Pistolas FC 2011

TORONTO - Pistolas FC has reached just over 3000 online fans, and the crowds at games are expected to grow as the Summer weather finally arrives this Sunday, with projected highs of 22C.

The ever growing number of of visits to the website has also landed the team at number 216 - the highest ever for the team - in the top 300 Soccer Websites of the world as ranked by SoccerLinks.net's Hit List Counter.

"There are a number of good things going on here at PFC, and the online community is definitely taking notice," said the Director of PFC, "in fact famed internet sensation Technorati.com has even picked up the unveiling of the PFC Channel, and it comes right above the article on General Motors (http://technorati.com/tag/FCTV). That's impressive!"

'PFC at BMO Field' was also picked up by many video websites, and a Google search for "Pistolas FC" now yelds 245 results - all about the team but many of which dont come directly from the Director or staff at all.

"We're happy with the direction things are moving in and the interest from fans. More emails are asking for video footage of games - and these are coming from around the world. It's a fun time right now."

And with heavy interest in the free franchise opportunities, there are aspirations to grow this amateur sensation even more.

In the meantime fans, be sure to check out the latest Pistolas FC Warmup Jackets at the Pistolas FC Official Store, available in both Black and White and emblazoned at the back with the team name, and available here: http://119712.spreadshirt.com/us/US/Shop/

MARKHAM - It was a rigid cold May 18th with temperatures hovering around the 4 degree celcius mark during pregame warmups, and a thin film of rain to start at kickoff.

A tussle from the get go, Markham Crush scored two rather early, lucky goals in the first half thanks to the wind and a lucky bounce. But MVP Eddy M., continued his dominance from last year, and on a nifty drive, buried one in the back twine, to tie him for the team lead in goals.

The team lacked their usual punch and finesse and never really got anything going in terms of fluid movement or rythym. The only had three quality chances the rest of the game when Mark R. cracked a shot of a sailing corner kick that somehow the keeper saved, followed by Charles' floater caught by the wind just before careening off the crossbar, and finally a shifting run by Mark R. to position himself infront of the net only to fan on the shot.

"We were just lacking cohesion today," said The Bull who played despite his ongoing injury. "We just didn't get enough shots off," chimed in Mark R. who continued, "this will definitely be a tough week to recover from, but we've got to bounce back, play as a team, a deliver a strong effort come Sunday."

Around the league parity seemed to even out the standings, and Solun FC showed that they are still the tough team from last year. They lost only by a goal to the Markham Red Dynamos falling 3-2. The Dynamos were the team that last week won 10-1.

The Inter Selects featuring Cody won 1-0 over Silver, Those Guys and Pamir FC drew 3-3, the Titans squeaked by the Royals 3-2, while Cornell FC won 3-0 over Limey's FC. Of course, the long weekend has to be taken into consideration for some squads fielding a shorter bench.

Pistolas FC play Limey's FC next Sunday at 9:00pm. The two teams are tied with three points, after PFc beat Cornell in week one, while Limeys FC beat those guys in week one.

TORONTO - The final tally is in and it's clear that the population expects big things from this years Pistolas FC squad.

An overwhelming 78% thought that the boys in black would repeat as champions, while 13% thought it would be tough but possible.

Stay tuned shortly for the next poll, which should prove to be exciting and a fun race to watch!

MARKHAM - What a start to the season, as there was only one draw on Sunday and 5 wins, leading to 5 way tie for first.

Last years undefeated team, the Markham Blues - who lost in the finals of the Centennial Cup to the Pistolas FC, made some changes in the offseason, dumping their keeper (now with Cornell FC) in favour of a new one, and tweaking their lineup. They also dumped their name and jersey colours, and have reinvented themselves as the Red Markham Dynamos.

The Dynamos are once again a force to be reckoned with, and were left with a bad taste in their mouth from losing the Centennial Cup, that they took out their aggression on this years blue jersey team, the Royals, trouncing them by a score of 10-1. PFC fans, circle August 17th on your calendar - the second last game of the regular season - as it is the only time in the regular season that PFC squares off againt the Dynamos.

Also, a rebuilt Solun FC, brings back a returning cast with a few changes and white uniforms. They squeaked out a 4-3 victory over Silver. A nemesis of last year, they too are in the other division and only square of against PFC once in the regular season on July 27th.

This Sunday's opponent, Markham Crush opened their season with a 3-2 victory over Pamir FC, and will go head to head with Pistolas FC in a battle of undefeated teams.

Rounding out the rest of the games:

Limey's FC won 3-2 versus Those Guys, and the Titans FC tied 1-1 with the Inter Selects.

TORONTO - Star midfielder Ivano "The Raging Bull" may sit this Sunday due to "Elephantitis" of his left ankle.

