The Last Game

This is exactly what it says it is. This is the synopsis and a little bit more covering the ins and outs that went on in our most recent game of football.

2009 Outdoor OSL Provincial Season

FINAL 2009 MATCH

Matchday 14 @ Vaughan Shooters, Sun Aug 09 09, Loss, 3-7

Darlington's Final Curtain Call (Ups)

The tired and weary magician was out of cards. The only card left in the deck was a joker and it appeared all jokes were on him. No more rabbits left in this torn up old hat. Every trick ran its course and everyone had seen it all. There was no more of anything left except one final curtain call as the U-17 call-ups would return for one more bout in the U-21 Provincials. Two more no-shows spelled out 9 men and 3 of those names on the game sheet were written in ink add-ons. A final roster of original Darlington FC lads were 6 strong and on this night that's as good as it's going to get on the road in Vaughan.

The lads were warming up on the pitch and Coach Sutherland sat alone all by himself on a long and winding road (I mean bench) and I was peering and pondering from the stands taking it all in. I watched just a handful of lads stretching and exchanging stories as my own mind started wandering as I began to reminisce  and my blinks became longer and longer and longer and longer and longer.....

It was Tuesday, May 26 and it was our home and season opener and it was a 2009 campaign we were all looking forward to and why not as the visiting North Toronto team had just felt the Darlington FC wrath. It was everything we had imagined and more as our new-look lads romped over the visitors with a 6-0 laugher. Six different scorers figured in on the scoring. Francis, Frankel, Hammond, Williams, Rose and Meyerowitz did the damage on that chilly Hydro night. That seemed like another time thinking back now as I can barely remember what those faces looked like? No wonder.....My eyes refocused and my blinks stopped and I was back at St. Joan Of Arc in Vaughan and every one of those names kept running through my mind.

Okay let's see if I can locate those six goal scorers on the pitch in front of me as our lads were warming up. Nope! I do not see any of those lads. Francis is back in South Carolina, Frankel I suspect has returned to Western, Hammond is mending and also USA bound, Williams left for South Carolina before our season went south, Rose will be joining Yale University at some point if he gets healthy and Meyerowitz to my knowledge never did return from Israel and Kilian Elkinson who came to us fresh from the Toronto FC, could be wandering around somewhere in Europe with him. These stories and scenarios plus a whole gambit of others which I will not bore you with, are the very reasons why I glance across the pitch and see names like Weston, Waddington and Tozer. And truthfully, I have never felt better and certainly prouder, knowing that these lads will punch in whenever called upon. A friendly reminder that this is an NCAA and CIS based League which means many star pupils retire early which is why an opening whistle finds 8 vs 8 with call-ups and add-ons from both sides.

Captain Azza  scratches his head and tries to imagine just how it's all going to unfold as an indoor head count takes to the stage on an outdoor turf venue. Azza walks back to his greeting mates and finds a way to form some kind of shape for the opening kick-off which is now.

The game kicked off at one minute past 4pm and a hot and humid atmosphere did not help matters. A late-arriving Brian Santos made it 9 vs 8 for a brief moment which was the first and only time our lads had any type of upper hand in this tilt. At the 0:28th minute it was now a Vaughan team with 10 men against our 9 which would eventually go back down to 8 and the scoreboard favoured the home side as they took an early 2-0 lead. The half pretty much played itself out and the 2-0 storyline remained the same but there was a couple of nice shout-outs from our tired lads. In the 0:32nd minute mark call-up and long time Darlington recruit Drew Tozer headed down a lovely pass placing the football onto Jordan Sutherland's foot who in turn one-timed a terrific strike just missing the target. And in the closing minutes of the frame U-17 call-up Jon Waddington was the lone defender marking in front of Keeper Sukovski as a Vaughan Shooter was racing in with the football. The Vaughan striker took on Waddington and the rookie sensation stood his ground stripping the Vaughan lad of the football sending it back up the pitch. This was a real show-stopper and J-Wad easily could have replaced his other POTG with this vintage bit of football. The first half was over. The lads crawled off the pitch searching for anything that resembled a plastic bottle and it seemed as if the whistle sounded just seconds later. It was the first time all season long that I witnessed another team taking to the pitch before our lads. There was no disciplined and orchestrated line of legions taking to the pitch but rather a disgruntled and tired lot weary for what may lie ahead. With that said, these lads continued to push forward and never quit and as a matter of fact, 8 more goals would be scored and our lads almost owned half of those so much more was still to come in the final 45 minutes of 2009.

There's nothing like a few minutes away from the situation to regroup. Magic H20 and comforting reassurance goes a long way and just 0:06 minutes into the second chapter our lads answered. When Darlington have scored over the most recent 5 games there has been 13 goals scored and Brian Santos has scored 5 of those and assisted on 4 of the others. This lad has been on fire for a while now so why not add a couple more helpers tonight. And that is indeed what he did as he sent a lovely ball into some free real estate and call-up Tozer stamped "SOLD" all over that and fired home a huge goal making it 1-2. The lads got caught pushing forward and it soon became 1-3. The lads could not be faulted as they kept on forcing the issue but unfortunately more bad luck would follow and next they would go down to 8 men as Jordan Sutherland took a hard knock via a boot to the face. Sutherland would eventually pass through the hospital emerg at some ungodly hour and stitches sealed up a gaping hole in his lip. While Jord was being patient (no pun intended) his fellow team mates back in Vaughan also took it on the chin and watched goals 4, 5 and 6 put this one out of reach within a 0:06 minute span. Again, a tired and beaten bunch of normal lads would have thrown the towel in and let the home side make it double-figures. Not these lads! These lads came from Darlington and they had heart and tenacity and within a 2 minute span our courageous and commendable kids scored a pair of crackers.

The game was winding down and the score almost a forgotten detail at this point but our lads would remind the Vaughan grandstand that Darlington FC goals 2 and 3 were about to unfold. First off Brian Santos sent a lovely lob over the top to Jeremy Brown who normally stands on guard in the back line. But in the closing moments Jere was sniping for the FC and pulled the trigger with some clinic finish beating an OSL Provincial Keeper for the first time in his life. What a classic moment this was! The lads did not stop there and in less than a minute they would score the goal of the night/week/month.....contender for goal of the season. And this was once again a call-up who was just 17 years of age. It was that nasty little J-Wad kid again. It was a classic chip with absolute brilliant top shelf finish written all over it and surely far too superb for a 17 year old lad who plays in the CSL. You can get the full scope and scenario of this magnificent goal in the POTG tab.

Our lads continued advancing and never gave up and another Vaughan goal would cross the line and the lads would eventually run out of time before steam and a final scoreboard clocked in 3-7 for the end result. Wow! Where does one even start to summarize what just unfolded in Vaughan on the hottest day of the 2009 summer? I know you are all thinking that these paragraphs upon paragraphs surely summed up the majority of it. Sorry, not even close. Sometimes words cannot do any justice and this was one of those times. Two call-ups scored and one of those goals could have easily been the goal of the season and this came from a lad who has probably thrown out more Pokemon cards than 40 pounders over the last few years. And the other goal came from long time seasoned veteran Jeremy Brown who scored his first ever Provincial goal in what will be his final U-21 game ever. I have not even touched on the other outstanding lads that carried this franchise across the finish line with dignity, grace and honour. I said "CARRIED." They came flying across that line wounded, depleted and done. But they did it. They finished off this 2009 Provincial campaign the way real true champions do and coming from Darlington.....well, quite frankly, these are a handful of examples of how we grow them back home.

Now, in true Nicholas Paul Harris fashion and form, I will leave all my loyal family, friends and readers for one FINAL time. Many years of writing about plays, goals, games, personalities and just simply day to day dealings with my lads I find myself putting that very final period at the end of it all. I will have one final "End of the Year" book still to come but from this reliable form and venue.....I thank each and everyone of you for allowing me to be just a tiny part of your lives.

I push in my keyboard shelf. I turn off my screen. I turn over the cover of this book of years and I dot the final "I" and cross the final "T" and a period comes at the end of the final page in the final chapter. I struggle to get up as sitting has jeopardized my balance. I now stand and look back upon myself as I remember years and years and years of the same. A rather large man with an awkward gait stands up and walks away with a cane in one hand and a coffee in the other. He turns to an empty chair in an empty room and announces for one final time,

"A story needed to be told.....and I have finished telling it."

.....he takes his camera into the woods and finds God.....  

       HERE ENDETH THE STORY

Matchday 13 @ Vaughan Azzurri, Sun Aug 02 09, Draw, 0-0

The Call-Ups

Adam Robb, Curtis Weston, Drew Tozer & Jon Waddington starred in the Sunday night "Main Event" in Vaughan this past week and appeared for one night only as, "The Call-Ups." Coming to a theatre near you.

It was Friday night and the tension and butterflies began and again, these weren't those nice warm and fuzzy butterflies. It was an annoying stomach wrench that would not go away and Sunday was just too far away for this nonsense to start. Well, I better make the call to the U-17 Darlington Representative Head Coach and hold onto my breath at the same time. We already knew we had Drew Tozer who has done this gig before but we needed more.....much more. Calling an U-17 Coach was the furthest thing from my mind as we had to waltz into a hostile 1st Place Provincial Vaughan Azzurri ground. What was I thinking? Nicholas, are you crazy? These lads are 17? What if they get hurt? What is they really get hurt? We were out of options and out of scenarios at this point. I ran my finger through my rolodex until I came to "C" and dialled up Alex Carvajal who is The Darlington U-17 Head Coach. Well, I am adding the great commentary to kick the paragraph up a notch. My running fingers and rolodex are actually tabs on my desktop which lead to my email. Regardless, email after email and conversation after conversation eventually lead to jersey numbers being changed, player names, RDS numbers, player books, player profiles/player synopsis, heads up after heads up and come late Sunday morning a final confirmation email via one Alex Carvajal did indeed confirm "The Call-Ups." These were three U-17 footballers that would be playing in a full 90 minute match representing Darlington FC in a 21-year-old elite Provincial League where the best of the best play in Ontario. Those butterflies never did go away and chased me all the way across the top of the 401 into Vaughan Country for a Sunday night tilt against front runners, Vaughan Azzurri.

I sat motionless perched up on the end of the bench looking out as the lads warmed up. I watched as 10 men strong went through their motions and out of those 10 were 4 call-ups and 3 of them from the U-17 squad. Another lad warming up was our other keeper. Soooo, we had another one of these ahead of us but just as I was getting ready for the last minute huddle Midfield General Brian Santos jumped over the fence like a hunted deer. We had 11 men (boys) and this, lately, was enough for Darlington FC to take on Real Madrid. It wasn't Man U. or Juve but it was another Azzurri and they were in 1st place in the OSL and they were about to kick  off as the opening whistle sounded.

Our colourful menagerie of mates took to the pitch in their loyal line of legions as even 4 new faces did not trip up the process or commitment. The match kicked off and immediately all the new faces got a touch in so the jelly legs could get back underneath them. Our lads were tested almost immediately as with only one starter in the back four it did indeed cause reason for concern but Jon Austin, Jon Waddington and Adam Robb made seasoned veteran and back four technician Brandon Weigel feel relieved. The new kids on the block did a bit of dancing and cleared the football out of harm's way. These attacks would pretty much continue and carry on for the full 90 minutes and every time our back line would close the door with the obvious help of the League's number one netminder. A real threat came in the 0:12th minute as Keeper Sukovski found himself in a foot race with an Azzurri speedster but Mikey the magician pulled out his bag of tricks and made it all go away (more about this Mikey moment in the POTG tab). The first half played itself out and the score remained 0-0 but I can assure you that every minute seemed like an hour and the next 45 minutes did not want to end.

The lads took in their fluids and an all quiet in the huddle reminded the lads that this could be done. A faint reassurance whispered throughout the touchline, "One half down and one more to go!" They muttered it but honestly, no one believed a word of it.

The second half kicked off and our lads started knocking the football around. What a fantastic sight this was? I was sitting on the bench and actually enjoying the game for the first time in a long time. I almost forgot I was viewing my very own pupils but it was easily mistaken for another team as many of the faces were not familiar to me yet. This was magnificent football I was watching unfold and even call-up 17 year-old Curtis Weston was getting some serious touches in and making them count. Curtis and other call-up Drew Tozer were straight up front and never quit for the entire 90 minute extravaganza.

The 0:60 minute mark found our lads in a bit of bother with a Vaughan free kick in our danger zone. This is exactly what we did not want to unfold. All blue shirts were behind the football protecting and willing the football to stay out of the back of the net. It was another Mikey moment as he saved the shot and kept the score nil/nil.

The rest of the second half featured much of the same as Vaughan pressed and our FC shut them down. This went on until all our lads were completely depleted. Fresh legs from the Azzurri touchline were coming in every 2-5 minutes which almost seemed unfair at times but our lads kept on turning them away. In the closing moments a shocked Vaughan side were almost beside themselves as they got caught up field and Joey Azzarello was in on the Azzurri Keeps for a nice shot. The Azzurri Keeps collected it into his mid section and then flailed it back up the pitch but not before the gallery of Vaughan onlookers went dead quiet. You could hear a pin drop. It could have easily been Darlington 1-0 with basically no time remaining. A few more flurries in and around Mikey and some dreaded added injury time that also seemed quite unnecessary and eventually the final whistle sounded and one would have thought the FA Cup was just won at Wembley. Without any question this was the biggest and most profound, unbelievable, massive single point with no goal scoring on the road, in the history of this franchise. It was David and Goliath all over again. This was a gigantic upset of epic proportions. The match was over and it was official. A 0-0 storyline echoed all the way east across the 401 and south into the reaches of Solina Road and those sweeping winds coming off Lake Ontario whispered nil/nil U-21 Darlington FC at Vaughan all across Clarington.  

The sport's world has that timeless saying, "The game still has to be played." Tonight at approximately 10:44pm in Vaughan we all witnessed another one of those classic reasons why the game must be played. The entire team played their hearts out and I am not going to put any of these lads ahead of one and other. These were "Brothers In Arms" on this night and I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to once again, let all our loyal readers know, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it." 

Matchday 12 vs Hearts Azzurri @ The Hydros, Tues July 28 09, Loss, 2-5

It Is What It Is

The opening whistle was just minutes away and I looked out onto the pitch and saw faces I had not seen in quite some time and it really was a pleasant sight for a change. This was the first time in quite some time we had 13 lads on the bench, now with that said, don't get too excited. That number 13 is deceiving as one of those bodies is a back-up Keeper and another one of those extra bodies was a lad whom never did get up off the pine as his injury never allowed him. And, adding injury to insult, another returning face, Dustin Dinis fresh off the disabled list, played no more than the opening 4 minutes and he retired for the evening and most likely the season. Daniel Frankel was fresh off the Israel plane and Colin Francis another from the wounded ward so they were a bit of a ray of sunshine for a change. So, that half full glass of Hydro Juice was once again half empty and the game had barely started. We had the full 90 minute compliment ahead of us and we stood 11 heads with no back-up, no reserves, no bench. Just more of the same old same old and I just looked over at Martin, sighed, and uttered, "It is what it is!"

The match began and 0:04 minutes into the opening frame Dustin Dinis pulled up and most likely came out of the match for the final time this season. Our lads went down 0-1 and then 0-2 and then an Aldo Maiorano tackle in the box cost him a yellow and the team a PK from the spot. It was 0-3 on the scoreboard. Our lads answered with one before the half ended. It was an attractive play and after just three touches of the football, it made its way into the back of the Hearts goal. Frankel to Sutherland to Santos gave our lads a bit of a thread.

The second half kicked off and our lads continued pressing the issue and this constant effort continued for the opening 0:25 minutes but unfortunately too much advancing would cost our bewildered side and soon it was 1-4. Now our lads had every reason and then some to throw the towel in after a fourth Azzurri goal but they never once thought about doing that. As a matter of fact our lads retrieved the football from in the goal and chased it right back down into the Azzurri end and found themselves setting up for a free kick. Brian Santos launched a kick on the target and a Darlington bounce handcuffed the Azzurri Keeper and the ball crossed the line for 2-4.  A tired Darlington crew would cough up another one and the score ended 2-5 Hearts Azzurri.

In the closing moments of the game it turned a little nasty and chippy and later, just towards the ending of the game we heard the head official was being "assessed" on this night. Ahhhhhhhh, this was so much clearer now and that would explain a ridiculous number of reprimands, cautions, cards and ejections which calculated out as a grand total of 8 yellows and 3 reds.

Mikey and Fezz played strong games. It was great to see Frank and Colin back in the line-up and neither one of them had ring-rust. David Dudar played his best game of the season and really should have walked the big nod tonight but a "Sick Santos" stole the show. You can read more about sensational Santos in the other two main tabs as I am running out of adjectives and adverbs. The lads play two more games in their 14 game season and both games are visits to Vaughan. The chapter on these lads is coming to an end and has almost run its course but hopefully we can find a little bit more of a reserve tank and fuel up another paragraph or two as, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

A familiar sight over the last 5 games and no words even required here. It is what it is.

Matchday 11 @ Scarborough Strikers, Fri July 24 09, Win, 3-0

Sometimes You Just Gotta Suck It Up And Take One For The Team

The McLevin overhead lamps shone down on our unsung heroes as their all-quiet-in-the-huddle appeared brighter and much clearer as they all sucked it up and took one for the team.

It was kick-off again and again much had not changed from the previous 3-game slide but something was different.....something seemed very different. There were still main starters out with injuries and other starting 11 missing in action but for some reason it seemed clearer and more vivid; it was more positive. These same unsung heroes that have been leaving it on the pitch game in and game out seemed to realize that enough was enough.  These lads had each other's backs. Sometimes you just gotta suck it up and take one for the team. And that's exactly what these brothers in arms did on a clear and present Friday night at McLevin in Scarborough.

The game kicked off and our lads controlled the ENTIRE opening half even though it ended 0-0. The lads moved the football around with precision and poise. Again, Keeper Austin played out and he was a stand-out in the opening 0:45 minutes sending in through balls and backing it up with perfect passes. Sukovski was asked to make a few saves and his clean sheet was kept in tact for another half. Azza and Santos dominated the midfield. The entire 11 lads played their hearts out and it was highway robbery that the score remained zeroes. A quick drink and chin wag and all was restored and replenished  for another 0:45 minutes.  

The second half began where the first half ended with our lads taking it right to the Strikers but it would be another 0:15 scoreless minutes off the clock. Our lads continued pushing forward and would eventually be awarded for their efforts. Fezz pressed forward in an all-out attack and crossed one in to the top of the box where Brian Santos was hanging out in his office. Bry made no mistakes putting our FC up by a 1-0 score. A few minutes later Barber picked up his 3rd Yellow in the campaign now we sit and wait and pray they administer his Missed Game when he's gone. Our lads would continue to control the game and basically knocked the football around for the balance of the second half. With just 0:04 minutes remaining in the match our lads felt one nil was not enough so they beefed up their goal differential by scoring two more in a final flurry. Fezz crossed in another one, this time finding Brent Hammond (more about this in the POTG tab). It was 2-0 and soon to be 3-0 thanks to Keeper Jon Austin who pulled the trigger via a lovely David Dudar headed pass. The final whistle sounded and for the first time in a long time our lads smiled at the closure as three points and a win gave plenty of reasons for smiles all 'round.

The entire squad played a phenomenal game tonight as many played through pain and agony. Jeremy Brown was one of many that limped and laboured in the closing moments and he had good reason as a trip to the Hospital after the game confirms a torn ligament in his mid section sidelining him on crutches for a week. A recent email to yours truly finds our rugged defender pleading rest until Tuesday and a possible return to the line-up for Tuesday's tilt. It is this very reason why this team has earned all respect and affection from the coaching staff.  

