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by:BTF

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

*written by PFC Director/Player Davidinho*

On the heels of the long-awaited return of the Raging Bull, Pistolas F.C. must bid farewell to their renowned striker, President and CEO, Romerinho, for a significant period of time as he attends to commitments abroad.

In his absence, the PFC organization must look to veterans, stalwarts and remaining officials to steer the ship. And they will have to do so through some rough waters, in light of the recent plight of the team and the grueling schedule which lies ahead.

In a press release issued yesterday afternoon, team captain and VP, Charles Eppich, delivered the following statement addressing the President's departure and what it meant to PFC going forward:

"In the absence of Romerinho, we will do our collective best to continue moving the team and organization forward, as per usual. For the team, our eyes remain focused squarely on winning our remaining games and preparing for the upcoming playoffs. To be given the reigns of the organization at this time simply means we all will need to contribute at a higher level, ensuring that we continue to take care of business, both on and off the field. Although this will undoubtedly be a challenging time, I and the rest of the PFC front office are confident that we can rise to the occasion. We all wish Romerinho well in his international endevours and will patiently await his return.".

Sunday, July 26, 2009

MARKHAM - The game against Markham United on Sunday July 26th has been cancelled due to rain.

The game will be made up at a later date sometime in August.

In an act of irony, Pistolas FC players, who had been sporting a short bench over the last few games - were looking at a turnout of around 16 players; the most since the season started.

PFC Fans across the globe will have to look forward to the extremely tough matchup against Divided United next week, August 2nd at 9:00pm.

The match will be without 3 Pistolas ironmen, Romerinho, Rob, and Carlos. Hopefully, the rest of the squad can rally as they did today and field a complete team with subs.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

*Article by Pistolas F.C. Director/Player/Columnist Davidinho*

Prior to yesterday, Pistolas F.C. battled to a 1-1 draw last week (with 9 men) versus Practice F.C., and faced similar personnel shortages in a loss to the Silver Bullets a week prior. Sunday night's contest had PFC sporting two substitution players all game, which appeared to be a plentitude of support considering their recent plight.

But PFC could not put the brakes on their recent slide down the standings, suffering a 3-1 loss at the hands versus Solun F.C.

In reviewing the match, the first half was well fought and PFC appeared to garner the better of the ball possession and create several scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, the teams entered the half at a scoreless draw.

In an ever-aggravating trend with PFC, the team entered the second half content with sacrificing their control game - the primary reason they were the stronger side with better opportunities in the first half - choosing instead to settle for the 'over the top' long ball. Repeated attempts to go to a "Hail Mary" formation appeared more and more futile, serving only to willingly have the ball intercepted by the opposition to counter attack.

Solun F.C.'s increased ball possession appeared to invigorate them, leading to the game's first goal (in pinball-like fashion), early in the second half. They promptly added two more goals to take a commanding 3-0 lead.

Up against the wall, PFC appeared to finally take the reigns again, showing signs of their exceptional first half play resurfacing. They added a marker from Sam Richards, his first of the year. The opposition appeared to become increasingly worried over the pressure being applied. But, as the old saying goes, it was, in fact, too little, too late.

The Pistolas look to get back in the win column next week. They will be facing highly ranked Markham United at 9:00pm at Centennial.

The question is which Pistolas football team will want to play: the FIFA or NFL version.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

*Article by Pistolas F.C. player/columnist Davidinho*

MARKHAM - Lingering injuries. Hobbled players. No bench presence. Many players unexpectedly M.I.A. On-field injuries. A red card.

Pistolas F.C. found themselves behind the eight-ball for much of Sunday's contest, having only ten players hitting the pitch with no reserves in sight. The ten Pistolas included Charles Eppich, who surprisingly (and admirably) joined his teammates while nursing injury which was meant to keep PFC's all-time leading scorer sidelined. After the opening whistle and once it was realized that only 9 men had taken, and would be taking, to the field, Eppich suited up in true captain-like fashion to provide his services.

Conversely, their opponents with the resources of a full bench rotated players in rapid succession throughout the match.

As admirable as the inclusion of Eppich into the lineup was, the entire team's play must be applauded as well. PFC may have applied the most aggressive offensive display in recent memory. To their dismay, PFC could only muster a lone tally from Jules Auyeung in the second half. A mixture of surprising saves, numerous shots off the post, missed chances and at least one questionable 'no call' in the penalty area kept the team from adding to goal sheet.

The PFC goal came in the second half, while down 1-0. From the goal line on the left side, Rob Pikula sent a roller across to the top of the 18 yard box and found a waiting Jules, who neatly took the ball and placed into the far side, to even up the score.

In the second half, PFC players Carlos and Romerinho suffered injury, with each respective Pistola laid out for several minutes on the field. Both players gallantly continued to play on. The efforts of this pair of Pistolas was likely the result of their stark realization that no other bodies were available to replace them on the pitch. As if the player situation was not dire enough, PFC even lost the services of defender Matt Dookie in the second half as a result of, in my humble opinion, an opposition player's 'bonehead' move.

From this player's perspective (nearest to the situation), Dookie solidified his position tightly behind his man who was in receipt of a goal kick on the left flank. Relentless as always and within the confines of the rules, Dookie would not allow his mark any room to turn and trapped him neatly along the sidelines. After a few seconds of jostling for position, the opposition player unexpectedly turned into Dookie, with total disregard for the ball he left behind (as he must have understood he was not going anywhere) and shoved the physically daunting PFC defender. This display could only be described as no less than an act of utter cowardice, desperation and frustration. An angered (and rightfully so) Dookie returned the favour with a forceful shove, then proceeding to grab the opponent by the collar and pull him in. Dookie had some choice words for the opponent, including to query what his 'problem' was, as well as to launch other sentiments that this columnist dare not publish. The scrum, which eventually settled down, resulted in red cards to both combatants.

PFC's collective efforts (and legs) seemed to become energized after the tying goal and even more so after the heated altercation involving the aforementioned Dookie. They sought a late victory, continuing a mad push to the opposition goal. However, on this day, there were too many missed chances to list and PFC, although noble in their effort with a short squad, couldn't help but feel that they let a win slip away.

"We should have won this match, that's it", voiced a disgruntled Eckleton Richards after the game. Of note, he was the recipient of the most controversial of tackles which many onlookers, and without a doubt Eckleton himself, believed should have resulted in a penalty kick. Post game, Eckleton could only shake his head in his continuing disbelief and displeasure on the bench.

Two weeks ago, I reported that "(PFC's) worries about fielding a full squad appear to have resurfaced." The attendance for this match was the most concerning of any previous. Normally a team with such a shortage of players would do well simply to compete. On this day, the Pistolas clearly did more than compete, however the result was a deflating 1-1 draw. So in fact, the tragedy here was not the shortage of players, but that PFC found themselves short on another number by game's end: points.

The Men in Black truly deserved more than just the one. And the shortened roster, who battled fiercely all game, knew it.

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