compared to the likes of George Best and Paul "Gazza" Gascoigne, but you'd have to frequent 'The Duchess' to verify that!

He is also, however, the man who soon might reign as King at PFC as he chases the All-Time Goal Scoring Record set last year by 2007 M.VP Eddy Megurian. It's a feat that can't be overlooked during this years end of season MVP voting week.

With PistolasFC.com conducting a Fact Finding Mission ala Sanjay Gupta, they discovered an error in last years tally of Eddy Megurian's goals. During the initial count, one of the goals awarded to Eckleton, was also added to Eddy's tally by mistake, leaving him with a corrected tally of 9 goals in 2008 - not 10 as previiously stated.

The error was discovered when last years total goals and this years total goals did not accurately add up with the number of goals scored by the teams list of goalscorers. A quick check of the archives revealed the fault.

Which takes us back to this year. Having scored 6 goals last year, and with 2 already this year, Captain Charles is sitting on 8 goals - only 1 shy of tying Eddy's All-Time Record.

And with 15 games remaining it's not a matter of if, but when he will eventually break the record.

CENTENNIAL PARK - There was a clear MVP on Sunday (after a hard fought 1-0 victory over rivals and last seasons Champions, the Markham Crush) and there is no mistaking who it was: Pistolas FC.

Yes, the entire team earned MVP honours for its collective efforts in earning and preserving their slim victory over a powerful and pressing Markham Crush team.

In a match that featured the 2007 Champions Pistolas FC versus the 2008 Champion Markham Crush, the match lived up to its hype and billing and filled the stadium with more of a playoff feel. It was by far a closer and tougher match than this years 2009 Champions League final where Barcelona dismantled anything called ManU with ease.

PFC started the first half with the sun on their back and the wind on their side. After an offensive burst to start the match, newcomer Conrad Chan thread a racing ball up the middle through the defence. Romerinho made chase hoping to chip a bouncing ball over the sliding keeper, only to be rewarded with the next best thing for his efforts: a penalty kick.

Remembering his fatal spot kick back at his years on Inter FC, Romerinho's anxiety emerged, and thinking of the team first, he quickly gave the kick to brilliant ball kicker Rob Pikula. With no doubt in his mind, Rob rifled one of his famous rockets into the top left corner.

Still in the first half and moments after the goal, Romerinho smashed a tight angle shot off a corner only to watch it sail over the cross bar. Then off another corner kick, and scramble and bevy of Pistolas players tried to convert, with Ivano the Raging Bull heading the ball off the crossbar and in the net, but since it popped right out so quickly, play continued and no goal was called - truly robbery!

From their on in the chances began to wane. But the team never quit. Backed by the Picheca brothers Luch and Rocco (pictured above) the team put on a most impressive defensive and midfield display. The likes of Dookie, Marcello, Jules, Sam, Stefan, and Steve collaborated to surpress wave after wave of Crush attack in the defence and at midfield. Though they pushed forward often, they could not solve the riddle of the PFC defensive tactics, as the midfield spoiled any chance of a clean shot, or getting in close.

Cobra Commander Eckelton was most impressive and caused the most frustration for the Crush as his play and runs often started in his own end and continued forward with no solution by the other team. He was strong and quick and caused too many problems for the Crush to ever develop a credible strike. As did Colin Campbell, who unfairly picked up his second yellow card in the two games he's played. PFC can't afford to lose him. Sitting on 2 yellows, he faces fines and suspension on his next offence.

Last years season MVP, Keeper Mark C, had his busiest game of the season, making an unbelievable grab after going one way and turning back the other to make the save. He was also tested from far out as the Crush used the second half wind to pepper long bombs on net. And with plenty of corners, there was no shortage of action in the box, including a collision in what should've been a red card dismissal for running the goalie - a yellow at the least! Yet through it all our keeper stood firm wanting to his extend his scoreless games streak - and he truly earned this shutout to keep it alive.

It doesn't get easier on in from here. Pistolas FC face stiff competition over the next three Sundays starting with the Young Gunners this Sunday, followed by Rangers FC and ACM 1899 the following Sunday.

This Sunday's game against the Young Gunners comes to you live at 5:00 pm from Mount Joy.

MOUNT JOY - Not even Hans Moleman himself, patrolling up and down the near side of our bench with a cane...er... flag, could ruin the smashing victory that took place this past Sunday.