It's amazing how a win can change the world in a hurry. A clean sheet has catapulted Keeper Mike Sukovski back on top of the OSL tables as the number one Keeps and a win from our FC this coming Tuesday will place our lads back at the top of the Provincials. The lads take a few well-deserved days off and bring their winning ways back to the Hydros this coming Tuesday as they play host to Hearts Azzurri.  These unsung heroes have really been playing their hearts out and it's this very reason which keeps me coming back and making sure, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."  

Matchday 10 vs Armour Heights @ The Hydros, Tues July 14 09, Loss, 0-3

Armour Reaches New Heights As Darlington Drops From 1st To 3rd

Playing injured, playing through pain, playing tired and just simply not playing at all spells out another Darlington loss.

The weary wows continued for yet another game and it has been an unpleasant run of late for our FC's and this was indeed the finishing move as Armour reaches new heights as Darlington drops from 1st to 3rd. The pain penetrated for another match as our lads played host to Armour Heights who took over 2nd spot and turfed our lads into a 3rd place footing in the OSL Provincial tables.

For the first time in a long time our lads started with 11 and finished with 11 but unfortunately it still spelled out another failure at collecting any type of point(s). The ref blew the starting whistle and ours lads kicked off playing from right to left. The opening half kicked off and basically for the opening 0:20 minutes is was even thanks to Keeper Sukovski making some crucial saves. Our lads had a header called back due to a foul in the box and then at the 0:22 minute mark our lads suffered a brain cramp in the back line and it ended in a 0-1 Armour lead. That 1-0 game line carried over into the second half as our lads walked off at the interval being down a goal.

Again, almost identical to the opening half as our lads went scoreless for the opening 0:20 minutes and again, thanks to more Mikey magic moments. At the 0:68 minute mark Armour went up 2-0 and then made it 3-0 at the 0:76 minute mark via a penalty from the spot giving Keeper Sukovski no chances at all. The game ended and it was the third straight loss for our lads and thank goodness for another 10 days off as this time should bring back most players. 

Call-up and longtime Darlington lad Drew Tozer was playing up as a trial player and played the entire 90 minutes and never once looked out of place. The FC would like to thank Drew for his contribution.  It was great to have Brent Hammond back in the line-up as he has been out injured since Matchday 5 almost 5 weeks ago. Joey Azzarello, Brian Santos and Brandon Weigel were solid in the losing cause. Keeper Mike Sukovski was the MOTM and his heroics can be read about in the other tabs. Our lads have 10 days off so it's back to the training grounds as injuries and absent bodies should heal and return. "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

Matchday 9 @ North Toronto, Sun July 05 09, Loss, 2-3

Injured Beyond Recognition

A starting 8-man huddle kicks off against 11 finds Barber looking on praying he sees incoming blue shirts.....but unfortunately no blue shirts to be seen.

It was just minutes until opening kick-off as I continually kept looking over my shoulders praying I would recognize Darlington players driving in. For the second game in a row my stomach was in knots with the dreaded anticipation that we would be kicking off with less than a full squad. I turned my thoughts back to the lads on the pitch and set my eyes on Captain Joey Azzarello as he ran back towards me letting me know if the officials showed any type of mercy allowing us an extension of time. He gave us another 5 minutes but all that did was allow another 5 minutes of warts and worries. The opening whistle sounded and we kicked off the match with 8 men.

A last minute "all quiet in the huddle" determined a simple indoor format would possibly help until more bodies showed up. We kicked off with a 3-3-1 and prayed no one else sustained injuries (that would come later).

The lads played the opening 0:20 minutes with 8 men and held North Toronto off the board but not without Sukovski making numerous game-savers and Barber making an incredible slide tackle resulting in the POTG. Daniel Frankel came in at 4:25pm making it 9 men and then at 4:28pm Zachary Meyerowitz suited up for 10 men and finally, we went 11 men at 4:35pm as Keeper Jonathon Austin took to the back fullback spot. We were 11 men for one of the first and last times over the last 2 games and 11 men spelled out 0-1 on the scoreboard at 4:36pm. On a positive note just 0:03 minutes later David Dudar found Brian Santos who finished with a delicate little tap into the bottom right corner for 1-1. One minute later found our lads suffering through more trauma and drama as sturdy and reliable Aldo Maiorano went down in a heap and would never return sending the pitch head count back to 10 men with two Keepers making up that magic number 10. The first half whistle should have sounded but why not add injury to insult and add another North Toronto goal to the mix. It was 1-2 on the scoreboard so now the period ended.

The second half kicked off and we were 10 injured and tired men against 11 with a healthy a happy bench. The lads held the home side off the scoreboard for the opening 0:33 minutes and it appeared our weary and weathered lads had a handle on things. As a matter of fact our boys started knocking the ball around and the one less man was almost a forgotten storyline at this point. Our lads pushed forward and Daniel Frankel noticed a gaping hole up through the middle and sent a hard crisp pass into Brian Santos. Brian made no mistakes tapping home his second on the night for a 2-2 shocker. More shock followed and this time the shock and awe came our way as an offside striker scored one but the lineman called the referee over for a 3-4 minute chinwag which surely meant a goal kick our way but instead the football made its way back up to the half circle for a 3-2 North Toronto curtain call. Well now, it can't end on a negative note so let's make sure we send this one off on a disastrous decline and send Keeper Mike Sukovski off with an injury making it 9 men as Fullback Keeper Jonny Austin heads back into the cage for the conclusion. Jon made some spectacular saves in the dying moments (no pun intended) and no injury time would be added and the game ended 2-3 as our lads lost another game over the weekend from hell.      

The final whistle sounded and it's becoming a horrible noise more and more familiar to my ears as we continually run out of bodies and time. It was a sound that represented game over that turned my stomach for a second game in just 3 days. It was the final sound of the game that reminded me we lost again and just let 6 points slip away. In about a week's time when the other teams catch up to us in games we could be shifting from 1st to 4th in the tables and it's all because of bloody injuries. I look out onto the pitch and see lads crawling, limping, labouring and just simply beaten down. I glance over on the bench and lads are grimacing and growling with no chance at participating in a game. I cannot believe what has just happened to these front-runners. I have never seen anything like this before. This team has just transformed itself right in front of my eyes and quiet frankly, I do not recognize this team anymore. It's a real shame what has happened. This team is injured beyond recognition and all we can do is pray these lads return as soon as possible before the season really is over.

Well, a nice chunk of time off with a bye-week finds our lads not playing a regular season game until a week Tuesday back at our Hydros. Hopefully some of our missing in action lads and injured bodies can heal. We can only hope our team comes back to us because we have a serious stretch run ahead of us. "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

It really is not funny anymore as an injured Maiorano tends to an injured Sukovski as 9 are left on the pitch.

Matchday 8 @ Sora Sun Devils, July 03 09, Loss, 0-6

Austin Was A Real Keeper On This Night

Big Jonathon Austin was a real keeper on this night vs Sora Sun Devils.

Lads emailed and phoned in last minute calls of distress. Lads were missing in action. Injuries and lame lads were sprinkled throughout the Darlington roster. It was pre-game huddle and lads were talking amongst themselves. The opening whistle sounded and kits and bags were scattered all over just like mind sets and men. It was 9 vs 11 and we were the proud owners of the 9 and that 9 was a limping and limited lot. It did not look good. It did not look good at all. I was hoping this type of game did not come around this season. We kept on rolling right along like it was nobody's business and it was just a matter of time. The time was now. The time was tonight. The time had come and it was downright nasty and horrible. Injuries, suspensions, holiday bugs and no-shows took its toll and for the most part 9-10 men took on the home Sora side. We had 11 (and that's with our Keeper being the 11th man who by the way was the best lad on the pitch) men for a small portion of the match but it really was 9 men for the majority and 9 just can't get the job done especially when only half of that number played at 100%.

We kicked off and played 0:18 minutes with 9 men and held the Sora Sun Devils at bay for the most part. Mikey was asked to make many saves during the 90 minutes and could not be faulted for any of the battering that anialated his League Leading GAA and disfigured the Darlington FC GA and GD beyond recognition. It was just 0-1 at the interval and if we could keep 11 bodies on he pitch for the remaining 45 minutes then surely we could take care of this inferior team. Well, I guess on this night we were asking for far too much and 11 bodies on the pitch came to pass.

Again, our lads kept the Sun Devils off the sheet for the opening 0:15 minutes but it would become a 0-2 storyline and then another 0:20 minutes ran off the clock but this was just too much for 9 wounded and bewildered men who just simply threw the towel in. The next 0:11 minutes disgraced our lads and I sat on the end of the bench trying my best to absorb as much of the pain and discomfort but it did not make any difference for what was about to unfold. The final whistle sounded and it was now a 0-6 slaughter and we were the slabs of meat on the grill.  

Fezz and Azza were solid and Jonathon Austin was unequalled, unmatched and unbelievable. Austin was a real keeper on this night. Austin fans and curious readers can browse Austin's accolades in other tabs pertaining to this match as he owned everything on this night. The lads have just about a day to get over this one as another road trip is in store for Sunday afternoon as they venture into North Toronto. Well lads, wipe off those knees and pick yourselves back up. Put this one behind you and get ready for another test. The great sides bounce back after a loss and show what they are really made of. "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."  

FC Keeper Mike Sukovski pulls one in on a busy night where he made a record amount of saves but unfortunate fortune would hand him a bloated GA & GAA that lead the League just 24 hours ago.

Matchday 7 vs Vaughan Shooters @ Clarington Fields, Tue June 23 09, Win, 3-0

Santos & Dinis Owned The Middle

1st half action @ Clarington Fields as Santos & Dinis showed Vaughan who owned the midfield.

Our Hydros were closed and off limits so they can rest and repair from the previous weekend of Tournament play during the heavy rains and downpours. Our Matchday was shifted back to the Clarington Fields which at times, resembled an Arizona airfield. It was what it was and as Coach Sutherland reminded me, "Nick, it's no worse than Armour Heights!" I could not argue and at least this time I had a spot on the bench and with that said, let's begin this chapter just as the whistle blows at 8:57pm.

It was the perfect temperature for a football match but we could have done without the blood-thirsty mosquitoes (and thank the Lord Martin had spray tucked away). A few sprays of the "Off" and the lads were underway and Vaughan Azzurri had more than just a handful of bugs to contend with. These bugs were slightly bigger, outfitted in white and they took 3 points with a quart of blood. 

The lads kicked off running from left to right or north to south or if you like, Baseline Rd. towards the 401. The first notable bit of anything came at 0:18 minutes when Jon Austin was asked to make an early save. Big John used his enormous mitts squeezing the football making a sweet save. Just four minutes later (and how many times in sports to we see a glorious save at the one end and then a stunning goal at the other) our lads answered at the other end as our reliable mids turned the "W" and Vaughan had no answer for a bit of Azza to Dusty to Francis for "Gooooooooooool!" (the POTG tab has a nice recap on this 1-0 lead).

At 0:28 minutes Adrian Williams out/Jeremy Brown in. At 0:44 minutes Keeper Austin well up for another nice catch keeping his clean sheet tidy. The first half ended as our lads held onto a secure 1-0 lead as the Midfield General's Brian Santos and Dustin Dinis let no one into their time zone. They controlled the entire midfield and let nothing happen on their watch. The two of them were on the same page moving, thinking and and reacting in synchronised movements. It was an all-quiet-in-the-huddle halftime break as an enthusiastic FC lot were convinced that score would grow. And it did.  

The lads pranced back out onto the tumbleweed terrain and ready for another 45 minutes as it was Colin Francis out/David Dudar in. The half kicked off with a mad dash straight up the pitch into the Vaughan end and it was chaos in front of the Keeper. No less than 4-5 Darlington shirts took a poke, a swipe, a kick, a dig, a plunge, a strike, and almost every kind of gesture was made to put the ball in the back of the net but eventually the final touch would come from a Vaughan defender and the threat was over. The football was sent back up the pitch and it was almost two-nil. It was just a matter of time and everyone sensed it. It was Darlington pushing again and the next goal would come just three minutes after the last attack. Our Portuguese prodigy was at it again and this time he directed his "W" into the attack mode feeding the perfect through ball into Zachary Meyerowitz. Witzi was away and beat a man facing a lone Keeper for a showdown. Meyerowitz  looked the Keeper straight in the eyes and head faked this one into the back of the net finding the bottom corner. It was 2-0 FC and now a bit of protection from our back line and some Austin order and a clean sheet would make the night worthwhile. It was Zachary Meyerowitz out/Colin Fancis in at 0:56 minutes and at 0:71 minutes it was Jeremy Brown out/Adrian Williams back in.

At the 0:78 minute mark it would be Brian Santos that would orchestrate yet another FC marker. Again, Santos and Dinis stopped an aggressive Vaughan Azzurri attack and shifted focus back the other way. Santos picked out a wandering Francis and a wandering Fancis usually means he has his sights set on the back of the onion bag. The galloping gazelle was set free via a pass along the the floor of the Clarington jungle and Francis spent no time grazing as he was in full stride on a classic breakaway with no one in sight except a terrified netminder unwillingly waiting. Colin called out for finish and added another tally to his toll. It was 2 goals Francis, 1 goal Meyerowitz  and all 3 helpers via the midfield magicians Santos and Dinis.

The lads tore down socks, stripped off shin guards, teared off tensors and did all in the name of 3 more points and a clean sheet for big Keeper Austin. It was a solid outing from everyone and even though the bench had more lads in street clothes than kit, it was a real group effort on this night and the entire team won this one tonight. It was a positive 3 points and the kind of result that sends a clear message to all competition that browse the tables. Darlington FC Provincials are at the top of the OSL tables and are in no hurry of giving that spot away to anyone. 

David Dudar came in and worked as hard as anyone as he forced the issue giving the Azzurri defenders fits. He went down in a heap in the closing moments but just would not come off....well, in the end he had no choice as one does require two feet and two legs to walk correctly. Well-in and out to Dudar. Colin Francis looked more like the Colin we thought we had as he found the back of the net twice. Aldo Maiorano and Joey Azzarello put in 90 solid minutes and Jonathon Austin registered his first clean sheet of the season and if it wasn't for two absolutely brilliant midfielders on this night, Jon easily could have walked the honours as standout with the shutout. Welcome aboard Jonny. The clean sheet and collective catches and clinches makes it official as our Darlington FC Keeper backstops his lads to a 3-0 victory.

It would be the centre midfielders in our "W" that would carry the team on this night. Santos and Dinis owned the midfield. Santos and Dinis shut down everything tonight and between the pair of them, set-up all three Darlington goals. Vaughan Azzurri had no answers for these two and in the end it would be the Santos and Dinis Portuguese vermelho and verde that would silence the Italia Vaughan Azzurri . Another chapter closes and the next few pages turn over a road trip across the city at Sora Sun Devils. You just know our gifted footballers will get stuck right in giving me every reason and making sure, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."     

Last minute instructions at the centre spot finds Witzi and Francis agreeing that the pair of them will do all the scoring.

Matchday 6 vs Vaughan Azzurri @ The Hydros, Tues June 16 09, Draw, 0-0

A Real Tough One To Swallow

The first half ended and the halftime circle of life found all FC participants agreeing on one thing.....it was total domination by our team and an 80-90% possession game for the opening 45 minutes. It was a complete one-sided game yet we sat during the intermission on level playing ground with a rotten 0-0 storyline and if this continued then this would be a real tough one to swallow.

The opening half was quite uneventful except for the fact that our lads were knocking the football around with just the one side playing within the grid. The lads looked poised and in control. Mikey was asked to make two game-savers at the 0:04 and 0:05 minute marks and again in the dying moments as Barber was reminiscing about last Friday night on Vesta Dr. and was stripped of the football with only one man standing in behind him. This time, Mikey saved his bacon with the 0-0 score kept in tact.

The second half kicked off with much of the same again. Our lads played well but as each minute ticked off the clock you just knew this one was finishing with the wrong result. And sure enough that was the final judgement on this night. The game ended 0-0 but not before a total obscure and bizarre ending as fighting and friction broke out between both teams. A total of 4 yellows and 3 reds were dished out. Even after the final whistle sounded both teams came together and shook hands and almost every lad on Azzurri came to my bench and shook my hand so again, what in God's name was any of that final flurry at the end? It was just one of those odd nights and again, a real tough one to swallow especially now another Darlington RED was showing it's colours. Now, I know you all want to know what happened and I truly don't really know but here goes my interpretation from the bench camera. 

Our right outside flankman Jordan Sutherland (yeah you heard me right, Durham's rookie of the year and the team's all round Mr. quiet guy who puts everyone before himself).....yeah that nasty bully. Jordan went head to head with an Azzurri middy and it was a rather tough one on one battle up the line and then right out of nowhere the Azzurri lad threw no less than three rights at Jord. Well Jordan continued standing in front of the offender basically yelling out choice words as to why and what for? Well by this time newly-assigned Captain Joey Azzarello was called upon for some duties and he rushed in hollering remarks as to "Leave my man alone" and other suggestions referencing Jordan's size and stature. Now, two teams came together with clinging and clutching and soon after a few tussles and tantrums, cooler heads prevailed and those same grips of grudge turned to lads holding others back and eventually everyone separated and the obvious Azzurri lad was carded and then Jordan was shown the red as well. The entire park went up in arms and a very unhappy Sutherland exited the pitch with a an even more fired up swagger than during the altercation. After 90 plus-plus-plus minutes the bottom line was no goals, only one point, a red for Jord, a yellow for Fezz, a not-so100% Dusty Dinis, an injured B. Rose and a bewildered FC side knowing full well an Azzurri team drove away stealing a point from The Hydros. In closing, just a real tough one to swallow.

A shout-out to Kyle Robertson who went back to his middle spot in the back line and looked right at home again. I have to point our Sukovski's clean sheet and if not for his fine saves that half full glass could have easily been half empty and Joey Azza wore the arm band and slipped into Franks boots with ease.....and that's saying something. It would be that belligerent bully Jordan Sutherland that would walk the honours on this night and sleep tight with that little red card under his pillow waiting all night long for that ferry to come and replace it with a looney....Ain't gonna happen bro....you owe me $30. It was indeed a tough one to swallow and I never said it would be easy to write about or read about and on this night, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

Looking after the coach, watching over the players, minding the equipment, stopping fights on the pitch, discussions with the refs, carry this and carry that, unload the car, empty the trunk, load up the car, oh and there's a coin toss in there somewhere. "Frank, you want this arm band back, I'm off to bed now."

Matchday 5 vs Sora Sun Devils @ The Hydros, Tues June 09 09, Win, 2-1

Sora Sun Devils Find The Hydros Hotter Than Hell

Coach Sutherland looks on as his lads look every bit confident & ready during pre-game rituals.

The Sora Sun Devils brought their devilish game into the electrifying Hydros getting the shock of their lives realizing the Hydros were hotter than Hell. The game kicked off at 8:55pm and our blue kit ran from west to east playing left to right for all the readers. It was a quick start for the Sun Devils as they showed both horns to our defenders poking in a quick one at the 0:06 minute mark for an early 1-0 lead. The lead did not last long as our lads immediately began knocking the football around sensing justification. At the 0:14 minute mark it was 1-1 via a Dustin Dinis top of the box cross into Brian Santos. Our colourful middy finished properly with the equalizer. The first half basically played itself out and without any prejudice our lads could have scored a couple more. With that said, Mike Sukovski kept as many out of his net making a few game-savers himself so all in all a 1-1 storyline dealt obvious outcome after 3/4 of an hour.

