Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Longtime Pistola Steve Ward had a breakthrough season in the goals department last year, only moments after buying a new set of cleats (ironically, those goals came on headers). Within a string of consecutive games to end the season, Steve notched 6 goals last year.
Big things were expected of the big man in midfield. And after a more creative setup player this year, he began to unleash the bombs.
After scoring for the first time this season last week against the Markham Warriors, Pistolas veteran and midfield sniper Steve Ward followed up this past Sunday with a 'Dani Alves' goal that's sure to earn him a GOTY nomination.
For those who dont remember, GOTY stands for Goal Of The Year, and boy oh boy did Steve Ward ever earn this one.
Unfortunately, the live footage got lost in the post-game celebrations, but it was pretty much identical to this clip below, so enjoy.
Monday, June 29, 2009
MARKHAM - Before the game, the few Pistolas that had arrived became increasingly worried of whether a full squad would be made available in this contest against Cornell F.C. And, even more worrisome, whether all-star goalkeeper Mark Cinerari would arrive.
Those concerns subsided just minutes prior to the team's eighth game of the season. What transpired after that was a second straight win for PFC, in convincing fashion to say the least, with a final score of 5-0.
Another solid 90 minutes of team play, as PFC continues to exhibit their command of the ball and skillful navigation throughout the entire pitch. On the team's third goal - a brilliant display of passing - the ball was played throughout 8 Pistolas. With too many touches to count, from the left side of the pitch and working its way around the outskirts of the 18 yard box to the right, Cornell's defense was vexed into a mad scramble; their panic only put at ease when the ball was nestled into their net.
As memorable as the goal was, a deftly placed free kick taken by Steve Ward will undoubtedly burn more deeply into the Pistolas psyche. From the left side about 30 yards out, Ward, who had confidently waved off all other suitors approaching to take on the attempt (in an "I've got this one" moment), hooked in a vicious strike. Yours truly thought the kick was initially struck very well but would be just off goal. However the ball seemed to take a dramatic turn toward goal to sneak inside the far post. In this Pistola's opinion, the line should be revamped to "Bend it like Wardie". Brilliant!
Just as impressive was the team defense displayed on this day. PFC protected their end throughout the game, stymieing the Cornell attack and giving little opportunity for daylight to their advances. When they had the ball, Cornell seemed content with trying to tippy-toe around the perimeter, but when they attempted to advance in a scoring position, and push came to shove, they were confronted all day by a strong PFC defense that was having none of it.
First year Pistola Jules has been nothing but impressive all season, commanding the defensive end and pushing the play from the back out, giving the Pistolas a transitional game which they desperately needed. He has emerged as a true field general for PFC.
In the past few matches, Carlos, the once-ponytailed wonder, has shed the flowing locks and dropped to the sweeper role (in Rocco's absence), displaying brilliance and finesse. Newcomer Stefan has also been a stalwart on the right side, ever-persistent in his pursuit of the ball. And, of course, Dookie. The man, who just missed an opportunity at back-to-back games with a goal, was at his now trademarked physically dominating self.
As with all previous PFC games, enough cannot be said about the PFC keeper. When called upon, including a solid save in the dying minutes, Mark Cinerari was as steady and calming to the Pistolas team as ever, cleaning up any balls that crept into the area with grace and skill. The team has and will continue to benefit from his stellar play as the season moves into the second half.
Much can also be made of what appears to be an ever-growing match fitness displayed by PFC. In previous games, the Men in Black appeared to labour in the second half, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Yesterday, PFC's thirst to both push the play and push their opponents off the ball appeared to be insatiable for the full 90 minutes.
"I feel like I can play another game right now. I've got tons of energy. I'd play another right now," Rob 'Five Hole' Pikula commented just moments after the final whistle. The game's final tally came off a fist-pumping blast from Rob just outside the area that found it's way through the keeper's wickets.
With the win, PFC bettered their record to 5-1-2. The next opponent for PFC are the Silver Bullets this Sunday on the same pitch as this week's win: Brother Andre 'B'. The game is slated for a 7:00pm start.