Playing a younger, fitter, team (that even sported a head coach), Pistolas FC rose to the occasion, and in Victoria Day fashion, let loose with some firecrackers of their own. Like a teenager firing off Roman Candles in a park, the boys of PFC let goal after goal just rip away. In the end, the tally stood at 6-0 - though we all know it could've been far greater!

The game also featured a couple of GOTY (Goal of the Year) candidates for PFC. First, Rob Pikula delivered with a kick that's left teammates in awe. On a direct kick from just inside the offensive half, Rob ripped a bullet with such grace yet such power, that screamed in effortlessly just under the bar for nothing but pure mesh. And his corners were awesome too. From this day forth, he is our official deadball taker!

Next, was the Brazilian-monikered pair of Davidinho and Romerinho. With Romerinho making a mad dash down the right flank, he faked the defender and cut into the middle. All the while, Davidinho was manuvering the ball on a string through defenders, finally laying a hard pass forward for a running Romerinho. Romerinho did a Ronaldo step-over move before crushing it into the upper left twine. Nothing but net.

And then there was Jules' goal, so well played and well read to use the wind, catch the goalie off his line, and launch one into the net - only thats not how it ended. After bouncing the ball over the keepers net unto an open, unattended net, Charles ran as if he heard 'Free Guiness at the Duchess' and could not be caught as he "guided" the ball with his head into the net. He would later redeem himself with a well earned header.

MOUNT JOY - The season opener - the Mothers Day Classic - between Pistolas FC and Pamir FC ended in a 1-1 draw on Sunday, as Pistolas FC once again struggled to solve this Pamir team.

The draw gave Pistolas FC a 2-0-3 record all time versus Pamir, who entered the game in fitter form (having played all indoor), yet were clearly dominated in ball possession by the more skilled Pistolas brass.

Pistolas FC failed to connect early on with some chances, and Pamir capitalized with the favour of the wind when a floater got hooked in the air, before unexpectedly sinking into the net.

Newcomer Sam Richards was a much needed surprise as aggressive yet clean style left opposing players frustrated when he stripped them of the ball. He'll be one to watch as the player that will only get better each game.

Ivano the Raging Bull had a fantastic game on the right flank crossing in chance after chance and playing some give and go runs. Expect him to press even further and contribute more offensively in the future.

Rob Pikula was impressive in warm ups and boy can this guy rip a shot. Though he had some unlucky chances, he will continue to be a threat in the goals department and should sting defences in the future.


But the hero of the game was the Cobra Commander himself, Eckleton Richards. Snake bitten no more, his indoor season has clearly transferred over in the goals department as it didn't take long for him to pot his first goal this season. Having dropped to midfield from playing striker last year, he is this years 5th unofficial striker - so clearly we don't need anymore!

Be sure to stay tuned all week as we continue to reflect on this past Sunday's performance.

TORONTO - This years 4th season of the MSC League already is shaping up to be the best season ever, and shows great promise for 2010 and following years.

Having been able to grow and solidify 18 teams through expansion, the league looks stronger than ever and poised for a a solid 2010 year, where it may be able to feature a two-tiered league based on this years standings, whereby the bottom 3 of teams in the first division in 2010 get relegated to the 2nd division, and the top 3 teams of division 2 get promoted.

The '09 season welcomes back many faces - some on new teams, and others on teams built on tradition. Pistolas FC for one had members playing in the inaugural 2006 season, and came together in year two as the Pistolas FC in 2007; and the tradition continues. This year also welcomes the return of familiar franchises, Cornell FC, Pamir FC, Inter Selects, Markham Crush, Those Guys, and Solun FC. Pistolas FC are quite familiar with these teams, and though they anticipate some roster changes, expect the majority of the cast to return.

In addition, the Indoor Champions, Divided United, along with fellow top indoor teams, Young Gunners and Markham United make this mixed bag of teams quite a competitive bunch, proving this years challenge will be difficult, but by all means possible. The parity in the league makes it by far one of the best to watch.

Not much is known about newcomers Markham Warriors, Practice FC, Rangers FC, The Wagoneers, but new teams can never be underestimated as some may eventually pose the greatest threat.