A halftime huddle found a Darlington FC side very confident and fond at the idea of scoring more. The lads took to the pitch and instantly began playing their game. It was attractive one and two touch football on our Hydros. All of a sudden right out of nowhere a total run  against play found our lads setting up a wall via belts and blasts from our keeper's demands. It was a Sora Sun Devil Free kick in danger zone. A wall was set up to Mikey's liking and then the blast came. It was struck with pulsating pace and surely meant disaster. Mikey catapulted off his line and sprung as the saviour sending this Sora Sun Devil strike up to the Heavens and them, back to Hell. It remained 1-1 (and more about this in the POTG tab).

A side-lined and disgruntled Bradley Rose continually reminded me that he would be good to go with 20 minutes left. That twenty minutes finally came (and thank God as there's nothing worse in the world than a Brad Rose sitting beside you on the bench). It reminds me of a bratty little snotty-nosed kid in the back seat on the way to Disneyland as you cross the American Border, "Are we there yet...are we there yet...are we there yet?" Bradley laced up, tucked in and on he went. And that same little brat went childlike all over Sora and his tantrums caused them to cough up the football and look over their shoulders constantly. Rose was more than a thorn in their side as he ran havoc immediately. It was a non-stop barrage of brutality thrown at Sora. I sat back on the bench and leaned backwards and looked over my right shoulder and Coach Sutherland glanced over and whispered, "It's just a matter of time." Coaches hunches usually always come to fruition and it was inevitable here as well. In the closing moments Brad Rose took on the entire Sora back line as he almost pulled it off taking on and deeking through three of them. Rose turned the defenders inside-out then shovelled a nifty pass across to Jordan Sutherland who in turn switched it back across to Brent Hammond. Come on folks! It can't be anything but "Hammertime" when that happens. It was 2-1 the second Hammer hit it. The ball crossed the line and so did the Sora Sun Devils thinking they could waltz in here looking for a result. The game ended 2-1 but not before a late charge from the Devils was turned away via a bit of Barber getting up and over. The big bulky back got well-up heading the football away from all threats. The final whistle sounded and our FC lads walked off the pitch being the proud owners of 12 points at the top of the Provincials.

This team is now showing the football we know they can play. This was a sound effort and I always have stated the real good squads show their true colours and true intentions the way they bounce back after a loss. Tonight, these lads not only rebounded but they went down 0-1 early then came back and not only drew level.....won the game and winning the respect from their coaching staff and fans.

Captain Frank, hefty Hammer and bicep Barber were solid. Killz came back with a vengeance as did Jord after just one game away and he has proven he belongs nowhere but the starting 11 at the Provincial level. It was a sound effort from everyone but it would be netminder Mike Sukovski who would backstop his mates to a huge victory and if you want to read up more about this lad's heroics pick any tab on this night as Keeper "Ski" hailed the Hydros as home which is exactly why, "A story needed to be told.....and you know the rest."

It was cold, dark, windy and rowdy and just too much for the Sora Sun Devils.

Matchday 4 @ Hearts Azzurri, Sun June 07 09, Loss, 1-2

Darlington Sees Red

FC Keeper Jon Austin warms up to a beautiful orange and red sunset that turns nasty red later.

It was a frustrating night from start to finish and it really began before opening kick-off. Two key players missing in action and two more key starters came hobbling in with no chance of seeing any action. That left 3 bodies on the bench and one of those being a back-up Keeps. We had 2 men on the bench and a starting 11 that looked a tad on the injury side with far too many games in far too little time. We can make excuses forever as the injury bug is all part of the game but it's the non-stop pace of continuous football with no prep time in between that kills and the added bonus of playing with 10 men (more about that later) causes Darlington to see red. It was an annoying night in Toronto and it all began with a bathroom fiasco, moving benches and then the main event at 8:55pm. Let's just concentrate and draw focus on the main event and let everything else flush itself away.

Our lads kicked off attacking from right to left for our readers. Hearts Azzurri came out looking more like our team of late as they were on fire. They brought the play to us with quick little passes them finished off most attacks with lobbing through balls over the top as speedy strikers ran them down for some old fashioned kick-'n'-run. But this was well-executed kick-'n'-run that worked for the most part. It ran our defenders into the ground and the back four on this night were truly the unsung heroes. They managed to get one breather in for the full 90 minutes and that came at the interval. 0:09 minutes into the opening period Jon Austin was asked to make a nice save and then just 0:06 minutes later Austin was slightly out of position and caught completely off guard as our back corner gave an early Canada Day gift to the Azzurri giving Austin no chance to defend. Hearts went up 1-0 on the board. Just one minute after that Frank took a Free Kick that missed the target and his curtain call came a dozen minutes later with a "Yellow." The whistle sounded and the lads walked off the pitch tired and slightly shaken but nothing a quick magic water break can't repair. A quick huddle and some hurried hunches reminded the lads that this game was far from over.

0:12 minutes before 10pm signalled the second half of play. Azzurri changed their keeper as the first one found it quite lonely back there touching the football for a total of 8 times. The second half Keeper only wished that was the case and we wished he was the first half Keeper. We threw everything at this lad and he was spectacular. It was a completely different Darlington team now. Our lads came out looking more positive and in control of the match. Hearts Azzurri were on their heels as our lads began knocking the football around opening up the pitch. This was more like it! 0:07 minutes into the half found Colin Francis turning onto his left side pounding a stunning strike at the Azzurri Keeps who made the save of the night and possibly week (more about this strike and save in the POTG tab). Our lads continued pressing and began breaking down the Hearts back line. Bulky Brent Hammond bullied his way through the defenders and was pulled down just moments before breaking through. "Hammertime" turned into "Let's be quite Frank" and the team Captain strutted his stuff up to the penalty spot. Frank did nothing different than most other times but it would be a magnificent Keeper again that would stun all onlookers and make a gigantic save, however, the force of the strike spilled over and Daniel Frankel took full advantage of a second chance knocking the rebound into the back of the net. It was 1-1 and a game was about to take place.....so we thought.

A linesperson caught out of position and place was intimidated by squeaks and squeals from the Azzurri voices and soon a harmless play resulted in her flag going up and after a brief conference with the head official it resulted in another gesture to the spot. This time it was our spot and the entire Darlington team was seeing red with frustration and anger. The Taker made no mistakes giving the Azzurri a 2-1 lead in the game. It was all down hill from here as the lads became irritated and short tempered which lead to hard tackles and sloppy play from both sides. Soon the middle official had very little control over the game and card after card was handed out including a "Yellow" to both our centre mids as Santos took it with much to say and by the time Frank had his few words.....well, let's just say he bought some vowels and was shown the "Red" and the gate. We were now 10 men and it was not looking great.

The remaining 0:17 minutes of the game could have easily been the best football we have played thus far. The lads moved the football around with brilliant one and two touch football and one never could have suspected we were the side with 10 men. Again, a solid Keeper turned us away and a clock that seemed to just speed up the process would eventually find the referee blowing the whistle. 

An unblemished Darlington record now had a stain on it and it was a "Red" one complete with frustration, anger and no points. The lads did not play too badly except for some silly unforced errors in the opening 45 minutes. The entire back line was strong and what can I say about Kyle Robertson who played his first action of the campaign. He was outstanding even though he played his first stint in the back corner. Kyle calls the dead centre of the back line tucked in behind everyone and everything his office so hanging out by the touchline is not his norm. He was extraordinary tonight and reminded me of how important he is to this team. Welcome back Robbie. It would be newcomer Dustin Dinis that would standout tonight. Dusty played a magnificent match for our FC (and more can be found out about this rookie sensation in the MOTM tab).

Our lads now have just one night to rest up and get ready for yet another tilt. Hopefully some rest and relaxation can find a way to get these lads healthy again. The Sora Sun Devils visit our Hydros on Tuesday night and no matter what the conditions are you know your 2009 FC lads will be ready and raring to go. Oh, and I do believe I will find a way making sure, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

Brad Rose stretches via Zachary Meyerowitz, quiet words of wisdom from Colin Francis to Adrian Williams could not get these two in the line-up but a peaceful stroll into the Stadium with Coach Martin Sutherland finds Kyle Robertson was finally good to go.

Matchday 3 vs Scarborough Strikers @ The Hydros, Tues June 02 09, Win, 2-0

Strikers Stricken By Santos

The calm before the storm. Headphones in, zoning out, lacing up and getting ready for battle are the pre-game rituals this lad needs to play the game of the year.

Just moments before kick-off Trainer Swan came in tight as we shared last minute quiet words as to who looks good and who doesn't. The bottom line after a quick synopsis was very refreshing. They were focussed and good to go. It was Matchday 3 and the second home game and again, a fast and hard attack would lift spirits and increase our chances of another win. And once again our lads came out of the gate sending a message. We kicked off at 9:09pm and at 9:20pm, just 0:11 minutes into the match the lads jumped on top 1-0 AGAIN.

Keeper Mike Sukovski who had a terrific night in the cage was drop-kicking the ball as well as anyone could. As a matter of fact, several times in the opening stages of the game Mikey placed the football right onto our mids and strikers feet via the keeper's box. At 9:20pm once again Sukovski sent a goal kick up the pitch and it googled "Brent Hammond." The search came up with "Hammertime," and we all know what that means and after the theme song ended he had headed a perfect pass onto Rose's foot. Bradley Rose is already smelling the sweet scent of "Golden Boot" as he continued his goal a game pace making no mistakes finding the back of the net for an early Darlington 1-0 lead. 

At the 0:20 minute mark Sukovski was asked to make a double-fist punch maintaining his clean sheet and just one minute later a minor injury found Rose exiting and never returning. Dudar came in for Rose. In the 0:28th minute it was Francis out for equipment adjustments and Sutherland in. And just seconds before the half ended a last minute push from Scarborough came to a halt as Santos was well up heading the ball out of the danger zone. Santos was turning away Striker after Striker all night long. It was a constant flow of Strikers stricken by Santos. An attacking Scarborough squad had no answers. A 0:45 minute half seemed to sustain a little bit longer than usual and perhaps the later start had something to do with that. The referee gave a toot on the whistle and the lads walked off the pitch clinging to a 1-0 lead at the interval.

It was 4 minutes past 10pm when the second half kicked off and the match sheet read Williams out and Brown in, Dudar out and Francis back in and Azzarello and Sutherland switched flanks. This time it would be the Strikers that would answer quickly and thanks to "Barber" it remained one nil. It was not quite a minute in when Boro came at us. A hard shot came in on goal but before it reached Mikey, Maiorano came sliding in deflecting the football out of bounds. It was a brilliant bit of football from our stay home Back. The next half hour basically played itself out with no real mentions or moments until the 0:36th minute. Again, Boro pushed forward only this time catching our back a little bit vulnerable and flat-footed but it would be Brandon Weigel that would save the day (and more about this fascinating football can be found in the POTG tab).

The closing moments seemed to really drag out as it usually does when the clean sheet is on the line only this time it seemed worse as Sukovski's GAA stats was now 2 games and counting. This meant ten times the tension as I looked on watching every through ball and switch get turned away. Finally, with just 3 minutes plus injury time left, our lads would score a huge insurance marker. Guess who was at it again? Yep! Our garbage pick-up in Courtice is early every Wednesday morning but Adrian Williams does his collection late every game night. Again, Age was there cleaning up the mess and finishing off some one else's glory. A pounding Colin Francis strike punished the Boro Keeps spilling over the ball and "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?" (google that kids) And it sure ain't Sidney Poitier! Adrian Williams scores his 2nd in just 3 games and surely a 2-0 lead with a handful of injury time should cement this one. And it did. The final whistle sounded and Sukovski looks up to the Heaven's and says, "There's no places like home!" This is a place that has handed our reliable Keeps his 2nd clean sheet in as many starts making him number one in the OSL.

The Italian duo of Azzarello & Maiorano (Aye, a couple of fine Irish names so they are) played solid. Francis and Hammer looked great switching roles and spots and of course we have to make mention to Sukovski's no brainer. Mikey plucked and picked everything out of the night sky for 90 plus minutes. It would be midfield architect Brian Santos that would earn the loudest shout-out on this night (and more about this extended effort in the MOTM tab).

All in all it was a sound effort from the crew and the ship is doing a little more than just staying afloat as that's a 3-0 record with 10GF and a stingy 1GA good enough for 1st overall in the Provincials. Next stop will be Hearts Azzurri as the crew sets sail for Toronto and ports in at Esther Shiner for a Sunday night under the lights. "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."  

A true Captain takes ownership even before kick-off with continuous looking and focus during warm-ups, helping others in need and taking the coin toss.

Matchday 2 @ Armour Heights, Sun May 31 09, Win, 2-1

Armour Heights At Witz End

Some things never change as we were bumped from pitch to pitch to pitch and finally settled for a grass swamp land in the far reaches of the Amazon with no lights, no bleachers and my favourite part.....no player bench for a disabled coach. Enough said about this as once again I coached from a far and have to remind myself again, after letters and emails and whining it's all about paving the way for others coming in behind me........Enough said as we have some football lads to read about. Here is how it all unfolded in Downsview on a brisk and windy evening.

The opening whistle declared game on at exactly 7 bells and like they have done in both starts thus far.....our FC lads came out of the gate like Secrateriet on steroids. Pre game huddles continually reminds these lads that they have to hit them hard and fast and it's quite obvious these FC lads listen well. Again, they came out firing on all cylinders wasting no time registering the first goal just 10 minutes after kick-off. The opening moments found our lads playing some attractive keep-away as if they were running a training session at the Uppers within the grid. That same brilliant ball carried over into a goal via some splendid one-touch footy. It was a a three-way bit of passing between Santos to Rose to Azzarello. Bry slipped the perfect pass across the carpet over to Bradley who sent a "Kiss from a Rose" over to our Italian Stallion who made no  mistakes using some fine finish for a Darlington 1-0 lead.

Four minutes after the goal our back four "Barber" weaved a bit of magic chasing a ball down, beating a striker,  sending the ball back up the pitch out of harm's way (more about this page turner in the POTG tab).

At 0:22 minutes after seven a momentary brain cramp in our back corner gave last year's "OSL Provincial Golden Boot" winner a bit of an opening and unfortunately at this level a bit can be a lot and in this case.....it ended up being that and so much more as newcomer and first time starter Jon Austin was left out to dry. Keeper Austin had no chance as he was face to face with a greedy and grazing gazelle and soon there was a bulge in the back of the onion  bag for a 1-1 storyline. The opening stanza played itself out and both sides walked off the pitch for a break and a breather.

The second half began and it was Dinis in for Santos, Sutherland in for Azzarello and Meyerowitz replaced Brown in the back corner. Again, this Darlington team has some nice habits as the quick start almost ended up 2-1 FC. It was a near miss with just four minutes into the half as a Rose switch found Brent Hammond and it was almost "Hammertime" but a close call just over the bar made everyone settle for a bit of Vanilla Ice keeping the score deadlocked at ones.

At 8:08pm our lads went up on top. Zachary Meyerowitz who has become one of the greatest ultimate utility men I have ever coached carried the team to the wire. Witzi teamed up with the lads at the back and offered a bit of freelance in roam to run freely and flourish. Witzi made several runs and sent in several switches and in this case landed a cross right at Dusty's feet which turned the entire game around. Dusty was away and went in on the Heights keeper and just like he is getting all too familiar with.....he did all  the work and left the rebound for another teammate to pull the trigger. The ball spilled off the keeps and Brad Rose was standing near the 18 and noticed the shaken keeps off his line. Folks, this is the clean cut sharp dressed man from Yale who looks this kind of opportunity dead in the eyes and offers nothing but "Chip" for an answer. Bradley lobbed the hurried keeps for a 2-1 Darlington lead.

At the 0:19 minute mark of the 2nd rookie keeper Jonathon Austin was asked to make a point blank save on one of two tree trunks with legs. 0:24 minutes into the period Azza came back in for Hammer and at the 0:32 minute mark Dusty had a close call sending one over the framework. And finally, with nine minutes to go Dusty was at it again only this time paired up with Azza for a cross as Azza just missed the target heading it over the bar. Armour Heights pushed and pressed but the clock would run out and our lads registered a big 3 points on the road in Downsview good enough for 6 points and even better for 1st overall in the tables.

Williams and Maiorano were handed out two lovely yellow pieces of cardboard and even though they pleaded and reminded the head official we were in a recession.....she still waved the wand and added up the caution fees in her little black book. Dinis, Rose and Maiorano were solid in the win but it would be Zachary Meyerowitz who hailed as the MOTM on this night. He frustrated Armour all night long and they were at their wits (Witz) end trying to deal with his intensity.

The lads head back into Clarington for another home tilt against the visiting Scarborough Strikers. With just one night off the lads need to rest up and prepare for Matchday 3 and yours truly will be there making sure, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

.....not that pitch, and not that pitch, and no not that pitch and not that pitch either.....

Ahhhhh, now that's better. Give us the one behind the chain link with mud and water, no wheelchair access, with no lights and no bleachers and no benches.....That's more like it.

Matchday 1 vs North Toronto @ The Hydros, Tues, May 26 09, Win, 6-0

Home & Season Opener Back On Our Hydros

I was sitting in the front seat of the Impala taking it all in. We were up on higher ground warming up as we could not get onto our home pitch until 8:30pm which turned out being 8:45pm. The Men's League had the Dutchmen taking on Orono in a Cup Game and it somehow brought last season's home game escapades back full tilt. My stomach went into knots and I began looking at my watch. I then glanced back out my side window and there it was. It was all right there in front of me and my stomach released the toxic spasms and it all came so clear to me. I had butterflies but these were the kind of tensions and taunts we love as competitive souls. I glanced over to the right and saw Trainer Swan running some well-organized grid work while other lads stretched and sorted. It was a well greased unit of prepared and programmed footballers. Martin was standing off to the left keeping half an eye on the lads while his other eye kept close watch on the pitch down below. This was nothing like last year's chaos and collapse that we endured for every home venue. This was nothing of the sort. We were content. We were ready. We were raring to go and absolutely over whelmed to be back on our Hydros where we never should have left in the first place. The final whistle sounded and down we all went. It was a single file line of brand new Umbro unified soldiers getting ready for a fight in the trenches. Within minutes the lads were back on their Hydros and the 2009 Outdoor Provincial East Campaign was about to unfold in front of a generous crowd and gallery. It was indeed time to let the battle begin but little did we know that we would be the only soldiers armed and dangerous. The ever-so-familiar blue and white line of Darlington lads took to the pitch and strutted their stuff as they paraded across the pitch. The whistle sounded and the season was underway. Our lads kicked off the brand new season moving the ball up the pitch for you readers from right to left.

Of course it goes without saying that we will encounter a bit of jelly legs and a lot of feeling each other out. This should last for a healthy 10-15 minutes. This can only be expected; after all, it's game one. I could not have been more wrong. The opening whistle punched in on my watch at 9:01pm Solina Rd. time and our new-look Darlington FC lads would punch in right on time spoiling the North Toronto road trip at 9:02pm. My spot wasn't even warm yet and our lads initiated the new Toronto team. Bradley Rose was up to his old tricks turning midfielders inside out. Rose beat two men and then delivered a brilliant ball across the top of the box for Brent Hammond. Brent took one look at the football, glanced up at the back of the net and just as he let go of a ferocious strike one could hear fading hums and hollers of (oh, could it be...it sounds like...yes it is...)....Na, na, na ,na, na na....It's Hammetime.".....One nil FC. 14 minutes later recent Toronto FC signing, Kilian Elkinson chipped in a lovely lob that found partner-in-crime Bradley Rose. This time Rose was at the other end. He was at the end he enjoys most. Rose caught hold of the Kilian cross and used clinic finish beating the bewildered North Toronto keeps for a quick Darlington FC 2-0 lead. In the closing moments of the opening stanza Rose finished off a fine performance figuring in on yet another goal. Again, he beat a couple of Toronto lads jumping in and punished them with turns and twists before sending in Colin Francis for his first-ever Darlington finish. It was 3-0 at the interval and time for the FC bench to go to work.