The Pistolas may find themselves with roster issues in next week's match. Sam Richards has been hampered with a hamstring injury that flared up during the contest. He noted to me that he will need to give it a significant amount of rest for it to fully heal. Charles Eppich struggled late after going to ground, but played the game out - his status for next week is unknown.
Ivano "Raging Bull" Volpe will be absent for a series of games beginning with next Sunday due to a mix of personal reasons and international commitments. Dookie will also be unavailable for the game.
Hopefully the Pistolas who have been on the shelf or absent recently, will be ready for next week's match, as the team worries about fielding a full squad appear to have resurfaced.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
MARKHAM - Say that title 5 times fast.
In front of family and friends under a Saharan-like sun, longtime Pistola Matt Dookie, emerged from his home on defence at left back, to score a Steven Gerrard like goal - the first of his career.
This stay at home defensemen took advantage of a weak opponent, a strong lead, and numerous miscues by the attack force, and took it upon himself to play a Carlos Puyol style of play, joining many offensive rushes that culminated with his goal.
Like Bbby Orr's hands in the air diving goal, so to was Matt Dookie's right foot-behind left ankle-hands-in-the-air goal that he crafted within inches of the unsuspecting goalies face.
With his goal, he now joins the ever growing ranks on the ALL TIME PISTOLAS FC GOALSCORERS.
Congratulations Matt, now lets keep 'em coming!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Pistolas F.C. showed on Sunday, that when they move the ball with conviction between their highly capable players, they are truly at their collective best.
Going into a game with a lack of substitutions (1 to be exact), their All-Star keeper on hiatus and playing in the hottest conditions to date, Pistolas F.C. brought a calm control to their game on Sunday. There have been glimpses of this high level of command throughout the season and Pistolas F.C. should take this convincing win on Sunday as a clear indication that a consistent focus on this style of play is a winning formula.
"This win and the goals for the most part were the result of clean, quick passing. Leading the man to space. Playing the ball around the pitch. That's pure soccer. It's fun to watch and even more fun to play," commented El Capitano during the post-game.
The team's over-reliance on the 'long ball' has been a crutch in past games. Even in this contest, it crept ominously into the second half, but player fatigue for the under-manned squad playing in the scorching sun, must be undoubtedly considered as a contributing factor.
This ability to control the game and play the ball around the pitch can also be attributed to a growing team chemistry, clearly developing week after week. Keep in mind that Pistolas F.C. experienced a huge restructuring of their roster in the off-season. Captain Charles also touched upon the idea of team chemistry in discussing the win:
"At this point in the season, I think we are starting to figure out each other's tendencies. In the game of soccer, more than any other really, team chemistry is essential."
A 6-2 victory is difficult enough with the star keeper and sweeper out. Let alone losing Sam and myself during the game to injuries, leaving us with only 10 men. Yet we still eeked out 2 more goals in these conditions.
Perhaps a full squad would have truly decimated this team 15 or 20 to nil. But for now, a well earned win for all the guys who showed up, and showed they can run and play some skill.
-by Davidinho
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
TORONTO - The Pistolas F.C. brass would suggest this year's campaign to date has been a success. The team carries a current record of 3-1-1.
The draw, a heartbreaking scoreline to kick off the season against Pamir F.C. (currently in second, with four wins since the opener to better to a record of 4-0-1). It must be noted that the contest, which all onlookers would attest to, was completely dominated by the Men in Black.
PFC has allowed four goals against in five games, including three sparkling clean sheets. Fine play throughout the roster, with solid contributions from new and old Members of the heralded team. All that said, Pistolas F.C. find themselves in a three way draw for 6th in the league, a meagre one point up from the 9th spot, representing dead centre of the pack of 18 teams.
Most would assume that a record of 3-1-1 would result in a higher league standing. In reality, Pistolas F.C. would be facing the tragic prospect of relegation in most professional leagues.
Speaking with a retired Pistola recently about the team's status, the former defensive stalwart learned of PFC's record and queried:
"So, where are you in the standings. First? Second?".