The injury, suffered at BMO, happened when he rolled it on a routine play back on April 29th. A week later he showed up at the local Tim Horton's still sporting the injury and what resembled to be one human ankle and one from that of an elephant.

Nevertheless, the "Bull" played this past Sunday and his efforts showed no signs of injury. He even contributed on the insurance goal after winning the ball, making a strong run, and then feeding it on. Afterwards, however, was an entirely different story, as he was in clear signs of pain - playing on only as the heart of a champion would.

"I may get x-rays done," he said earlier this week causing concern at camp, "but I'm still hoping to go come Sunday."

And that's why they call him the "Raging Bull". Enough said.

MARKHAM - Reigning champions Pistolas F.C. picked up where they left off last season - on a winning note - taking the season opener from Cornell F.C. by a score of 2-0.

Amidst cool and wet temperatures, coupled with a less than ideal playing field, the squad came out from the onset and immediately started the pressure led by David B. who played his usual power game full of force and strength - somebody give this guy a nickname already!

As a unit, the entire defensive back was outstanding, led by the general, Rocco, Dave F., Matt D., and the wheels of Jason S.

Newcomers Luciano, Gerry also had an impact as the team learned Luciano is as consistent in positioning as Rocco, while Gerry's ball handling and sense of the game almost led to a goal on a nifty chip play that was over the keepers head and just over the bar.

In goal, newcomer Mark C. was a welcomed addition bringing the experience and knowledge of calling plays and making quality grabs. His big test came on Cornell's big chance, a second half cross that Mark fielded in a great save which led to his first shutout of the season.

In the midfield, Steve Ward had quite some moves. while Arbi consitently helped out the strikers pushing forward. Newbie Andrew T., definitely showed signs of promise. After starting at striker, the well conditioned youngster dropped to mid, where his stamina and running ability added to a few plays.

The game was won early in the match when in the 15th minute, Charles E. put a left foot touch to a cross, off the post and in. With quite a few chances, Gus and Eckleton also struck well at striker with Eckleton coming oh so close in a cross through the crease that just got away from him.

MVP Eddy M. was outstanding as usual, feeding great passes and drawing in defenders. A perfect feed through ball in the second half to Mark R. was a highlight pass splitting the defence onto the speeding runner cutting from the flank to the center.

But the story of the night fell to the "Raging Bull" Ivano V., who playing with a hurt ankle was tough on the ball all night and played through the pain. Then on a typical 'Bull' run in the second half , the right midfielder looked up to catch Mark R., open with some space to his left. Feeding the ball professionally into the space, Mark R. chased it down, made a run, before firing a bullet from outside the 18 yard box rifling it past the goalie into the top left corner. A definite 'Goal of the Year' candidate, it was a fitting end to a well played team effort.

The team was without Ronaldo, (who just had a baby boy 2 hours before game time congratulations!), Eddie Moss, Andrew 'The Kid', and injured players Carlos Q., and Marcello M.

The team plays next this Sunday May 18th at 5:00pm at their home field Centennial Field, up against the Markham Crush.

MARKHAM - Finally, after much talk and off season anticipation, the time has come for the start of the 2008 MSC campaign, when returning 2007 Centennial Cup Champions Pistolas F.C. square off against Cornell F.C. for the Mother's Day Classic Derby.

Set to take the field at 7:00pm, the teams will open the season at Benjamin Marr North Field - in the heart of Cornell - before returning to their home field, Centennial Field, for the next 9 games straight.

Pistolas FC will be playing out of the Lions Division, with teams including Cornell F.C., Pamir F.C., Those Guys, The Adams Family, and the Orange. They will play 2 games against each of these teams.

In the Tigers Division, Solun F.C. returns, along with the Markham Dynamos, Inter Selects, Royal Blue, Yellow and Silver. PFC will play each of these teams once, to wrap up a 16 game regular season.

The complete schedule is complete and soon to come, so check back often.

TORONTO - PFC officially launched Pistolas FC Channel, thanks to our friends at YouTube.com, which will bring you highlights and player favourite soccer videos to its fans.

The team launched the official channel, www.youtube.com/pistolasfc, with video from its opening day Intersquad practice at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. The team played through rigid weather, only 1 degree Celsius, and slowly began easing their legs in, as they lead up to the season opener.

The newcomers all made an impact, showing promise, and adding more depth to the team. Goalkeeper Mark C. was outstanding and showed signs of good things to come.

Eckleton showed up with an abundance of energy and fitness - his secret - he's been playing indoor all winter long.

Other standouts of the night were Ivano, who looked pro in many of the video clips, and Matt who has grown into quite a defensive defenseman.

All in all it was a great night with the White squad taking it 3-2, even though the strikers were lack lustre in their finishing.

The season opens on May 11th with the Mothers Day Classic, when Pistolas FC take on Cornell at Benjamin Marr North Field.