The second half kicked off at 9:56pm and again, this time 4 minutes into the frame our lads would make it 4-0. It was a penalty from the spot which means Captain and midfield General Daniel Frankel would pick up the ball and introduce himself. After a few quiet words of introductions the football and Frank were on the same page which read back of the net for another FC marker. A hard drive to the keeper's right gave him little to no chance as Frankel capitalized on his first strike from the spot. Just 10 minutes later a candidate for the "POTG" would electrify the crowd as midfield master Brian Santos turned a bit of magic showing the gallery that the midfield is a place he calls home. Santos made a turn of turns that brought the crowd to its feet as he dumbied a defender then shifted his weight to his other side delivering a pulsating pass over to Zachary Meyerowitz. The ball landed right in Zach's path and Witzi let go of a tremendous shot beating the helpless keeper for an astonishing 5-0 laugher.

The next 15 minutes basically played itself out as the tempo and pace lacked the same intensity. Our lads were certainly coasting out the remainder and the North Toronto side had no answers or remedies for the onslaught. Surely that was it.....but it wasn't and the final curtain call would be the standing ovation on the night. This stunner would feature some dazzling Dustin Dinis dangling topped off with some Adrian Williams wizardry (you can read all about this 6th and exciting goal in the POTG Tab).  The lads jogged back to the centre circle and just before they made it 7.....the final whistle sounded bringing the misery and mayhem to a halt.

Special shout-outs literally go out to everyone and I truly mean that. These lads all left it on the pitch for the full complement. Six different goal scorers, nine total players figured in on points, two defenders contributed in the points department and four of the bench players came into the match and contributed point wise. This was truly a team effort with the entire team bringing it on opening night at the Hydros.

Well, if anyone would have asked me to predict any sort of outcome on this night I never in a million years could have fathomed this final result. Okay, I did expect a positive outcome with three points especially against a new team entering the Provincials. But I never could have written this storyline. And speaking of storylines. I will be back in just a few more days following these same gifted footballers and just like always, "A story needed to be told, and on this 2009 Home and Season Opener back on our Hydros.....I told it."

Everyone had gone. It was quiet. You could hear a pin drop. I drove away and took one final look out onto the pitch and thought to myself, "We're back on our Hydros and that was the home and season opener."

***************************************

2008 Outdoor OSL Provincial Season

Regular Season Match 13 @ Armour Heights, Sun Aug 17 08, Loss, 2-4

A Night When Boys Became Men

Swan & Twon checking out the pitch and discussing their game plan and it must have been a worthwhile chat as one scores both goals and the other was the MOTM.

The head official looked like he was ready to blow the opening whistle and then he ran over to the touchline directly in front of my bench and he called out to me and stated, "Coach, when your other players show up please have them stand at centre so I can motion for them to enter the pitch." I chuckled under my breath and exclaimed, "More players? This is all of them. I have no one else coming." Little did I know at the time that this would be a night when boys became men.

The whistle sounded and just like any other normal match our lads started knocking the football around making sure everyone gets a touch in. The lads realized instantly that this was going to be a real lesson in adversity and perseverance. I was continually thinking to myself that I couldn't remember ever seeing so much open turf and distance between my players. It looked impressive but I can assure all you readers that my lads were not enjoying the room to roam; not on this night anyway. It almost seemed like every ten minutes Headman Jr, Groves was pulling off 2-3 tired legs and replacing them with fresh ones. I was jealous. I was mad. I was frustrated. We went 9 against 18 and the lads were rewriting David and Goliath. They were dead knackered and somehow kept pulling resources from somewhere and holding their own. This pattern continued throughout the entire first half and then, it was like the parting of the Red Sea. I thought thunderbolts of lightening were about to strike down upon the pitch and make Charlton Heston appear. It was the next best thing.....a 10th man came in at mach speed in the shape and form of Jeremy Brown. Jere jumped on board in the final minutes of the half and we played the opening 45 minutes and kept the big powerhouse Armour Heights at zeroes. Yes! We are now 10 men against 18.....but not for long. We will soon be 9 again.

An exhausted and frustrated FC contingent stretched out in front of me with a bottle in each hand (they were lying on their backs looking up at the sky pretending they were different bottles they were holding onto). It must have been the quickest halftime interval in the history of soccer matches. I know that is what they were thinking. They limped back out onto the pitch and I turned to Frank, who was sidelined due to a nasty eye injury, and he agreed that one half was in the books and now the real battle was about to begin. I leaned over towards Danny and said, "Could you imagine if we had just 11 men against this team?" Sorry, I cannot repeat his response. But I will add he chuckled. The second half was underway.

AT the 0:05 minute mark a long range trickler went through Spidey's legs and as he was reaching back to scoop it back out an Armour striker made contact with the ball and Spidey's arm which resulted in 0-1 Armour Heights and out Stephen Phillips and in Jeremy Brown. Could things get any worse? Sure, why not add another goal for 0-2. A point blank marker beat Jere and he could not be faulted as a 9 man game with a practice session keeper should not even be eligible at this level and still with that said, our lads took it to Armour and the next few minutes would get rather exciting at times. At the 0:31 minute mark Swanny would be asked to walk over to the PK spot. He's done this a few times and pretty much duplicated the past 100 times. Bottom right finish made it 1-2 on the scoreboard. A few minutes later Armour Heights jumped up by a 2-goal lead again. A long range strike made it 1-3. But just minutes after that Swanny would make it a game again (and Armour Heights should be embarrassed that we had any chances of ever making this any kind of game). It was yet another set piece and Swanny approached the football and prepared for a free kick this time. The Armour Heights defenders and backs were setting up the wall and arguing like that had been doing for the entire game. This team was undisciplined and untidy and it hurt them this time. Swanny got the nod from the Head Official and that's all he needed. The Heights wall was setting up while Swanny struck the ball with perfect pace finding the left side of the unprotected net. He caught them off guard and almost caught us up on the scoreboard making it 2-3. Our lads advanced forward for one final push and could have tied things up. The entire team was looking forward including Jeremy Brown who stood off his line for a final Armour chip that Jere could never, ever be blamed for a final 2-4 storyline.

I honestly do not know where to start when I am trying to acknowledge the efforts and advances our 10 lads did on this night......or should I say 9 for the most part. The Armour Heights argued and complained all night long and not once did any of our lads come unravelled or frustrated at any time. Oh, do not get me wrong, our lads were at wit's end for the entire 90 minutes but just like their well-disciplined and coordinated parade on to the pitch shows exactly how professional they always conduct themselves. And this is why they should walk the "Disciplined Award" this season.  This is the same team that was the most carded team just one year ago. This Darlington FC team gives their all and goes in hard for 90 minutes every game and they still keep their composure and maturity level above all others. I am very proud of these lads and on this night they made all FC supporters proud to be part of the ride.  

I'm not spending any time thinking and writing about any acknowledgements in regards to the unsung heroes on this night. You were all "Brothers In Arms" tonight and it was a game I will always remember and not because we went from 2nd to 4th overall.....not because we lost 2-4 on the scoreboard.....not because one half of "Double D" was hurt and the other couldn't make it...and not because Spidey came out and Jere went in. Nope! I will not remember this game because it was the game we needed to win and didn't. I will remember this match because it was a game when, and if I ever doubted it before, I knew after tonight I had a team of FC lads that became men in the summer of 2008. "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

9 Darlington FC "Brothers In Arms" took on 18 Armour Heights in a game when boys became men.

Regular Season Match 12 vs Scarborough Strikers, Thurs Aug 14 08, Draw, 1-1

It Was Another Dreaded Draw

It was the end of the season because certain things rang true with the beginning of the season and all was coming full circle. We kicked off the 08 campaign with a winning streak that consisted of a handful of draws to go with some wins and virtually no bench and at times, barely 10 or 11 bodies. Well, our Provincial year is winding down and yet another familiar pattern with a similar common denominator is taking shape. We are currently in the midst of another impressive unbeaten streak and again, we are playing with no bench and that dreaded "draw" is tying everyone up and handcuffing our progress at the top spot.

Sammy and his Scarborough Strikers just barely made it on time and just barely fielded 11 men and even that was more than our 10 for kick-off. Witzi eventually punched in but nor before a 15 minute handicap. But one would never know we were down a man as the lads looked more like 15 on the pitch for the opening segment. At one point I turned to my sidekick, Herman, and I do believe my exact words were, "Wow! This is very attractive football and the lads are here to play tonight." The opening stanza played itself out with very little to report.

The 2nd half kicked off and within 2 minutes the referee signalled an obvious ball to hand but a Scarborough penalty taker was on the spot looking at Spidey. It was another bloody PK! Spidey chose the right corner but a well taken penalty beat him for a quick 1-0 Scarborough advantage. The clock seemed to pick up speed and soon the 2nd half was coming to an end and the only activity worth mentioning was a Swanny yellow and many FC lads hurting and coming off at various times leaving us in that ten man scenario. My watch reminded me there was 6 minutes plus injury time and it was at that point when I was looking down at my timepiece when I heard the whistle. It was a Swanny FK and that could easily spell danger for Boro and triumph for our FC. Swanny curled a cross in and big Chrissy Newell was patrolling the lines and pounded a heavy header at the Boro keeps. The Scarborough keeper spilled the football over and David Dudar was waiting for the garbage. My Father once told me what is one man's garbage at the end of the driveway may be another man's treasure. And this garbage goal was indeed a treasure. It was a massive equalizer that would be the final goal of the game finalizing the night's tilt and ending in yet another 1-1 draw.

Squeegy, Twon and Jere had strong games while Witzi played his best bit of footy thus far. Spidey had a great game in the cage while Rooney protected the perimeter of that same cage having a good one as well. It would be big Chrissy Newell that would stand heads above all others on this night earning him his first-ever Darlington FC nod.

Well, there you have it. It was another stinking tie. It was another dreaded draw. It was not a win but at least it was not a loss. It was...it is...it should of, could of, would of.....It is what it is and on this night, like many previous nights this season, "It was another dreaded draw."

"A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

Final Clarington Fields home game pics & poses vs Scarborough Strikers for 2008.

Regular Season Match 11 @ Glen Shields Sun Devils, Thurs Aug 07 08, Win, 2-1

It Wasn't Pretty But It Was A Win

We Must Be Back On The The Road Because We Collected 3 Points And We Won

Nothing like a good ole OSL road trip to bond and collect 3 points for a win.

We pulled into Vaughan and made our way over to the Glen Shields part of town and soon we were inside the stadium awaiting the 7pm match to conclude. A prepared and anxious head official made it known even before the kick-off that only one man would be in charge tonight. And didn't we all feel the wrath tonight and the disgruntled Shields Headman was ejected immediately and the game would not continue until he left the vicinity. That was just the beginning of starts and stoppages that would never let the game breathe and flow at all. The entire 90 minutes was just like jump-starting an old Chevy and the second the game experienced any type of pulse it would be flat-lined immediately by the head official's whistle and whines. A "Red" and  9 "Yellows" took up the majority of the ink on the final paperwork and amongst all that caution were 3 goals and 2 of them belonged to us.

3 minutes into the game featured a bit of brilliance from the back all the way up to the front as Twon, Dudar and Swanny almost took a 1-0 lead (more about this exciting turn in the POTG tab). That was a high point for us and unfortunately it was all down hill for a while after that. As a matter of fact Glen Shields would score first and I will not dwell on that laugher. Let's just say Spidey does more than make up for it later saving the day and the game. The cards started and that was pretty much the end of any kind of flow for the rest of the night. At the 0:28 minute mark Brad Rose went on one of his vintage runs and beat 4 players then fired one at the net. The Shields keeper spilled it over and the OSL's Leading Goal Scorer was on the doorstep. Swanny pounded home the easy one for a 1-1 storyline that carried over into the interval but before Swanny left the field he picked up his 3rd yellow on the season.

A water break and quick huddle with choice words from yours truly reminded the lads that this cannot be tolerated and it's a crying shame the referee did not hear me. The cards continued and so did the choppy flow. There was no flow. Thank God the lads scored an early one because 2-1 would be the final outcome. It was Dudar to Swan for Swanny's 2nd on the night and Dudar's 3rd point in 2 games. All round gentleman and nice guy Joseph Shaw received his first yellow (go figure and what does that tell you) and Bradley Rose (also another who never says nount) also picked up the coloured cardboard. That was the bulk of the boredom until Spidey saved the day in the closing moments. The whistle sounded a PK in our box (well of course as we clung to the dreaded 2-1 cliffhanger). The Shields taker fired a hard shot to the bottom right corner and a quick-footed Spiderman headed straight across his line picking the right side. He dove and scooped it up before the ball crossed the line. It was another PK save for our netminder and he did indeed save the day as the whistle went off AGAIN but this time, ending the yawner.

Wow! This was not one for the vault and certainly not a candidate for recording (unless you want it for America's Dumbest Criminals) as the referee had the pin-stripe thing down to a fine art. This game was never officiated but rather suffocated. With that said, we must have been on the road because we have never lost on the road and we won another one. Well, it wasn't pretty but it was a win and one has to wonder if the stoppages and starts played a factor in the way our lads responded...it surely did not help.

Antoine Paul, David Dudar and both Captains Tyler Swan and Daniel Frankel all had strong games. Joey Azzarello played another terrific game as he continues to take a beating and a bruising. It would be our big bulky back four defender Mark Del Vecchio that would stand out the most on this night (and you can jump on the Del band wagon in the MOTM tab). The lads now head back east on the 401 to Clarington where they play their final 2008 home game in one week's time. "A story needed to be told.....it wasn't pretty.....but I told it."

Regular Season Match 10 vs Toronto Supra, Thurs July 31 08, Win, 3-0

First Supra Duper Win At Home This Year

Long time Darlington hero and veteran Joey Azzarello seen here just moments before kick-off deep in thought as he was wondering if this could be the night for his own little bit of history.

I sat motionless on the end of the bench with less than an hour until kick-off and not much seemed to be any different than any other home game this year. We still had a few lads that had not reported to the bench yet. The same old same old lads pulled up each sock an inch a minute. The local football team was still working out and digging up our Clarington Pitch. The mosquitoes were beginning their swarming sessions. Joe Sr. was making his rounds with the corner flags. Herman came frolicking in with a case of water and a large double double for yours truly. Only two refs were present for the longest time and not a single Toronto Supra lad had arrived yet. So, not a single change from any other home Clarington Pitch game we had played this season. This was just like any other game we had so painfully prodded our way through this season. Wait a minute? There was something different though? There was definitely something out of the ordinary? Something was different from all other home games this season? This was not the exact same as any of the other Clarington Field matches? This was something completely different and I think all of us could grow accustomed to these changes? 90 minutes would be played in front of a rowdy crowd and everyone would be treated to a real treat when the final whistle sounded? It was the first-ever Darlington FC Provincial's win on the new Clarington Fields. It was the first 3 points at home this season. It was the first Supra duper win at home this year.

I checked my watch and it read 9:05pm on Thursday July 31st in the year 2008. In the next 90 minutes history will be made, but first, let's take a stroll down the corridors of the game. Once again, like most other games in recent memory, Spidey is asked to make a game saver early on. It was another threatening point blank strike just 15 minutes into the stanza when his ridiculous reflexes rescued his mates as he plucked the football out of the night sky. Just minutes later some rough and ready rugby sent Captain Frank to the sideline tending to a bloody mouth complete with whip-lash. Witzi in then quickly Witzi out as Frank was back on the clock for more of the same abuse. The opening 45 minutes came and went and it was not far off a miracle as to why the score was deadlocked at zeroes. Our lads dominated the entire game thus far but just couldn't seem to finish. The Toronto Supra team honestly did not deserve to be on the same pitch with our boys and the second half will echo my sentiments. 

A quick water break and a very familiar FC parade of patrons strutted their stuff across the pitch and into their designated areas. The whistle sounded and within one minute it was 1-0 Darlington FC. It would be a bizarre turn of events but a storyline Mark Del Vecchio will be ranting and raving about for weeks as he collected his first-ever FC goal and let me explain exactly how it happened. A wandering ball came back into Mark Del Vecchio's office area so he collected the ball up and made a few moves to his left and then strolled back over to the touchline where he feels more comfortable. Del noticed an opening up the pitch and was also concerned as a Supra striker was patrolling nearby. Del took a few steps up field and let go of a tremendous strike that found its way all the way up into Supra territory beating every player on the pitch. The soaring ball handcuffed the Supra defender as he miss touched the ball and the football, now a ball of fire, made its way into the goalmouth beating the bewildered Supra netminder for a 1-0 Darlington FC lead. The crowd applauded and laughed even louder. Now let me tell you why the chuckles and cheers. Here is exactly what really transpired even though Del's storyline will probably best be formatted to my first synopsis. Here is the Judge Judy version. There was indeed a Del Vecchio clearing from the back end and it made its way into the Supra 18. A Supra back four collected the ball and sent it back to his keeper who stumbled and let the ball beat him to the back of the net for an own goal. Now, with Del being the last FC man to touch the ball.....well, it was a magnificent Del Vecchio goal giving the FC a 1-0 lead just one minute into the second period.

The next half hour of footy was pretty much more of the same FC domination. Our lads were looking for more and at times almost appeared to be forcing it. With that said there was not much threat from the Supra and one really felt it was a matter of time. A few changes with fresh legs were on board waiting to go in and literally the second after David Dudar went in he made the world of difference carrying the remainder of the game on his shoulders. The remaining 10 minutes featured a dandy display of David Dudar dancing that would electrify the crowd and go down in the Darlington archive books making some FC history.

A Spidey drop kick which would earn Phillips his second helper on the year (this kid does this year after year and anyone who knows anything about this level of play will tell you that one assist per keeper per year is almost unheard of) and this lad does this year after year. Anyway, once again Spide placed the football in Dudar's path sending him off and up the line. David took a look at the Supra keeps and timed a brilliant chip lobbing the keeper for a 2-0 FC lead. The next few minutes featured more keep-away football from our lads and Dudar maintained his high level of play stripping the ball from the Supra causing mischief every time he came near the ball. Eventually he would be awarded with his second goal on the night with some superb finish. Chris Newell, who once again came off the bench with a fine performance, sent a nifty pass over to Dudar and this time David looked up and saw that same keeper coming out again. This time he let go of a punishing hard strike along the carpet finding the extreme far right bottom corner for a final history making score of 3-0 Darlington FC Provincials. History was made as our FC win their first at home and surprisingly true, long time Darlington hero Joey Azzarello's first ever Darlington home win as well.

Chris Newell and Eric Bonazza were solid. Joey Azzarello was outstanding up the wing with precise passes and nifty footwork. Again, Spidey was outstanding as he collected another helper contributing at both ends. Both Captains Frank and Swan took a beating but just kept on ticking. It would be David Dudar that would earn the real shout-out on this night and I truly believe this is one of many spectacular performances we will enjoy from this newcomer. "David, remember mate. Life is just a training session at the Uppers!"