My response drew a baffling look from him.
"Must be some struggling teams out there", he added in a wondering tone.
Peaking my curiosity, his comments led me to take a closer look at this year's standings.
After five games, the top ten teams are currently sporting between 3 and 4 wins. Only one team with more than a sole loss and 2 undefeated teams atop the league, including the previously mentioned Pamir F.C. and first place Markham U (5-0-0).
In a 'bizarro' flip of the standings, the remaining 8 teams are off to sub .500 seasons, 4 teams winless, with some goal differentials so deep into the negatives, it brings comparisons to mind of frigid temperatures on the coldest of Siberian nights. A clear divide is easily visible, setting up what appears to be 2 distinct tiers of teams.
Of the eight teams in the lower tier, Pistolas F.C. has only drawn one thus far, resulting in a decisive 6-0 win versus the currently 15th seed, Wildcats. After this week's contest, the following three games have PFC combating the currently 16th, 18th and 14th place teams respectively.
Fears of complacency abound when teams are faced with similar situations, but a veteran team, such as PFC, are well aware that no points can be and should be squandered. Those "in the know" of the team trust that PFC will approach each game with a high level of respect for opponent and, as a result, have the trademark intensity of PFC in tact during all contests.
It is fair to consider whether the teams on the upper end have benefited from a favourable schedule to date, or whether the lower end teams have been subjected to a tougher schedule and have yet to emerge.
One thing is absolutely certain. In time, the squads truly up to task of winning the championship will rise to the occasion.
Monday, June 8, 2009
MOUNT JOY - In a pre-game team scouting report (from our player analyst Marcello), the Pistolas' midfielder listed the Rangers' keeper as a 'question mark'.
Signs of the mid-fielder's accurate analysis became evident in the first half, when a soft roller somehow squeaked through the keeper's legs and nearly resulted in a goal. Speaking with Eckelton on the sidelines shortly after, who was the nearest Pistola to the gaffe, he voiced regret in giving the keeper too much credit, assuming he'd simply pick the ball up. In his defense, there was absolutely no 'sting' to the ball, which fought to even roll end-over-end through the trademark lush grass of the MSL, that should have warranted the keeper's error.
0-0 at the half.
To begin the second half, off touch, Rob Pikula, with his ever-booming right foot, launched the ball towards goal. The Rangers keeper cautiously cradled the ball and seemed visibly upset over the attempt, responding with some sarcastic commentary. However, on this night it would soon become quire clear that the Pistolas had an accurate feeling about their opposing keeper. A Pistolas Sixth Sense.
In the 75th minute, in a disastrous turnover on an attempted clearance, the Rangers keeper gift wrapped the eventual game winner (and lone marker) to an ever-lurking Rob, who calmly rolled it into the vacant net. Indeed, Christmas came early for the Pistolas on this night.
The tally, his third of the season in the fifth game of the 2009 campaign, gave Rob the Pistolas' goal scoring lead.
Stellar play throughout the game from Mark, including a huge save in the dying minutes to hold the lead. The defense was also solid in front of him. Definitely a win that can be credited to the play of the Pistolas' guard in this late night encounter, under the beaming lights of Centennial field.
To their credit, the Rangers did well to keep the Pistolas on the outside most of the game, not letting the ball into the middle of the field often, specifically around the area. A focus on getting the ball on goal with more frequency was a definite takeaway from this game for the Pistolas, who tested the questionable goalkeeping little throughout the game.
Many Pistolas believed this Rangers team to be last year's Silver - the team that ousted the Pistolas in the first round of the 2008 playoffs. If the case, a bit of sweet revenge for the Pistolas with last night's victory.
With the win, the Pistolas better their record to 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. The win did come at a cost, with the Pistolas receiving 2 yellow cards in the game, bringing the team total to 4 (6 shy of an automatic team fine).
Next week, the Pistolas take on AC Milan 1899. Going into last night's game, both teams shared similar records of 2-1-1. The game is scheduled for 7:00pm at Centennial Field.
