by:BTF
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
| *written by Director / Player Davidinho* Going into the season, the Markham Soccer Club introduced a radical playoff format, known by some as a "three tiered system". Basically, the eighteen league teams in play would be divided into three groups of 6, based on season record, as follows: Group A: Teams ranked 1 - 6 Group B: Teams ranked 7 - 12 Group C: Teams ranked 13 - 18 Each group would engage in a respective playoffs, resulting in the emergence of three eventual Group Winners. It goes without saying that the winner of Group A would undoubtedly (and rightfully so) earn the moniker of 2009 League Champion. However, lesser ranked teams are still afforded the opportunity to 'win' their group and salvage an otherwise disappointing season. One of the teams in search of both would be, without question, the 2009 Pistolas F.C. PFC finds themselves locked in on the 13th spot, unable to catch a team or be caught in the standings. As outlined, the 13th spot would equate to the top seed of Group C. But this upcoming and final regular season game, in all relative fairness, should not be taken lightly. This Sunday, PFC matches up against the 14th seed Inter Selects, who are trying to fend off teams to retain their place in the standings. This matchup may well serve as a preview to the Group C finale to be played several weeks from now. PFC has been given an opportunity to set aside the tumultuous season, filled with more downs than ups, and earnestly pursue winning Group 'C'. That said, the team will undoubtedly have to dig deep to find the heart and conviction to make it happen. In the grand scheme of PFC, the relative success of winning Group 'C' could act as a spiritual springboard into the offseason, giving the organization and players an accomplishment, albeit not the one they sought going into 2009, to carry into the 2010 season with renewed hope. |
Monday, August 24, 2009
| *written by Director/Player Davidinho* Another difficult and disappointing weekend for Pistolas FC as the team stumbles towards the upcoming playoffs. In a rescheduled match due to a prior rain-out, the few Pistolas that arrived on Saturday could only scratch their collective heads in wonderment. Although on the brink of forfeit in past games, with only 6 men taking the pitch, PFC was finally forced to relinquish the match. PFC's opponents, Markham United, who had arrived in full force for the game, were awarded a 1-0 win and, more importantly, a 3-point donation in the standings. The disappointment was felt by both sides, with the PFC players in game-time limbo and the Markham United players, recalling last season's loss to PFC, were in search for retribution but did not receive the opportunity. With no other options available, several Markham United players agreed to join the few PFC players to form two squads and play a friendly scrimmage, making a game out of the unfortunate situation. During Sunday's contest against Tom's 76ers, the Pistolas managed to field 11 men for the contest. In the opinion of many PFC players, although short of any substitutions, this was a welcomed upgrade to the match attendance in recent weeks. PFC was met with an opponent that flourished with a full bench compliment and the league's top scorer. The 76ers came out to a quick three goal lead in the opening 15 minutes, leaving PFC to climb uphill for the remainder of the match. Unable to register a goal, PFC eventually lost the contest 6-0, with five tallies coming before the end of the first half. Missing the likes of Romerinho and Eckleton has left the Pistolas with an evident goal scoring issue, however both players are set to return in time for the playoffs. PFC wraps up their regular season this Sunday versus Inter Selects. |
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
MARKHAM - Only days ago at BMO Field in Toronto, fans of TFC and Real Madrid witnessed the All-Time Champions League Scorer score his trademark goals. No, not that bloke Ronaldo.
I'm talking about the man the call the King of the Champions League tournament, Raul.
In similar fashion, one of the great story lines in Pistolas lore of '09 would be the All-Time Scoring Title - a fierce battle that earlier this season once saw Captain Chuck dethrone Pistolas FC Legend Eddy Megurian, only to be tied this August by the big man in midfield, Steve Ward.
Steve Ward's performance of late is reminicent of last years where he dominated the month of August with 4 goals. And with Captain Chuck battling injuries - the latest being Celtic's 2-0 loss to Arsenal in Champions League Qualifying - can Steve Ward be the man to not only break the tie, but create a gap between him and Charles to enter a realm made for legends?
Though he seems poised to acheive this feat, another positive story line this year also poses a threat, and his name is Rob Pikula.
The young sensation has scored an impressive 7 goals in his rookie campaign, and with 3 games left, could not only claim the title of All-Time Scorer, but all break Eddy Meagurian's record of most goals in a season (9).
Any which way, both men will look to their teammates for much needed support in a heavily contested back to back weekend against the likes of Markham United and Tom's 76ers, before capping off the season against an always dangerous, and hungry Inter Selects team.
Monday, August 10, 2009
| *written by Pistolas Director / Player Davidinho* Hot and humid conditions, mixed in with a shortfall of players, proved a dangerous mix for PFC this past Sunday. Nine men and keeper took the field against Those Guys FC, resulting in a painful 3-2 loss for Pistolas FC, as they continue their slide down the standings. PFC opened scoring when Rob Pikula moved in alone and slid a neat ball inside the near post to put the Men in Black up 1-0. In the second half, Those Guys FC scored 3 unanswered goals in rapid succession, which clearly deflated any the air in PFC's hopes. Steve Ward added a goal with a precise blast to the top left corner with under ten minutes in the game. The goal appeared to rekindle PFC's hopes to at minimum, secure one much needed point. But PFC could not add to their scoresheet before the final whistle. Pistolas FC welcomed back Conrad Chan and Frank Molony to the pitch after extended absences. Charles Eppich, while in attendance, had deactivated himself earlier in the day due to a lingering injury. |
Monday, August 3, 2009
| *written by PFC Director/Player Davidinho* Going into any long weekend match, Pistolas FC can normally only hope to field a full team. In reality, it's been difficult to do so on regular weekends of late. Yesterday, both PFC and their opponents, Divided United, began the game with even numbers, in a not-so common game of 8 on 8. PFC had been expecting the arrival of additional teammates, however none appeared. Minutes into the game, PFC lost the services of Charles Eppich to an ankle injury, while their opponents received the help of a latecomer. Barring any further injury, the table was set for a 9 on 7 game the rest of the way and an uphill climb for the Men in Black. Overall, PFC put in a valiant effort to keep Divided United's attack at bay, however PFC keeper Mark Cinerari was tested often and put in a rock solid performance. A Divided United's striker can attest to how rock solid Cinerari was playing when he collided with the PFC keeper and came up clearly on the losing end of the encounter. In a game turning moment at PFC down 2-0, Eckleton Richards found himself near goal when he was challenged directly from behind and went to ground. To PFC's dismay, the referee made no call on the play, motioning Richards to get up. On transition, Dividend United turned in their third goal of the game. Richards, who found himself in alone in the first half and rang a shot off the right post, had some choice words for the referee post-game. PFC did manage to get on the scoresheet moments later when Steve Ward blasted a shot to register his third goal of the 2009 campaign. Next game is scheduled for 5:00pm at Centennial Field, when PFC will face Those Guys FC. |
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