It's funny how one win can change the entire scenario and outlook on things. We now get ready for what could be a 3-game-unbeaten streak at hand. Swanny sits 2nd overall in the Golden Boot race. Spidey is one clean away from leading the entire league and a confident group of lads found their scoring ways and clean sheet ways again. But more importantly, the lads have managed to find a way to get a win at home and give the supporters a real reason to applaud. It was a real treat getting the monkey off our backs and felt beautiful earning those three points here at home. Well, the lads take to the road in a week's time and head into Glen Shields territory keeping their unbeaten streak alive and for the time being, a shot at the top of the tables. A generous group of our supporters will be there with us but for all of you that cannot make the trek. I promise to report back to you and let you in on all the trials and tribulations as,  "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

A quick water break and the lads will be ready for Toronto Supra and who knew that these two seen here, Newell and Dudar, would be key factors making history on the Clarington Fields. 

Regular Season Match 9 vs Vaughan Azzurri, Thurs July 24 08, Draw, 2-2

Our Lads Tied One On

It's a loose and relaxed group of lads during warm-up as Captain Frankel cracks them up with some fancy foot work and you can bet, wise cracks to boot.

The majority of pitches between Clarington and Scarborough, including our very own Hydro Fields, have been closed on and off for days now as the area has seen record downfall. With that said, a new drainage system on our Clarington Field has seen fit to let the show go on and the lads warmed up waiting for the visitors to show. The Vaughan team eventually showed but the third official never did but still the game kicked off and just two men in black did a superb job of officiating.

It was a slick and downright dirty pitch for the most part and the lads had to be on their toes for 90 plus minutes (and I mean "plus") and they were. Both teams decided to wait a few extra minutes in hopes that a third official would show but he never did and at 9:08pm the whistle kicked off the OSL tilt in front of a generous gathering of home cheers which always seems to grow before 9:30pm. At the 0:09 minute mark an FC flurry in front of the Azzurri keeps started all the excitement as FC lads Almeida and Shaw both had close calls sending the sidelines into fits. The Vaughan team played their typical game in the air over the top as most balls were intended and meant to feed the most dangerous striker the OSL has ever seen. Well, certainly Darlington anyway as their lone ringer, Evy Kalogerakos, is the main go-to lad on their team and everything goes through him, ALL THE TIME. A Vaughan set piece at the 0:22 minute mark found that same Kalogerakos kid and he did what he was born to do.....score, and the visitors went up 1-0 on the scoreboard. All FC heads remained calm and high in the air and less than 5 minutes later our lads responded with one of their own. Chris Newell returned from his time away down in Jamaica and obviously burned off all the 100% White Rum fumes as he was more than ready to go and assisted on the opening FC marker. A Newell pass that was perfect and true right along the finely chopped blades of grass, found its way through a forest of legs into Tyler Swan at the other end. Well, just like the Vaughan ringer, we have one as well and our ringer does the same thing and buries the ball in behind the Vaughan keeper for 1-1. At 0:32 minutes, another 5 minutes later, our lads scored a huge go-ahead goal. A bit of Azza to Almedia made it 2-1 Darlington and this score would carry itself through the closing of the first half and all the way through the entire 2nd stanza as well. But more about that after 45 minutes of the Spidey Phillips show first.

The second half began 2-1 FC and ended after 90 minutes 2-1. With that said, there is still referee added time which seemed to sustain long enough for spoils but first a 45 minute Spidey show would electrify the main power towers surrounding the vicinity. Stephen was called upon time and time again and made save after save including a couple of darts off his line as he pounded two Vaughan attackers putting them in their place. We've all seen this "Spidey Show" before and I have certainly written about it as far back as I can remember even before I labelled him as "Spidey" when there was only the cartoon and no motion pictures. It was point blanks with brave and bold netminding and more of this can be read up in either one of the other two main tabs (POTG & MOTM). Spidey's saves took us past the 90 minute mark and well past any injury time that may be added but apparently not quite enough as one final minute was added long enough for the Vaughan keeper and all other 10 Azzurri, congested themselves in our box. It was literally 22 shirts plus an official in our box as a final corner kick came hovering in. Please God.....Oh please God tell me Avy Kalogerakos is not anywhere near that goalmouth? He was hiding out there alright and he was on the end of it scoring his 2nd on the night turning our first home win into a draw. The lads ran the ball back up to the semi-circle but the evitable did happen and the sound of that whistle made my stomach turn. The entire southend bleacher went silent. One could hear a pin drop. 11 Darlington lads walked off the pitch stunned. It was another stinking tie and definitely not a first ever win at the Clarington Fields. Once again, our lads tied one on.

The lads took their post game jog across the pitch and by the time they came back they realized they left it all on the pitch and had nothing to hang their heads about. Besides, younger lads from the Darlington teams were watching the Thursday night tilt as many of them would normally be at home sleeping on a school night but summer vacations brings them all out and on this night they stood lined up with pens. Many of our FC players were signing autographs as people paraded out but not before voicing themselves with approval and appreciation.

Once again tonight as many of these lads did in the opening games of the season, they played with a small bench with a large heart. Every single FC lad left it on that pitch and deserves to pat themselves on their backs. It was a hard fought battle which required great stamina and skill and our lads all brought it tonight. Dudar, Del, David, and Chrissy all had exceptional outings and Jeremy Brown played his best game this season. Spidey earned the nod as the "Dark Knight."

The lads rest up and get ready for another home tilt next Thursday and with a bit of luck and just 90 minutes, their first win may give the home supporters even more to cheer about. Well, another chapter and another instalment in the lives of my glorious lads and once again, they did not disappoint which is exactly why, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."   

Regular Season Match 8 vs Hearts Azzurri, Thurs July 17 08, Loss, 1-5

They Had The Real "Hearts" On This Night

Taking to the pitch and waiting to find out who had the real "Hearts" on this night.

We had our huddle and we had our chat and we had our understanding of the importance of the outcome and we had our knowledge that the season was at stake and we had our open discussion on the subject of what we were going to do about it and we all knew the season was on the line and what did we do about it? We had our asses kicked..... The visiting Hearts Azzurri came into our backyard and showed they had the real "Hearts" on this night.

The opening 20 minutes was awesome. It was attractive football and both sides tightened up their belts for a real sit down dinner of second and third helpings at the Clarington Fields.  The opening 20 plus minutes was under our belts and the main grandstand in behind our bench had now filled to capacity which meant it was now time to put on the show we usually do for our home crowd and over the next 8 minutes Hearts scored 3 goals and then added another just before the first half whistle ended the embarrassment. We had 45 minutes left and we were down 4 goals.

The second half kicked off and again, it was even and not much given or taken from both sides. The Hearts would add a 5th goal at the 15 minute mark and now the storyline was clearly not a happy ending in this chapter. The second half played itself out and the Hearts Azzurri were collecting their road victory clean sheet right up until the final minute of injury time when a Swanny pass up front to temporary striker Rooney who looked more like steady sniper, pulled the trigger spoiling the shut-out. The final score of 1-5 echoed across the Clarington hills and over the rolling hey fields letting the locals know that Darlington FC Provincials are still winless at home and with the next fixture coming on the road.....well, let's just say it is a welcomed road game. And after the opening 7 game road nightmare we never did wake up from the bad dreams we wake up to now. We were unbeaten until we came home so maybe we can come back in a week's time with another win and turn next Thursday into the same and then finish off with an impressive unbeaten stretch run. 

Unfortunately we had many lads off their game tonight and I'm not going to finger point because we win as a team and lose as a team and on this night, the ship went down and we all clung to the life jacket. With that said, once again the bench was solid with Squeegy, Dudar and Jere  pinching in with the strongest outings. Azza played a strong game on the pitch but it would be Rooney as he earned the shout-out for his second game in a row as the "Man."

In 48 hours the lads head out on the road and visit the Toronto Supra and hopefully the skies don't open up this time and we get the full 90 minutes in. Hopefully this time our lads can show they have the real "Heart." A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

Regular Season Match 7 vs Vaughan Shooters, Thurs July 10 08, Loss, 2-3

Still No Win At Home

Cooler heads prevail as a little water takes the edge off things after some nasty hard tackles. And guess who is the first to the rescue....."My man Rooney."

Wow! It was a blur then and it still is now. The lads walked off the pitch after 45 minutes and were trailing 0-3 on the scoreboard. It made no sense and and came right out of nowhere. Whoever could have imagined this happening in a crucial set-up game which was rolling out the red carpet for a first place overall table footing for the visiting Hearts in just one week's time? Well, extinguish all those thoughts and theories. The lads could not afford to take the 3-time defending Vaughan Champs too lightly and must not look past them. Again, could have fooled me? They walked off the pitch after spotting the visiting Shooters no less than three goals and now had an uphill battle ahead of themselves. In a nutshell here is the 0-3 storyline after 45 miserable minutes. 9:27 point blank for 0-1 followed by a 9:33 PK spelling out 0-2 and a late injury time disaster dragged fingernails down the chalkboard for 0-3 on the scoreboard.

Other first half notables would be an exciting back four left defender Eric Bonazza who looked every bit the professional in the back corner. Squeegy made an unbelievable clearance at the 9:26 mark keeping everything deadlocked at zeroes for at least one more minute anyway. Still, with that said, this demonstration of defensive prowess showed me why he will be a permanent figure in that area. And a a final  highlight would be a wounded Swanny coming out and a fresh Dudar going in as Swanny was studded and spoiled for a stint on the touchline. Three cheers for Dudar as he went in and did not disappoint. And if those are highlights, well there's your first 45 minutes folks. The final 45 would prove to be very exciting and entertaining to say the least.

The second half would read Darlington 2 vs Vaughan 0 but the 3 Vaughan goals in the opening 45 would hold up and the clock would be our lads biggest enemy on this night. It was a chippy and choppy  affair for the second half and at times it was downright nasty with hard tackles and a bit of nasty going-in. A Vaughan lad would eventually get red-carded much to the delight of a capacity Darlington crowd that let him know it as he glanced over and gave his condolences as he was booted off the red carpet. 2 late goals would electrify the stands and send an exhilarating uproar throughout the Clarington Fields and for the first time this year I felt we had a home crowd advantage and this could be very persuasive over the next month.

Back to back goals featured brilliant movement complete with precise passes and clinic finish. Both goals consisted of three-way individual performances. The first goal featured a bit of Almeida to Swanny to Rose and goal two implemented Newell to Swanny to Rose again. A third goal would come just moments later but the referee disallowed it as it hit the upright and was called a dead ball. I looked up at the jumbo-tron for the replay and realized it was Clarington, not Old Trafford. We really could have used that replay as it would have showed a Vaughan keeper punching it over the bar for a corner kick. But it was what it was and on this night we would still have to go without a win on our home turf.  This is starting to become a bit of a nuisance. Still no win at home. We walk onto our pitch for our warm-up and we still share it with aggressive and annoying football kids. Our warm-ups and prep time are still being jeopardised. We could not buy a ref if our life depended on it and we still do not have a win on our home pitch yet. However, let it be known that a regular and rowdy contingent of Darlington supporters are following these lads and will not let some unfortunate bounces turn them away. If we could only collect three points at home?

Eric "Squeegy" Bonazza played an exceptional match in his debut outing in the back corner. Chris Newell was asked to come in as a late addition and possibly played the best game I have seen him play thus far. Newell was outstanding. Zachary Meyerowitz played his first stint as an FC lad and he looked excellent out there. He has lightening speed and he also is a great reader of the game. Witzi will be just fine. And I don't think it was just a coincidence that two more times we heard Swan to Rose for both markers so those two will be right back at it in another week. Welcome back Bradley as you now join your partner-in-crime at the top of the OSL tables as leading goal scorers. And while we are giving shout-outs, it would be Joe Shaw who would walk the main shout-out on this night as Rooney left it all on the pitch in the losing cause tonight (and more about his standout performance in the MOTM tab).

The lads peeled off their layers and unwrapped their wounds and began discussing the reality of it all and soon it became apparent that tomorrow is now and time is running out. Hearts will be strolling in here in one week's time and that tilt will basically be a 6-point battle for a run at the top of the Provincial tables. Only one team has beaten Hearts this season and that same team can make it twice with a win at the Clarington Fields. The fans will be there. The lads will be there. And yours truly will be there making sure "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

Ref said to Swanny: Quote, "He didn't even touch you."

2nd Round Cup Match vs Sudbury Panhellenic, Fri June 27 08, Loss, 1-5

Sudburied Alive

A capacity crowd was left in the dark as their FC lads had no answers against a skilled Sudbury team.

It was like the good old days being back on our beloved Hydros with a rowdy capacity crowd. Many a Hardware and many a Cup have been hoisted high above heads on this sacred ground. Many Championships, Titles and Divisions have been defended on this pitch. We have history here and many many memories have been reminisced over the years. But I will be honest with you. I can never remember being "Sudburied Alive" before and I'm sure it has happened on a few occasions but recent memory cannot serve up any poundings with this team. There was the Cruz Azul game in our debut season but we were the rookies and they were the champs and it was almost expected but on this night, we were the Provincial front-runners and Sudbury were the hicks from the north in the Regionals. David and Goliath came to memory and when it was all said and done, Laurel and Hardy sprung to thoughts.

The officials took to the pitch for the coin toss and I could not help but notice the main referee in charge was being assessed tonight. Great! What next? The main decision maker was being "Simon Cowelled" at our expense! The game kicked off before nine bells as Sudbury chimed in first and within the opening 5 minutes Sudbury helped themselves to the back of our net. A wandering ball came in on Spidey and a Phillips stutter and start jeopardized the foot race and the Sudbury striker reached the ball first and made it 1-0 Panhellenic. The next 20 minutes featured some of the best football I have seen this season. The Sudbury side played a long ball style keeping the football in the air for a lot of the time but our lads countered with carpet ball with one and two touch possession. It was a well played contest and at the 0:36 minute mark our lads would draw level. A scramble in front of the Sudbury net via an Azza feed up from the back found big Chrissy Newell misfiring then Swanny rushing in picking up the garbage. Swan banged home the equalizer. Just 4 minutes later Sudbury jumped back on top with one of the best strikes I have witnessed this season. It was right up there with Frank's early season free kick. A top right shelf shot gave Spidey no chances and no other keeper for that matter as Sudbury never looked back as they took a 2-1 lead into the interval.

The lads took a quick water break and we all reassured ourselves that we were indeed the better of the two teams after 45 minutes. A quick start would put us right back in it but it would be Sudbury that would score in the opening 4 minutes. Spidey was caught off his line for a 3-1 Sudbury lead and the bulk of the sand was now  coming down on our coffin as we were being buried alive and there was nothing we could do about it. Within the next ten minutes they would add another and now our lads were far from fresh and fit and exhaustion and reality set in. A 5th Sudbury goal added insult to injury and that would finish off a 5-1 laugher as a roaring and ready Regional side defeated a proud and powerful Provincial team that on this night, were not the better of the two.

I sat on the bench motionless and waited until the entire grounds cleared out. I looked across the naked pitch and felt as stripped and absent as the misty image did.  This was a tough loss and an exit from the OSL U-21 Cup as well. No one ever said they would all be happy endings. After all, it is the trench warfare and the ugly battles that make us all stronger in the long run and on this night we all sustained one of those tough tests. "A story needed to be told...and as tough and nasty as it was at times, I told it."

Regular Season Match 6 vs Glen Shields Sun Devils, Thurs June 26 08, Draw, 4-4

It's A 4-4 "Tye"

Lightening in the area but soon the tilt would get underway as referee heads dictated the start time.

It was a late start as the lightening was opening up the darkened skies a bit too long for the referee's liking. Eventually the match would start but not before one more brief time out due to more of the same. It was a slick and muddy pitch and back-up studded boots were crucial on this night and those who did not don a pair usually went down several times. It was a night where one-touch football would solve the problem and for the opening few minutes our lads would prove this theory worked.

It was a 9:15pm kick-off and at 9:17 it was 1-0 FC. Joey cut outside to the touchline and went for a wee run sending a precise pass into Swanny. Tyler went for a run up the middle through some open space and created the first of three set-up markers from the League and Team's leading point getter. Swanny fed a lovely pass over to big Chris Newell as the lanky flank man finished with a bulge in the back of the onion bag for an immediate 1-0 advantage. A couple minutes later Glen Shields took a ferocious free kick aimed at beating Phillips. Spidey backed up slightly, found his line then still had to dive backwards and upwards punching the football over the bar for a brilliant bit of goal-keeping. It was 1-0 FC as they walked off the pitch for a "Rain Delay" stoppage that would cease play until 9:36pm. At 9:46 a very familiar and dangerous Spidey drop kick would once again prove to be costly for the opposition as Spidey's kick dropped right onto Swanny's path who then sent Dudar away for some dazzling finish for 2-0 Darlington. With just minutes to go in a long and exhausting opening ninety, Glen Shields Sun Devils would answer with one of their own for a first half storyline that read, Darlington 2 verses Glen Shields 1.

The second stanza kicked off in the identical fashion as the opening frame as our lads would come out of the gate firing on all cylinders. The lads scored yet another opening goal in the first 2 minutes of play. This time some vintage one / two in the shape and form of our two ex-Northumberland cronies, Swan and Azzarello. The two paired off and went for a run which resulted in a 3-1 lead (more about this punishing play in the POTG tab). The next 15 minutes featured a lot of sliding and sinking into a water-logged and drenched pitch. The play was sloppy and for the most part lethargic. It was a long night and the easy task at hand with a far less skilled and technical team would play havoc and soon become a thorn in our side. Glen Shields made it 2-3 but not before Swanny finished off his productive night, this time pulling the trigger making it 4-2 within 5 minutes of the Shields marker. Once again Spidey's kick from the furthest white line would play a crucial role in this goal and actually prove to be the assist on the Swanny finish. Spidey's direct kick would send Swanny off who poked one over the wandering Shields keeps for a 4-2 lead. It would appear to be a walk in the park, or if you like, slip in the swamp but slip and swamp would suite the closing storyline more. A man down in our box (Robbie went down with a Shields striker joining him) would somehow work its way over to the white dot for a Shields PK. Spidey is now 1/2 from the spot and the score was now 4-3. The come-from-behind road point became official at 10:52pm. It was 4-4 and a late flurry from our lads featured another two threats in injury time but washed away a generous lead and turned one point draw for the record books.

It was a game that got away on us and fortunately not a common denominator on the season for the most part. It was a stand-out night for our sniper up front who unselfishly set up the first three and added one of his own figuring in on all four goals on a night which would end in a 4-4 draw, or if you like, "a 4-4 Tye."

The lads have less than 24 hours to wash, iron and fold their kits. Eat some pasta. Drink some water and rest up and prepare for a visiting Sudbury Panhellenic. It's a 2nd Round Cup Game and the venue is our old stomping grounds at the  Hydros where many a tale has been weaved so let's hope Friday night will continue those Hydro storybook endings. I will be right there in the thick of it all making sure, "A story needed to be told.....and you know the rest.

Our Darlington FC lads seen here setting up for a first half Shields corner kick.

Regular Season Match 5 @ Scarborough Strikers, Fri June 20 08, Win, 2-1

Darlington FC Road Trip Over And Still Unbeaten

I enjoy my Sunday morning Toronto Sun read. It's a sleep-in day with a lazy bones rise with a nice hot cuppa and a proper read through the paper. It's the one day of the week when "The Extra, Extra, Read All About It" articles catch my attention. This Sunday morning when I open up the front door and retrieve the rolled up paper that has decapitated the Lilacs, I wait with anticipation as I know what the heading will read. I drop myself into my chair and reach for my tea and can't help but notice the heading in bold black print that reads, "Darlington FC Road Trip Over And Still Unbeaten."

I take a sip of tea, adjust my specs, tongue my index finger, flip over the page and begin reading.....   