Tom's 76ers is a group of guys who have played together and all know how to play the game. Their team name is attributed to their former coach and MSC beloved, Tom McGarrigle, who passed away on January 26 this year. Injured Pistolas FC great Jason Shumski, was part of that 76 team coached by Tom, and if Jason's abilities are an indication of how that team was, then Tom's 76ers pose a serious threat for the league and playoff hardware.

Finally, the yet to be announced teams captained by Doria, Colangelo, and Ferlanda, are also unknown, though some of these guys may have played in the league before under different team names.

Divided United and Markham Crush - currently both indoor and outdoor champions respectively - have to be the top contenders in the league of the teams that are known, as well as Markham United, Solun FC and Pistolas FC - all perennial contenders for the cups. Add the Young Gunners - based on age LOL - and their performance in indoor, coupled with the unknown teams, and the race is wide open!

Should be a great season. This season opens with Pistolas FC vs. Pamir FC LIVE from Mount Joy on Sunday May 10th, 5:00 kickoff time. Enjoy the season!

MOUNT JOY - Pistolas FC open the 2009 season with the Mothers Day Classic, this Sunday, May 3rd 2009 at 5:00pm against rivals Pamir FC.

As the opening match of the league schedule, the boys will be gunning for 3 points right from the get go. Last year, Pistolas FC opened the season with a 2-0 win versus Cornell FC on goals by Romerinho and Charles. This year they hope to increase that goalscoring trend with the additions of Colin Campbell and Rob Pikula at forward.

The loss of Jason Shumski on defence is probably the biggest hole that needs to be filled, as he brought speed and skill to the position and always pressured attacking players into mistakes. Many possibilities are up in the air as to how to fill that gap, but once solidified, this years crop of players looks like a contender already.

Pamir FC is no stranger to the team either. Over the past two seasons Pistolas FC have struggled with them posting a record of 2 wins 0 losses and 2 excruciating ties the last of which happened last year on a lucky goal in the 91st minute.

Last year home and home series against Pamir FC was also dubbed the "Pissing Match" after the Pamir FC goalkeeper tried to start a heated confrontation with Pistolas keeper Mark C. over allegations that he urinated on the posts and in the crease at the end of the half - all of which were not true. Surely the teams are not friends.

But the record between these two teams hasn't been reflective of the Pistolas play. They've dominated them on the field, and were clearly the better team, yet the result wasn't there.

"Ultimately a 1-0 lead is never a good enough result. We have to play our game and really take it to them and score a few early goals. We may have had the better skilled players in previous matches, but in this league you can't just sit back on laurels and potential - especially against a team like Pamir - who showed us all quite well last year that a 1-0 lead is meaningless until the final whistle sounds. And last years tie with them in the 91st minute followed by the final whistle, felt more like a loss to us, and would have changed the entire playoff picture for us. This year we need to start fast and focus on potting more goals," said The Director.

As we kick off the 4th season, keep your eye out for Colin, Marcello, and Frank Molony this Sunday as they'll be key to this Sunday's victory.

MARKHAM - Every year, there are surprise standouts on the team; and this year is no exception in the form of two "C.C." stars.

At the conclusion of the Pistolas FC training camp on Sunday, both Colin Campbell and Conrad Chan - the C.C.'s - stood out from the pack.

As an early signing in the January transfer window, not much was known of Colin Campbell other than his hardcore rugby playing. Naturally the demands of rugby make this dynamic player a hard nosed runner always bursting down the seams. It seems that his skill set matches his fitness as he scored multiple goals and had a knack for connecting on headers. He left many veterans feeling quite giddy about the upcoming season and playing the offensive mid/striker position should translate well, having practiced with fellow strikers Charles and Romerinho.

Conrad Chan joined the team as a draftpick with virtually nothing known about his resume. But it didn't take long before this youngster was pressuring the old guard making run after run with endless energy and a hard tackle style to get the ball. He would be the perfect defensemen to fill the spot left vacant at right back by Jason Shumski. Can you imagine a defensive three of Conrad, Rocco, and Matt Dookie? Conrad would be the Roberto Carlos of the team capable of running up the length of the field into the offensive zone, yet still capable of getting back and defending. Only time will tell.

These two guys will be ones to watch for and should help boost the chances for Pistolas FC's title run.

Stefan Milosevic and Jules also struted their stuff on Sunday in good form which leaves only Sam, Frank Molony and Rob Pikula to show what they've got before any Championship talk can resume.