It was the perfect night for football with very little wind, a well-groomed pitch and 19 degrees. Team pictures,  ample time for a proper warm-up, a chin wag and rest, made this an ideal 90 minute pre-game. The lads walked onto the pitch in their traditional parade of players and waited for a nod from Spidey. The whistle sounded and   the ideal setting was the only thing special for the opening 45 minutes. Our lads came out flat and for the most part lethargic but they still outplayed the Strikers. A Frank cross to David for a header just missed the target at the 0:09 minute mark then David was featured one more time before the half ended as he was shown "yellow" at the 0:32 minute mark. Eric Bonazza entered the match at the 0:21 minute mark as David Dudar came out for a well-deserved rest. This was Bonazza's first touch this season and the newcomer did not disappoint nor look out of place. The opening stanza played itself out and a little break and little chat is all the lads needed to get back on track.

It was ten minutes into the second half when our lads would strike first. Frank and Almeida had a touch of the football then gave way for a galloping Twon who was well into stride at that point. Twon broke through a gaping hole and turned three defenders inside-out. He then sent a pass over to Swanny who beat the keeps for 1-0 ( see POTG tab). Our lads moved the ball around much better in this half and at one point I commented to the bench that we had just rounded off a 12-touch bit of grid work while the Strikers watched on with awe. The flow and pace now resembled a Darlington FC style and it was now time to add another. Twenty-seven minutes into the half and big Mark Del Vecchio registered his first-ever point as an FC contributor. Del crossed in a Beckham-type switch which hung just enough time for our players to get their footing and feel. The football came down just out of reach of the Scarborough keeper and Swanny banged home a header for a 2-0 lead and his second on the night.

The next ten minutes featured a ridiculous amount of fouls that were not addressed the right way and soon the referee began dishing out cards and Joey Azza would be the proud owner of a "yellow"  before this frenzy of falls would end. Our lads began knocking the football around again with possession. The game was shaping up more and more to our liking with a clean sheet and three points on the road. The road win would come to fruition but unfortunately a Spidey spill would see his possible League Leading Clean Sheet Record fall way to a Scarborough trickle. Just moments later Spidey would redeem himself by making two game-savers keeping his lads unbeaten streak in tact. There is not a keeper in the land that turns away more point blank shooters than this keeps.

The OSL Provincial Tables will register a 2-1 FC win and possible readers will interpret a close contest but the reading between the lines will only confuse the readers more. It was a clean sheet right up until the closing moments and that easily could have been 3 or 4 for our lads if not for a steady Striker netminder. The road trip comes to an end and the unbeaten streak kept in tact.

Antoine Paul earned the real shout-out on the night but not before a contingent of his peers left it on the pitch. The entire back line was strong with Rooney and Del both deserving the "MOTM" on any other night. Frankel and Almeida continue to shut down all passageways through the Darlington Divide. And Swanny has taken over the top of the OSL Scoring race keeping it warm for his absent partner-in-crime, Bradley Rose. Swan netted two tonight including a thrilling header (yea, you heard me.....a header).

The lads now head home for a wonderful and hopefully enjoyable home stand including a Cup Game next week making it back to back games on Thursday and Friday. Thursday's tilt is a Regular Season Match on our new Clarington Fields against Glen Shields and then Friday's Cup Game against Sudbury, is on our old and familiar stomping grounds at the Hydros. I'm sure we will have heavy supporters for both those matches and I am almost positive that our lads will give plenty to hoot and holler about. But I do know one thing that will happen for sure. I will be right there with my lads leading the way and making sure they do nothing without me which is why, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

Scarborough setting up for a corner kick against our FC.

Regular Season Match 5 @ Toronto Supra, Friday the 13th., Abandoned @ 0:37 Minutes, Win, 3-1

Of Course, Friday the 13th, What Else?

The calm before the storm.

This road trip is really becoming a regular attempt at playing on my nerves and I should not have expected anything less on this date, "Of course, Friday the 13th. What Else?"

Well, once again, promises after promises, encouraging emails, phone call fibs, missing in action keys and broken promises all added up to yet another Houdini act just offering me entry into an OSL facility. Oh, I got in.....3 minutes before kick-off which was a kick-off that eventually would not count and meant nothing in the big picture. At least I got in this time but I could not get out when everyone else ran for cover I was left to my own resources during the most severe downpour and storm I have ever sat through. I was propped up on the bench and could not move until  Joe "Rooney" Shaw came to my rescue (more about that when I discuss POTG).

The game eventually kicked off at 9:09pm under angry black and grey skies which offered us a thunder and lightening show which ended up being more entertaining than the yellow and green competition on the pitch. The opening whistle sounded and was barely heard under the thunderous roars from above and immediately our lads took control of the game. I have never seen a more one-sided game ever at this level. From the opening whistle to the final abandonment, our FC lads controlled, dominated and possessed the ball and the flow of the game for the entire time the game lasted. It was total domination and was almost comical at times as the home team could not figure out what was coming at them. The entire game was in their end and I still cannot believe it was 3-1 at the conclusion. Supra had no more than half a dozen proper touches of the football. At times it seemed like our lads were playing a relaxed grid game of keep-away. This was no doubt heading towards a double-figure tilt.

In a twelve minute span our lads scored three goals and a mishap at the back let the home side hoot and holler over a lone marker. A tasty little chip over the top from Swanny found David Dudar camping out in the box. Dave caught hold of the football and smashed home his first-ever FC goal (which of course will not count so he will have to wait until Scarborough to make it official). Dudar had an enormous game and would have easily walked the honours for shout-out on the night. A hand ball in our box brought Captain Frank up to the spot who made no mistakes with familiar bottom left finish which will also never be known or seen in our stat columns again.  And the final tally which really never happened featured Swanny again only this time pulling the trigger via a back four defending blunder. The League should post a message to all teams letting then know that a coughed up football in the back line should never roll into Tyler Swan's path. It always results in a goal as it did on this night but again, all goals, helpers, and outstanding contributions will never be entered or acknowledged as this game was abandoned (now everyone knows how I have felt over this fort-night plus).

There was no doubt in my mind the MOTM was Joanne Landenheim  who went that extra mile plus plus plus making sure everyone was safe, warm and out of trouble, including me the most. She was all over the facility on this night making sure everyone was sorted and out of harm's way. All hell broke loose and she rolled up her sleeves and settled the situation. Well-in Jo. Special shout-outs to all other helpful parents and family members including Liz Phillips who stayed back until all hours of the night in the cold and rain making sure Rooney got into his vehicle via CAA. Oh, the never-ending stories this team can weave.....

The POTG was an easy choice as well as newcomer and all-round good guy Joe "Rooney" Shaw came darting across the drenched pitch at mach speed (with his better part in tow) and the two came to my rescue opening up the gates and ending my Noah's Ark rendition. Anyone of the head staff of Supra could have made that dash across that Stadium to undo the damage but it would be Rooney and his charming lady that took control and made things right. I know who has my back and it starts with that good ole fashioned back-home Western-style heroes.

So, there you have it. We went to a football match and once again everything except a proper game broke out and only when the road trip ends will these bizarre scenarios stop. We have one final leg left as the lads head into Scarborough next Friday for one more venture and let's hope it is a venture and not an adventure. So, the lads are still unbeaten even though this one will have to be replayed and re entered into the books but with that said, the lads are still bringing it every game. "A story needed to be told and maybe, just maybe next week I can report an actual game but with that said.....I told it."

Water and plenty of it on this night but beer and plenty of it tomorrow as Birthday Boy and seasoned veteran Mark Del Vecchio celebrates his 21st.

Regular Season Match 4 @ Vaughan Shooters, Sun June 08 08, Draw, 2-2

What Else Can Possibly Go Vaughan (Wrong)

Everything was a blur, including the one and only picture I took which was one of two tow trucks that pulled me out and into even more problems. Here today and Vaughan (gone) tomorrow.....

The lads were warming up and going through their grid work and basically getting game ready and once again I had no idea what was going on inside that Stadium. I have exhausted myself over this and will not make mention of it any longer except I will add, "What else can possibly go Vaughan, I mean wrong."

I'm told it was a lack lustre opening stanza from our lads. A David Dudar run up the touchline resulted in the big lanky lad being pulled off the football but his strength and stamina kept him on his feet. However, the whistle sounded an FC PK from the spot. Swanny went right side and just missed the target. A few minutes later more Vaughan rough play would find Bradley Rose being man-handled to the ground which resulted in an FC FK that would also miss the target. A Vaughan throw-in would find a sniper who pulled the trigger for a 1-0 Vaughan lead. Out goes Jeremy Brown at the 0:35 minute mark and in comes newcomer Joe Shaw who stayed in for the balance of the match and did not disappoint.

Only minutes into the second half Twon pulled down a Vaughan striker which resulted in a PK on our keeper this time. This game featured two PK's from the spot and no goals would register under the PK line. Spidey turned it away (more about this in the POTG tab). Vaughan went down to 10 men and the end figures read an appalling 7 yellows and 1 red just for Vaughan. Just minutes after Vaughan went down to 10 men they sent a free kick into the box and a header beat Spide for a 2-0 Vaughan lead. Surely the Darlington FC sails have been totally depleted? This is the 2008 FC and never say never to these leave-it-on-the-pitch warriors. Just two minutes later Swanny collected his early season 2nd yellow in as many games and now things were not looking good at all. So I ask you, "How does Swanny respond to that?" How about 2 more points with a helper and a goal? Again, here is what I was told happened.

In a six-minute span our lads pulled level with the shady Shooters. Bradley took a hard shot at the keeps who spilled it over and the ball went up in the air. Swanny and the keeper went into a foot race and Swanny won the sprint side-stepping the keeps and a defender and finishing the play off with some left-footed bottom finish for 1-2. Only minutes later Swanny was on the other end crossing one into the box where big Chrissy Newell made his way up from the back lines to aggressively knock in the equalizer keeping our lads unbeaten after four regular season matches.

The lads were stretching on the pitch winding down their 90 minute efforts and the lights went out on them forcing then to exit prematurely. Imagine? The nerve of the Vaughan folks doing that? Well in all my years.....The next thing you know is they won't let the coaches in to coach? Well, there you have it. Our lads got it done again on a night in which I will not forget for a while especially after I just got a call from my dealership and this lovely night cost me an easy couple grand from 6pm to midnight. Oh, and there was another story that unfolded on this night and I just put forth a few paragraphs about what happened inside those walls. On this night, "A story needed to be told.....and a handful of lads and my assistant told it."

Regular Season Match 3 @ Vaughan Azzurri, Sun June 01 08, Win, 5-2

Once Again "No Bench" And I Mean, "No Bench"

I watched our FC lads take on the Azzurri through a chain-link fence.

I sat in my car in behind a chain-link fence as the lads took to the pitch with the same starting 11 and once again, "No Bench," and I mean, "No Bench," as I did not get a chance to take to the bench as I was locked out and kept from joining my lads on the bench. Okay, enough about this silly scenario and let's get down to the real meat and potatoes as our lads had the real feast on this night.

All day Sunday my stomach was in knots and my brain boggled as I found out again, no substitutions or call-up assistance for another road trip into Italian territory. I drove all the way out to Vaughan thinking to myself, "What kind of coach does this?" I realized that this risky rendition of musical chairs without the chairs or bodies was becoming a familiar sight. Well, the guess work and panics ended the second the opening whistle sounded as my starting 11 took to the pitch and got it done; keeping their unbeaten record in tact and for now, earning the top spot in the Provincial tables.

It was a bit of a late start and at 9:09pm our lads kicked off attacking from left to right or if you like, chain link to chain link. It took no time at all and within three minutes a common and familiar "Swanny over to Brad" kicked off the festivities and just eight minutes later "David to Swanny" for some bottom corner finish for a quick 2-0 lead. Our lads controlled the entire opening half and Vaughan were never in the opening 45 minutes. Spidey made one of his captivating drop kicks up the line to Chris Newell who picked up the football and sent it over to Bradley Rose who returned the favour and then Newell back to Rose again for some excellent one/two. Bradley was brought down and the ball went out of bounds but it was a very close play that easily could have made it three. Vaughan had a couple of chances but Spidey Phillips closed the door in the cage via a diving slap away and a point blank denial. In the closing moments of the opening chapter David Dudar, who had his best game on the season, took on and challenged two Vaughan defenders and beat them both. Dudar then slid a lovely pass over to Rose who took a shot that was turned away. The final whistle almost sounded but not before Jeremy Brown collected his first "Yellow" on the season. 11 men strutted off the pitch after 45 minutes with a clean sheet and two dirty strikes in their favour.

I rolled down my passenger window, barked some orders through 2inch by 2 inch holes in the fence and away they went back out onto the pitch for another 45 minutes of 11 men verses the world. The opening 0:15 minutes went back and forth with no real threats but for the most part Frankel and Almeida shut the middle down dominating with the majority of touches. Twon and Robbie maintained their steady centre back barricade keeping all wandering Azzurri strikers at bay. At the 0:20 minute mark Vaughan answered with one of their own with some bottom corner on Spidey for a 2-1 slight lead that would give the home crowd hopes for next to no time. Our lads immediately came back and put this one out of reach for good. Within the next eight minutes our lads would score three more goals including another Frankel bit of magic that sent a real message.

A 3-1 Darlington lead came when Swanny slid one over to Joey Azzarello. Azza took a nice shot at the Azzurri keeps who spilled it over and sent it right back at Azza for yet another attempt and this time he made no mistakes lobbing the anxious keeper for a nice piece of chip work giving the fiery Azza his first well-deserved winner on the year. It was all Darlington pushing and prodding their way up field and a magical bit of football would make it 4-1 as Frank took on the entire Vaughan midfield and shared his heroics with flankman Dudar and partner-in-crime Almeida as our heading sensation pounded home another from his noggin putting this one out of reach (more about this phenomenal play in the POTG tab). Literally just one minute later David Dudar would register his first official point on the year as he sent a nice ball into Rose for Brad's league leading 4th goal in just 3 games. It was now 5-1 and clearly another 3 points for the 11-man road team. Vaughan would answer with one more as local Vaughan hero and goal scoring sensation Evy Kalogerakos who has chipped all Darlington keepers in the past did not want Spidey left out so he did the same for a final score of Darlignton 5 verses Vaughan Azzurri 2. Captain Swanny did not want Captain Frank feeling left out or alone with his "Yellow" so Swanny did the same in the closing moments of the game and registered his first caution on the year.

They did it again and on the road as well with just 11 men and no bench. I have no idea how much longer I can keep on asking them to do this but for the time being, I am just enjoying the ride like all Darlington players, family and fans. Shout outs galore after this 90 minutes and starting off with those two centre backs Kyle Robertson and Antoine Paul. These two are single-handedly maintaining that back line and playing it to a "tee." The two lads directly in front of those two are doing the same up through the middle of the pitch. "Double D" is punishing right now. They cannot do anything wrong and now they are both adding a final finishing move by putting points on the board as well. What a story Almeida and Frankel are becoming? Newcomers Newell and Dudar had very strong games and David Dudar was a standout up that flank earning his first point on the year. And the two up front are just simply punching the clock in at 9pm and punching out at 10:30pm with the same old same old "Swan to Rose," "Rose to Swan" storyline that has been leading all stories thus far this season. Swanny would edge out the field on this night as the talk of the town but the real talk is indeed the 11 that did it again.

Well, I wasn't on the bench but I wasn't too far behind and even though there was a chain-link and a hop  between us. I never once lost sight of anything that unfolded which is why, "A story needed to be told.....and through a chain link fence.....I told it."       

Regular Season Match 2 @ Hearts Azzurri, Sun May 25 08, Win, 3-0

They Call Themselves Hearts Azzurri But Darlington Showed The Real Heart & Blue On This Night

The coin toss, then the referee walked them out to the centre and presented them to the fans.

There's nothing like a good old road trip to bring everything full circle. Our lads will not be home until the month of July so getting this off on the right foot was crucial. A road trip brings everyone close together and in this OSL Provincial Division we are all reminded of the real level of play when we enter some of the best stadiums the Province has to offer. Our FC lads always conduct themselves with discipline and class as we enter these stadiums and pitches but on this night the officials made both squads take to the pitch in an orderly fashion and present themselves to the onlookers in the stands. This is a class act ritual that keeps this League heads above all others. Anyway, after the Harry Met Sally business concluded, two Provincial teams lined up against each other ready for a 9pm kick-off under the lights, a skyline and a sunset that was beautiful. It was kick-off at the Shiner folks.

It was 9:02pm on my time piece when the match began and that same time piece read 9:09pm when the Spidey Phillips show started. An Azzurri cross came into the box where an Azzurri attacker took a hard strike from point blank right at Spidey. The reflexes were certainly good to go as Spidey threw his leg out as if he was making a pad save in the Red Wing/Penguin game. I did not see any pads but I saw the saves. 3 minutes later Swanny shovelled a lovely pass across to Bradley Rose who just missed the bottom right corner. The next 10 minutes featured some well-rounded football but the edge would certainly go to the home team but a stubborn and game-ready Phillips turned them away time and time again. 0:22 minutes into the game featured another close call as FC middy Joey Azzarello delivered a brilliant corner kick into David Almeida. The one half of "Double D" went into his incredible hops and came down on the football with a pounding header just missing for his goal/game pace. 6 minutes later a David Dudar cross into Rose almost made it 1-0 but the Heart back-stopper made a nice save. The action was non-stop and just 2 minutes later a magnificent jog from our back four Robertson found our steady stopper going into a gallop up the middle dropping a dynamite pass right into Swanny's path. However, a quick-footed approaching keeps tripped up Swanny's plans as he never had a chance to finish. The next 2 minutes featured more of the same at both ends as now it was Spidey's turn to make more game-savers. It was 0:32 minutes when the first goal would trip up the home Italian side. A very familiar Swanny/Brad storyline ran true again as Tyler delivered a cross into Rose and the scoring sensation let go of a ferocious strike beating the Azzurri keeper to the top right corner for 1-0 Darlington FC Provincials. I guess there wasn't quite enough action yet so why not send more snipers in at Spidey's end for a spell. It was a foot race as an Azzurri attacker was coming in full tilt straight at Phillips. Just seconds or if you like, inches, before a train collided with a brick house, Spidey lunged forward and made contact with ball kicking it back up the pitch out of trouble. I wiped a bead of sweat off my brow and cursed Phillips under my breath praying that does not happen again. The first half had not ended yet and my grey hair had grey hair and one certain Azzurri attacker did a bit of praying as he flew by Phillips not making contact with the wall. The final 8 minutes of the half was spent in our end as Spidey made save after save including a dazzling diving save making sure his brothers in arms clung to a 1-0 thread at the interval. The whistle sounded and as our lads hobbled off the pitch I could already hear the praises and prayers going out to Spidey for his first half heroics. Spray, tensors, bandages, massage, rest and water wasn't nearly enough over the next 5 plus minutes and another 45 minutes tortured their thoughts.

Are you kidding me? The second half whistle echoed across the stadium and 7 minutes into the shooting gallery Spidey was back at it. An Azzurri corner kick came sailing in and the box was filled with Hearts heads but a rising Spidey spun his web and fisted the football out of harm's way. The second half picked up where the first half left off and the pace was right back at it and only 3 minutes later a Frankel free kick almost made it 2-0. Danny sent in a lovely ball as Joey Azzarello went head to head with the Azzurri keeper but came up short. Only 4 minutes later our flamboyant Antoine Paul executed one of his classic and entertaining throws as he threw a strike finding our heading machine David Almeida. David caught hold of the football and pounded a crushing header in towards the goal but it just sailed slightly wide. The next 10 minutes featured back and forth footy with our lads now maintaining the majority of the flow. At the 0:27 minute mark the ground shook at the stadium as a Daniel Frankel free kick brought the house down. It was a major league strike from 32 yards out curling, bending and beating the diving Azzurri keeper just under the framework in the top right corner (more about this head turner in the POTG tab). This insurance marker scared the Azzurri players and lit a spark under them as they came at us with everything they had. They marched straight back into our end and fired 3 quick shots at Spidey. Guess what? He turned all three of those away and everything else they fired at him on this night keeping his clean sheet in tact and earning him his first shutout in the OSL.  In the closing moments a frustrated and agitated Azzurri side served up another free kick for Swanny and again, our free kick specialist would not disappoint. Tye chipped a delicate lob across the pitch to Azza who in turn shifted and lobbed in a lovely cross to Bradley Rose who pounded home a header for his second on the night. It was now 3-0 FC and a beaten and bewildered Hearts Azzurri almost let another one in via a close call featuring more Swanny and Joey in a final hurrah. The final whistle sounded and the home team called themselves Hearts Azzurri but Darlington showed the real heart and blue on this night.

This was indeed a game for the archives but before we render this history let's enjoy it a bit longer and acknowledge those who left it at the Shiner for a 3-0 romp. Once again Twon and Robbie made up ground over the 90 minutes covering and capturing the back line backs. David and Goliath (I mean Daniel) were solid through the middle. Bradley Rose is in full bloom already leading the League in goal scoring and having his way in another strong outing tonight. Newcomer David Dudar had his best pace thus far this season and other rookie Chris Newell did not disappoint. It was an impossible toss up between Spidey and Azza on this night who should get the honours but in the end I gave the edge to Azza just because he should not have been on that pitch, let alone star as one of the elite. Our lads now settle in for a couple of sessions before taking back to the road for a Sunday night fixture with more Azzurri but this time in the shape and form of Vaughan footballers. Rest up lads and get ready for more of the same as, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."

The Darlington FC had the real heart and wore the true blue in a 3-0 victory over Hearts Azzurri.

2008 Home & Season Opener

Regular Season Match 1 vs Armour Heights, Thurs May 22 08, Draw, 2-2

Went To A Soccer Game And A Football Game Broke Out

FC Captains Frankel & Swan Kicking Off the 2008 Campaign With A Coin Toss

It was seemingly quiet except for some nearby birds chirping up some kind of Champions League tune as I walked over to my bench (give me a break, it sounded just like that). I plonked  myself down and glanced out at what appeared to be real grass but I could have sworn it was that green carpet we used to have on our front porch in the 70's. It was manicured and groomed to perfection. The nets were in place and the white lines glistened and shone with great brilliance and alignment. Now all we needed was a couple Semi-Pro football teams and a grandstand full of onlookers. Well then, let's see what we can do about that in about 10 hours time. I looked back across the picturesque perimeter as I drove away thinking to myself, "Who does that?" Who heads over to the pitch and has a few minutes of quiet and peace going over the game in their heads 10 hours before kick-off? Come on now lads.....do you really want me to answer that.....Well, anyway, I do that and we will all commence for a 9pm opening kick-off to our 2008 Provincial campaign.

Well, it was an hour before kick-off and I longed for more of that peace and tranquility that was around earlier in the day when I was over-looking what was a calm and quiet pitch. I had no idea I was going to a soccer game and a football game broke out. I wished for more of the same at this time as all hell broke loose between a soccer and football team during our pre-game warm-ups. I'm giving this no more reflection or time in this venue but let's just say our lads had no quality warm-up or preparation and I should have known right then and there that this was going to be one of those nights. All in all these lads left it on the pitch...and let me tell you, no less than 5 injured lads playing with no bench and a back-four starter that left at halftime when we were up 2-0. Here's the story that will be told on this night.

After the fiasco and a very tedious start we kicked off at 9:08pm and for my readers, our FC were attacking from left to right. The lads were on the pitch and I looked over my right shoulder and saw one lad sitting there ready to jump in at any given time. That was good but what was not right as rain was the fact that he was the bench. We could afford no hiccups (especially after what we all just went through) and I already knew that starter and back four veteran Mark Del Vecchio was leaving us at the half which meant "No Bench" for the final 45 minutes. Anyway, back to the first half heroics. It was just 0:07 minutes into the opening half when our lads would strike first. The whistle sounded for the first time after the opening blast and it was a sound Swanny loves to hear especially when it represents a free kick. He was in a precarious position and one could see he was negotiating all angles and scenarios. Tyler let go of a hard drive into the front of the net where middy Almeida caught hold of it and redirected the ball in behind a beaten Armour Heights keeper. It was 1-0 FC and Almeida is on a tremendous pace finding the back of the net in all FC games thus far including two Friendlies and now the big dance and Regular Season opener. The next ten-plus minutes our lads continued pushing the football around with some attractive one and two touch football. At the 0:19 minute mark sniper Bradley Rose contributed in other ways as he set up the insurance marker. It was the head-turner on the night (more about this bit of football in the POTG Tab) as Rose slipped and turned and weaved and turned and beat a man and turned another one silly before making the perfect pass over to Swanny. Tye welcomed the "Kiss From A Rose" and made it 2-0 Darlington. In the closing moments of the opening half Spidey made a magnificent save diving backwards and punching the ball out of harm's way keeping the clean sheet in tact and a two-nil storyline. The lads pranced (more like trotted with a broken gate) off the pitch and headed straight to the water trough for some much-needed fluids and a rest. These lads were tired, worn out and in need of more bodies on their bench but unfortunately matters were only getting worse as one of the those bodies were leaving them for the night.

The second period started and our FC lads had no reserves or resources and they already looked like they fought the 401/DVP and downtown bustle before they sat at their desk for their 9am coffee and dutchie. The whistle sounded and the second half was underway. It was just 0:02 minutes into the second frame when new comer and back four technician Kyle Robertson showed why he will be the backbone of the future of this team. A fast-footed and fancy Armour Height's forward raced up the touchline at mach speed beating two FC outside bodies until he ran dircetly into Robertson's office. Kyle lined him up, kept his eyes on the football went down into a classic slide tackle stance and pulled it off to perfection. The Armour Heights sideline erupted as Robbie took out their lad but the ball did indeed roll out of bounds which signified brilliance in the tackle and ten out of ten on the technique. It was an outstanding defensive play which maintained a Darlington 2-0 lead but all hell would break loose over the next 5 minutes of tortured time.

An Armoured Heights Free kick made its way through a forest of legs and a battery of bodies quick-starting a bewildered FC contingent. While keeper Phillips was setting up walls and barking commands, the lads were taking to their posts and positions when the ball came sailing in after an Armour Heights taker saw the lads setting up. Spidey and all the lads just simply watched the football curl in over them and tuck itself in behind the framework for a 1-2 score. The lads kicked off in the semi-circle and before their heads cleared from the last goal midfielder Joey Azzarello would go down in a heap. He went down hard and fast and Trainer Delpippo made his way to him with the magic water and magic spray but even Houdini himself could not pull Azza out of this one and no magic tricks in Delpippo's back pocket could either. Azza crawled off the pitch and enrolled with the Durham Boy's Choir (needless to say I do not need to elaborate on the area in which he suffered). I sat on the end of the bench and gently placed my head into my hands feeling totally responsible and in charge of these ridiculous results. I had no bench to speak of (obviously more additions are in store and new faces are being looked at) but that does not help me now as I am watching our home and season opener and digesting the fact that we are now 10 men on the pitch and I have no remedy for this.

Azza eventually went back in well under 70% field ready status but that was the least of my worries as David Almeida, Daniel Frankel and Bradley Rose all limped and lagged around like a water break and a kip was in store. Again, there was nothing I could do. David Almeida was literally going down with cramps and strains as he was thrown into the back line to help out after Del left the game. Frankel was beaten down every time he touched the football and it wasn't until the very end of the game when he received his first call in his favour but by that time he had exhausted his patience (and let me tell you, there is not a more controlled and respected and well mannered Captain in the Province worthy of the arm band than this kid) and with that said, choice words were directed at the Referee in charge and he felt the colour yellow best suited Danny's comments so Frank walks the first caution for the team this year (I would have bet everything in my bank that a card may never come to him this year and bet as much again that it would not be the first one on the year). But on a night of what the hell can go wrong next.....why not bring it on mate! So there you have it folks. There's one for the archives. Captain, calm and reserved Daniel Frankel registers the team's first "Yellow Caution" in the 2008 campaign. I'm gonna have to have a talk with this lad......LOL...Anyway, enough of the MSN/Facebook garble...let's get back on track here as our lads are now defending from right to left and let me say that again, "defending."

A tired and depleted FC side was just barely hanging on and eventually the equalizer would come in shape of another free kick only this time it was a wallop. There is not a keeper alive that could save this curl. It was a cracker of a strike from 24 yards out. It was top right corner finish that bent away from Spidey and gave our lads no chances whatsoever. It was 2-2 and just minutes later Swanny went down via a hard Armour Heights tackle. A defender brought Swanny down and he did not move for a few minutes. He would get up and remain in the game but like many others, wounded and withered from the pace. Funny enough the lads gave a final push over the remaining few minutes but the whistle would end the soccer match that started with a football tussle and ironically, ended in one as well.

Well, we won't forget this one for a few years but unfortunately it will be the before game antics we will recall before the 2-2 storyline. Again, I cannot emphasize enough how proud I am of the way these lads left it on the pitch. It was a real down-in-the-trenches affair on this night and they have nothing to be ashamed of. It was a 2-2 draw and an honest and earned lone point on this night. David Almeida gets the nod as warrior on the night but not before Frank, Rose and Robbie put in champion games. The lads now get ready for the longest road trip we have seen around here before. The lads go away until the month of July (we come home for one Cup Game still to be determined) and that's a very good thing this year. Maybe the town can figure out what night the pitch will be allotted to which football team? The U-17 Clarington Football team or the U-21 Darlington FC Football team that played their hearts out tonight. And when it was all said and done, looked like they just finished off a tackle and a hit. It wasn't pretty and at times it was down right nasty but it was a hard fought point which is why, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

FC Trainer Trevor Delpippo looks on during the Home & Season Opener verses Armour Heights and wonders just how much spray he has left in his magic bag.

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Pre-Season/Friendly/Exhibition Play

Friendly vs Darlington U-18, Thurs May 15 08, Win, 2-1
No Losers In This One

A brand new Clarington Fields Pitch features two long-time Darlington Rep Teams

If two teams are going to christen the new Clarington Fields then why not be two long time Darlington squads.....and that is indeed what happened this past night north of the 401. An under-the-lights exhibition game took place with a generous smattering of onlookers as the U-18's took to the home pitch belonging to our FC U-21's.

The opening whistle sounded just past 8pm and it was just past 8pm when the U-18's answered for their first and final time. A point blank marker put the younger lads up one nil on the board. Just moments later Spidey was called upon in the cage and a tremendous piece of goal keeping kept the score from mounting even higher (more about this head turner in the POTG tab). At the 0:15 minute mark Darlington sniper Bradley Rose zeroed in on an untimely U-18 cough-up and I cannot think of a more dangerous person to be eyeing the football. Brad made no mistakes turning the cough-up into a great solo effort putting the football in behind the bewildered U-18 keeps for 1-1. Just as the clock hit 8:30pm at the bottom of the hour David Almeida registered the team's first 'Yellow" on the season with a bit of "going-in-hard." With that said, it would be the younger and at times, more tougher U-18 team that would spend the majority of the match giving up free kick after free kick due to hard tackles. The first half played itself out and a 1-1 storyline carried over into the second stanza.

The second half was really nothing to rant and rave about. Our midfield general and co-cap Daniel Frankel made some nice defensive plays including some patient jockeying and timing tackles. Other partner-in-crime, David Almeida had a couple nice cracks at the goal and David Dudar had a lovely romp up the touchline finishing with a hard drive on net which was turned away by a strong U-18 keeper. But there would be another keeper in this tilt and he turned heads from time to time making saves, punches and dives. Spidey played an awesome game in the cage for our FC earning him the major shout-out on the night. An U-18 squad started to tire and become slightly frustrated as the clock ran down and in the 40th minute our FC lads would take advantage of the small window of opportunity. I believe it was the 4th corner kick in just 10 minutes but this time it would turn out to be the straw that broke the camel's back or if you like.....the game winner. Swanny paraded over to his flagpole where many a magic tricks have mesmerized onlookers. He placed the ball to his liking, and then stepped back and then approached the football again and adjusted it one more time. He took one step back, tilted his body slightly and put his quad into the football and away the ball went curling into the perfect location for a response. FC shirts owned the box for this final set piece and it resulted in a 2-1 final score as David Almeida scored his second in two games putting him on pace for a goal a game. The final whistle sounded just minutes later giving the OSL lads an unblemished pre-season exhibition record.

It wasn't the greatest of efforts (no excuses but I really do put it down to far too much footy over the fort-night) but when it came down to it the lads pulled up their socks and collected the victory. The real victory on this night went to the younger Darlington lads whom put up a gallant fight and at times dominated the flow of play. There were no losers in this one. Martin and Simon have these lads looking very strong and skilled and I feel sorry for the U-18 Regional Premier teams that have to play them this season. Well-in to our U-18 Darlington lads. Rose, Dudar, Azza and of course Phillips, put in a solid 90 minutes tonight for our FC's.

We have a holiday long weekend ahead of us and then one more scheduled session to prepare for the well-anticipated Season and Home Opener on Thursday, May 22. A little bit of rest will not hurt these lads and hopefully after a well rested weekend and one more practice our new-look FC lads can collect their first 3 points in the new 2008 campaign. Regardless of what happens and unfolds you know I will be stuck right in there making sure, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

Almeida & Azza in action against the Darlington U-18's.

Friendly vs Men's Rep Maple Grove, Tues May 13 08, Win, 7-3

A True Friendly Goes To The Young Lads On This Night

Almeida, Potter, McCann & Del Vecchio represent 4 FC Lads over 3 seasons.

It really was a Friendly in the true sense as the Maple Grove side was sprinkled with a menagerie of ex-FC lads from the dynamic goal-keeping duo of both Lees (Patterson & Wesselius), Nicky Castellano, the always entertaining Pistol Pete and of course, last year's MVP Devon Potter. There were familiar local lads that have had their faces around these parts through the Rep program and now have gone on to lead adult lives but maintained their fitness and touch of the football. This was not one of those old-folk squads laid out to pasture? This was a Maple Grove Men's Rep Team that was in no doubt on a mission to win back the title which was so rudely taken away from them in a thrilling PK finale last year in South Courtice. This exhibition match was a 90 minute extravaganza with FC players from yesterday and today and it was a true Friendly that went to the young lads on this night.

It was indeed an unscheduled, no hyped affair that was kept just between the two sides but one could have fooled me as I noticed many familiar faces sneaking in the odd glance or two from afar. It was a sunny evening with a slight breeze as the referee blew his whistle firing up the tilt.

It was the 0:15th minute mark of the opening frame when the first of many would open up the flood gates. A pressured back Maple Grove line coughed up the football and it could not have been any worse when one Tyler Swan was waiting for the early Christmas present. The Darlington FC Provincial's all-time leading point getter said thank-you very much putting a bulge into the bag of the onion bag for one-nil FC. Just 4 minutes later an impressive gallop up the flank via rookie sensation Chris Newell, which resulted in the Play of the Game electrified the sidelines and more can be read about this nifty piece of footy in the "POTG" tab. At the 0:31 minute mark a striking tandem of Swanny & Rose figured in on their first of many more to come on this night and probably season. This particular finish came in the shape of Rose to Swanny and one delicate touch with soft feet echoed 2-0 FC atop the Uppers. 4 minutes later another Maple Grove cough up in front of Lee Patterson resulted in another FC marker as Rose made no mistakes taking on the shaken defender, turning him inside-out for 3-0 Blue. 3 minutes later a mishap at the back in the Darlington box would allow Maple Grove to net their first on the night. The first half played itself out with some attractive football from both sides.

The second half kicked off and within the opening 3 minutes Devon Potter found his touch making it 2-3 with some bottom corner finish. However, just 2 minutes after that response our FC keeps Spidey Phillips drop-kicked an accurate and exact ball right into the path of a racing Rose who picked up the ball at his feet and fired home the 4th FC goal. The game slowed down a bit (finally) and both sides went through a period of feeling each other out for a bit. It became aggressive and chippy at times but no outstanding incidents to note. Another FC lapse in the back line resulted in a Pistol Peter McCann goal and this is exactly what no Darlington player wanted to endure. We now have a solid week of Peter's stories to suffer and sustain. It was now 4-3 FC but for only a short period of time and then all hell would break loose. Within the next 12 minutes 3 more goals would cross the Maple Grove line. Del delivered a lovely pass up to Swanny who chipped Wesselius. A Newell through ball weaved its way through a gaping hole to Swanny to Brad for goal 6. The 7th and final tally came via an over the top chip from Rose into Almeida who thought twice about a bicycle kick and half volleyed it into the back of the net for 7-3 FC.

Shout-outs to the MOTM Brad Rose, Swanny who pulled the trigger on three with a helper and a must nod to newcomer Chris Newell who played his heart out in two different spots on the pitch. Newell is going to be a key utility man this season. This gifted lad will rise to any occasion. Spidey is doing what he does best holding on to the football better than any of the greats and he even figured in on a helper with his knockout kicks. Del was his usual solid self in the back line letting no one and nothing go past him. He also contributed with his perfect passes and delicate through-balls.

All in all it was a sound effort from our lads considering it was their first real game situation this season. On a negative note our FC lost their second lad this season as Jason Farrow went down sustaining a knee injury that will sideline him for the entire season which is what happened to team mate Adrian Zwart a fort-night ago. Many new faces looked more than ready to compete at this level and the season gets underway for real in two nights time and I have this sneaky suspicion we could see a few more goals from an enthusiastic FC side. It was a night of friendships rekindled as many stayed around afterwards sharing FC moments which is exactly why I was stuck right in the middle of those stories doing what I do best and that is, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

Yesteryear's superstar keeper Lee Patterson looks on as rookie sensation

 Chris Newell gets up and over on the football.

"Be safe & come back to me in one piece."

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2007 OSL Provincial Season

Final League Game #14 @ Cruz Azul Shooters, Sun Aug 19 07,  Win by Default

...and they were damn lucky it was a default win

 and not another 6 goal shootout...

I spent the entire afternoon down in Cobourg visiting my parents at the hospital and the drive home fuelled my frustration not gas tank as another MVA brought things to a horrifying halt. A 6am hit-and-run on the 401 just east of Bowmanville closed the 401 for almost 11 hours causing the entire 401 from Newcastle through Scarborough to back up right up until we decided to leave for our Cruz Azul game. The horrible accident teamed up with the regular Sunday night cottage traffic made life difficult for any travellers let alone 15 footballers attempting a Vaughan/Woodbridge trek across the top of the city. I just knew it was going to be a nightmare and prayed we had enough players to field a side for a 9pm kick-off. Who ever could have imagined it would be the local host team that would not be able to answer the bell for round one let alone a 90 minute dance.

It was now 9:15pm and we had all 15 FC lads dressed and ready to go but Cruz Azul did not. Cruz had 5 men which was not even close to starting a game and they were damn lucky it was a default win and not another 6 goal shootout. It was well past the kick-off time as the referee made it an official "Default Game" and presented both teams with the confirmed paperwork awarding us 3 points for our efforts.

It's not the greatest way to end a season, especially after the past three game extravaganzas our lads have been enjoying but it is another win with another 3 points which basically forces both Aurora and Supra an almost perfect 3-game finish down their stretch run. Our lads do have a little bit of table watching to do but hopefully it will become easy on the eyes with a couple of losses catapulting our lads out of harm's way into the safe Provincial zone where they truly do belong.

On this particular night there wasn't much to report except 15 FC lads scrimmaging against each other under the lights on a turf pitch making the trek a little bit worthwhile. A strong, confident Provincial group of FC lads await approval for another year of the same in 2008 and if and when that dubious honour takes place, I will be there like I always am making sure, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

League Game #13 @ Vaughan Azzurri, Sun Aug 12 07, Win, 6-1

16 Goals In 3 Games...and Counting...

If you would have said to me just one week ago that our FC lads would go on a 3-game unbeaten streak out-scoring all opponents by a staggering 16 goals to 6...well, I would have asked you to check into a clinic and get your faculties checked out. Our lads played the opening 10 games of the regular season scoring 12 goals and over the past 3 games these same FC players have scored a mind-boggling 16 goals. You  read that right. I just said 12 goals in the opening 10 and now 16 goals in 3 games and counting. This past week has been extraordinary, miraculous and downright entertaining to same the least. This has been a finish to this 2007 outdoor season that no one could have ever imagined unfolding. These past 3 games has been goal after goal after goal including another 6 in tonight's game making it 12 goals in the past 2 games scoring back to back 6-goal victories. It was yet another MUST win tonight as the lads took their scoring frenzy across the 407 into Vaughan, the city above Toronto. A short bench that consisted of one extra body that would end up being one wounded body with no back-ups would take to the pitch and play a cracker of a match.

The game kicked off at 7:04pm and the opening few minutes was an exact replay of what we have been taking in for over a week now. The lads pressed the issue and jumped all over their opponents giving them no breathing room. With that said, the first few chances tonight were actually from the Azzurri as Lee was asked to make a couple game-savers as well as Antoine Paul pulling one right off the goal line keeping the game deadlocked at zeroes. After a couple of close calls our lads would settle right back down again forcing the Azzurri making them cough up the football. A familiar pattern started to take shape and our lads began having their way with a confused Azzurri side. Our lads would jump out first and score a bit of a laugher and before the half ended another easy one would beat the Azzurri keeps making it 2-0 at the break. Goal one came from a run up the middle from Antoine who fired a long range shot and goal two found Dev to Korey to Swanny who scored his first of many more to come. It was Darlington FC 2-0 at the break and the lads had not even begun their night of nights.

The second half started up and the opening 26 minutes featured a Lee Wesselius clinic of goal keeping. Lee made save after save after save (including the POTG) and one would almost believe that a quick goal from Vaughan would put them right back in this thing. Lee kept his mates in the game once again and gave them chance after chance and eventually at the 8:23 mark a third insurance marker would frustrate the Azzurri. Swanny would score his first of a natural hat-trick via an Azzurri keeper cough up for an unassisted marker. The next ten minutes consisted of some close checking as both teams went in hard and gave little room. It became a little chippy up through the middle and Daniel Frankel would collect his 3rd yellow on the season. Who ever could have imagined Daniel Frankel will be sitting a game due to too many yellows? We're going to have to chain this rowdy monster up if he can't control himself! At the 8:34 mark the league's top goal scorer, who had been kept at bay for the most part, felt it was time to show what he had. The #11 golden boot promise chipped Lee with possibly one of the best chips I have seen in the league this season and wouldn't you know it...it would have to be a stunner to beat Lee as another clean sheet just fell for our confident back stopper. It was 3-1 for our FC and what would take place next would feature some of the most exciting goal scoring ever.

Just 4 minutes remained in the contest and the game was clearly in hand and pretty much signed, sealed and delivered but if anyone had any doubts about collecting 3 points...well, the next four minutes would feature no less than 3 more FC goals. It would be absolutely astonishing football that was about to close this one out. Adrian shifted a nifty pass along the smooth surface finding Swanny who chipped the Vaughan stopper for his natural hat-trick. The 5th FC goal saw Swanny scoring his 4th via a Daniel Frankel pass and finally, as the final whistle ended the stunner, Age sent in a beautiful cross swooping over the top finding far post and Alonso Tello. Alonso caught hold of the football crashing in a winner via a powerful and accurate header giving the defeated net minder no chance. The final score was Darlington FC 6-Vaughan Azzurri 1.

Once again props and shout-outs go to all the lads wearing the FC kit. Popey was caught in traffic chaos and was sent back home while a Mark Del Vecchio injury side-lined him with Jason Farrow, Aaron Fattori and Dan Mittag all missing in action as well. That spelled out a 12-man roster giving just one sub on the pine. And eventually that sub would be wounded as both Browns pulled up tonight with Korey going back in and Jeremy taking over on the bench tending to his nagging ankle strain. The entire squad played a cracker of a game tonight against a lob-sided Vaughan team that played short-handed themselves. Antoine was solid at the back making his normal bursts and breaks up the middle including a goal. Frankel was his usual self again tonight registering a helper of his own. Adrian was excellent up the flank turning defenders inside out and finishing off all his runs with perfect passes or captivating crosses. And once again tonight Lee Wesselius was the leader at the back making save after save, calling the game as if reading a textbook word for word as the match unfolded. The lads played a cracker of a game tonight with Swanny leading the way with another 4 goals on the night. He continues to give opposition more than they can handle and like always, comes out with the upper hand dominating on the pitch over all others.

Our FC have now put together an impressive stretch run with just one final game remaining. The lads take to the highway for one last time in one week as they head into the Soccer Centre locking horns with the league-leading Cruz Azul Shooters. Every FC lad is anticipating that one and no one wants to win one final game more than our lads. After all, it's 16 goals in 3 games...and counting as "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

League Game #12 @ Toronto Supra, Thurs Aug 09 07, Win, 6-1

A Supra Amount Of Goals

The calm before the storm on Thurs, Aug 09 07 @ Centennial Stadium.

Our Darlington FC franchise has never had a more important game than the one that was about to kick-off here on the best surface we have touched a football on this season. The lads were on the road at the gorgeous Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke taking on the Toronto Supra. The Supra are the team that sits between Darlington FC's Provincial footings and the Regional demotion. This is a MUST win tonight. A victory has to come and nothing less will suffice and even a draw will hurt our lads. Three points is the only thing necessary.

The much-anticipated Provincial battle kicked off at seven bells. Our lads came out of the gate on fire. Again, just like last game, they pressed the issue immediately forcing the Supra to cough up the football and make silly stray passes where a blue shirt picked up and maintained possession. A Frankel volley pass up the flank to Swanny was a magic moment in the opening ten minutes followed by a powerful and promising Potter free kick that just shaved the target. A Daniel Frankel yellow card was raised in the air after Franky had enough of more of the same old same old abuse he takes game in and game out. There were highlights after highlights that took place throughout the opening 45 minutes but the biggest highlights in the half would have to be the first two Darlington goals. Korey Brown, who has been electrifying of late cashed in on both helpers sending in two beautiful sweeping crosses. The first switch found Swanny one-timing it for one-nil and the second cross found big Jason Farrow hanging out in his office making no mistakes pounding home an injury time 2-0 storyline at the interval. The lads walked off the pitch heads high knowing full well that there may be more of the same coming up in the final 45.

The lads came out of the gate with the same intensity and aggressiveness. They moved the ball around from touchline to touchline controlling basically all the play. A relatively quiet half for Lee Wesselius would not prove to be the same in this half as was asked to make many game-savers including a dramatic Free kick at the 8:09 mark. A Supra taker sent in a ferocious strike which had top under the bar written all over it but a leaping Lee twisting his frame, palmed the football over the bar making a spectacular save keeping his clean sheet in tact. The next six minutes would feature some rough play from a few players here and there and newcomer and backline sensation Mark Del Vecchio would be officially initiated as he picked up his first yellow after showing he would not be intimidated or shoved. During that same six minute duration back to back FC goals would send this one way out of reach. A typical walk up to the corner flag Tyler corner kick came sailing in to the top of the box but this time it would be the finish on the end of that corner kick that would bring the house down. Just before the ball made contact with the ground Daniel Frankel came in and smashed a thrilling volley into the top corner of the net beating the bewildered Supra keeps and making it 3-0 FC. Just minutes later the FC scoring frenzy and onslaught continued as dashing Dan Mittag took a heavy and hard shot at the keeper spilling it over waiting for an Alonso Tello rebound finding mesh for a convincing 4-0 FC thrashing. Lee Wesselius would be asked to make another dazzling save as he finger--tipped a hard low drive away maintaining his (should I even whisper it) clean sheet. Oh my goodness! Why did I have to say anything about the clean sheet? Just minutes after Lee's magnificent sprawling save, our back corner was caught flat-footed and Lee was at a Supra sniper's mercy and now the game sheet read 4-1 FC.

Two minutes remained in the laugher which was just enough time to add another.....or perhaps two. Dan Mittag continued his fine performance on the night adding another important helper as he went on one of his vintage gallops up the midfield beating no less than two men before sending the perfect pass along the carpet to Jason Farrow. Ja lifted his head, set his sights on bottom corner and nailed it bang on for a 5-1 romp. The final whistle was just about to blow as injury time approached but so did more FC attackers. The lads had just enough time to slip one more by the Supra keeper who had been taken out, replaced then put back in again for more of the same. The first half ended with an FC injury time goal so why not follow suite with the last half as well. Adrian Zwart slipped a nice pass over to Swanny who was a healthy 25 yards out. Swanny glanced up at the framework and set his scope. Tye let go of a lovely strike finding the top left corner ending the extravaganza with a terrific winner for a final report of 6-1 Darlington FC Provincials.

Our lads set a 2007 league record over their last two games scoring 10 goals in back to back contests. No other team has done that. Cruz managed to register 9 on two occasions but never equalled the 10 that our FC are presently enjoying with hopefully more to come on Sunday in Vaughan. It was 4 goals last game against Hearts Azzurri and on this night our lads lit up the board no less than 6 times scoring a "Supra" amount of goals. Our lads came in here tonight having to collect 3 points and who ever could have imagined they would collect 6 goals as well. The lads sent a message loud and clear that they truly do not belong with the lower ranking teams in this division. The Darlington FC Provincials are a team that does the Provincials proud.

Another pile of points puts Swanny miles above all others as he prepares to capture another Top Point Getter Award like he did in the 2006 campaign. Once again, Tyler quietly registered 2 more goals with a helper. And speaking of points, Jason Farrow collected another 2 huge goals tonight now putting 3 FC lads in the top 5 names in the OSL tables. How impressive is that? I am so proud of these lads and Farrow, well, he has just begun his stint with the FC which tells me he will be a force to be reckoned with in the League tables next season. I predict an actual OSL scoring title for this bruiser of a lad next season. I have to mention Korey's performance again tonight. He played his heart out tonight until he came off in the closing moments and if you could have seen this kid's foot? The head of a screw (from a previous nasty Tib/Fib fracture)  was trying to poke its way through the skin on his ankle? What a tough kid he is? Lee was just minutes away from yet another clean sheet that should have gone his way. He played a strong game making many game-savers. The two Dan's were both outstanding on this night. Mittag made runs finding targets at the end of his passes and switches while Frankel played his normal midfield game controlling the entire centre of the pitch. He scored one of the goals of the year as well. However, it would be new sensation Mark Del Vecchio who played the game of the night. He looked every bit the veteran defender we all knew he would be. He kept the backline clear and free for Lee and sent off pass after pass to his middies. You can read more about Mark's magic in the "MOTM" tab.

Well, there you have it. Just two games remaining in the season and our lads have jumped from 8th to 6th after a 90 minute scoring frenzy at Centennial Stadium. Friday night is a scheduled practice session but a much-deserved break has been given to these lads as they will be playing their 4th game in 8 nights this coming Sunday in Vaughan. I'm going to make sure I'm there and you know I will be there making sure every single anything will be documented as "A story needed to be told...and I told it."  

Farrow & Swan, 5 points between them as they have a "Supra" night at Centennial Stadium.

League Game #11 vs Hearts Azzurri, Tues Aug 07 07, Draw, 4-4

Out Of The Basement, Out Of Trouble, Out Of Relegation

For the time being our lads have made a huge step up the rung even though it's baby steps it's still steps that have not been taken for some time now. A huge come-from-behind 10-men draw has taken our lads out of the basement, out of trouble and out of relegation. Hearts Azzuri brought their straight up the middle blue Italian jerseys into our Hydros and tried to have their way with our lads but the host team had different intentions on this night. Our Darlington FC Provincials played their final home game of the 2007 campaign this past Tuesday night in front of a generous crowd on Solina road. A heavy rain in the Clarington vicinity made the pitch nice and wet complete with muddy patches and slippery lines. The downpour stopped literally minutes before kick-off as the overhead lamps lit up the main attraction for a 9pm starting point.

The lads walked their line one last time for the 2007 campaign across the Hydros and as they turned and jogged on the spot marking their territory I realized this was the final time on our home pitch we would see many of these 21 year-olds as they will move on due to the age factor ruling. I just wanted a proper send-up that these lads so rightly deserved and I wanted the loyal and local fans to be treated to something special. They did not disappoint as 8 goals were scored including a come-from-behind 10-man finish from our FC lads. It was now 9:02pm and the head official had seen enough stretching and standing so the whistle blew kicking off the final home game for 2007.

It was a feeling out period for the first little while as both sides found their feet and footing on a slick and slippery surface. The ball moved around with some nice passing and support but neither team was giving much room to roam. The Italians liked to press the issue up through the middle but our mids with the help of our back four would close any gaps giving very little room to create and break free. It was 9:30pm when the first team would begin the shootout and it would be the visiting Azzurri that would jump up 1-0. A close range rebound handcuffed Lee and the Bathurst and Finch squad owned the first lead of the game. The beginning of a pattern started to unfold as our FC lads came back almost immediately with a quick response giving the Azzurri no room to cushion their lead. Only five minutes later Swanny collected the first of three points on the night as he thread a lovely ball to David Almeida. Our midfield magician let go of a beautiful strike from a semi-long range beating the Azzurri keeper to the corner for a 1-1 score. An unfortunate pattern that our FC lads have been dealing with all season long would show its ugly face again causing our lads to give up an injury time goal at the break. Just seconds before the first half whistle sounded a set piece would catch our lads. An Azzurri free kick from just outside the box made it 2-1 Hearts Azzurri at the interval. A drenched and fatigued group of FC lads dragged their weary bones off the pitch but do not panic as that magic water has proven to work miracles.

The second half kicked off at 9:56pm and that familiar pattern was back again as our lads did not let the Azzurri away with any kind of momentum. Hearts scored in injury time at the conclusion of the first so our lads responded with a 2-2 equalizer one minute into the second. Yannick Diamani who was playing one of his best games ever up the right flank, beat two men up the wing and then let go of a gigantic strike at the keeper. The Azzurri keeps spilled it over and a rushing forward Potter through his bulky frame at the keeps knocking in the ball picking up a classic rough and ready Potter garbage goal. You know that saying, "One man's garbage is another man's treasure." Well, Devon Potter's garbage is Darlington's treasure as he has scored another dandy Devon delight. A 2-2 tie was broken at the 10:08 mark as our lads pushed forward with a brilliant bit of football. Korey Brown, who was mesmerizing up the flank, engineered the perfect shift, single-handedly shifted the formation from one side to the other as beat a midfielder then side-stepped another before threading the football along the carpet to Jason Farrow. Big man Farrow picked up the football and shielded it from an Azzurri defender, cradled the ball against another then sent  an incredible feed over the top to Swanny. Tyler collected the ball and cushioned it well before putting a bulge in the bag of the onion bag for a 3-2 FC lead. The FC lead lasted a short time as Hearts decided o follow our Darlington pattern and they answered with one of their own equalizing things up again; it was now 3-3 in this classic shoot-out at the O.K. Corral in Clarington (well, we had the dried out Arizona conditions complete with tumble weeds everywhere right up until it rained today). It was just four minutes after Swanny's go-ahead goal when a Hearts sniper was left unmarked for 3-3. The remaining 30 minutes was a finish none of us expected. Our lads would be put to the test.

At the 10:15pm mark of the game a frustrated Azzurri defender had enough of not being able to stabilize a fleeing Diamani so he took it upon himself to smash Yanny in the face. Aaron Fattori, in Yanny's defence caught his back and took matters into his own hands letting the head official know what he felt about the abusive attack which went unnoticed. At 10:16pm Fattori exited the Hydros with a red card to attend with. Our lads were now down to 10 men with a chunk of time to run off the clock. The next 20 minutes was an exhilarating example of digging down deep. It was textbook courage and commitment from 10 men. Korey Brown, Daniel Frankel and Antoine Paul were absolutely mind-boggling over this duration. Our lads not only played down a man but they pressed the issue taking the flow of the game to Hearts. Our boys were moving the ball around opening up holes and creating gaps like they had the extra body. This attractive footy went on right until a lucky bit of finish not only fooled Lee but surprised the Azzurri midfielder even more. An Azzurri middy found a hole in the back line and slipped himself in behind the defenders finding himself in a very precarious situation sitting in an awkward spot and just as he was about to switch the ball or perhaps even pass it off to someone coming in from the top of the box, the ball took some kind of bizarre bend and chipped itself over Lee finding the top of the netting for a 4-3 Azzurri lead. Has anyone ever heard me utter the words, "It's just been one of those years!" Well, it has been but apparently even the lads are getting damn sick of that scenario and they took matters into their own hands. They were down 10 men with just six minutes remaining in the contest. The final six minutes proved to all FC fans that they were given no doubts to come back next season and fill the stands for the best football in the Province. The final six minutes was a signature for our never-say-die lads and what was about to unfold was priceless.

The lads took the play to Hearts and never once let the Italian visitors out of their end. Our lads controlled the entire remaining minutes but the bad news was the clock kept ticking away. Eventually the final 45 minutes came and went and just as I dropped my head into my hands preparing my post game gab which once again would consist of nothing making any kind of sense; a final corner kick in the Azzurri end gave second wind and second breath. Swanny walked up to the corner flag as he always does time and time again and took one final look into the top of the box. He adjusted his footing and let go of one of his regular bends that made its way into the top of the box where white shirts galore were waiting. Of course Potter threw himself at the ball, the crowd and keeper all at the same time and after a long awaited outcome, it appeared the Azzurri keeps just let the ball cross over the line. A delayed whistle signalled the goal and the horns followed by uproar and chaos meant there had been a goal scored by the home side. It was a 4-4 draw with 10-men coming from behind and everyone present at the Hydros knew this meant movement from the cellar in the OSL Provincial tables. The lads set back up at centre only to hear the whistle sound off a final and official 4-4 result.

I remember walking through the game in my mind once everyone exited the Hydros and I started to replay the entire 90 plus minutes in my mind and it was virtually impossible to single out any one player as the key factor in tonight's tilt. The entire team was that good especially after having to play ten men down for the stretch run. Again tonight Twon and Fatty were solid in the back line and we have to mention the two Darlington FC lads that remain in the top five goal scorers on the OSL site. Whoever could have imagined we would have one let alone two lads in those tables? Potter and Swan did their bit tonight. The Double "D" manned the next line up on the pitch maintaining their normal high level of play as serious middies. Diamani played the best game I have seen him play in quite some time and why not mention the other flank man as Korey Brown put in the performance on the night. Brown was ridiculously magnificent especially after going down to 10 men as he took on the role of bringing home the team leading the way covering 95% of the pitch. He was everywhere as he maintained perfect composure playing hard-nosed football. It was a night to remember as our lads finished up the season at home coming from behind playing with shear grit and determination.

Well it wasn't the U-21 FIFA Final but a quick glimpse at our FC faces made me think otherwise. The monkey had been removed from their backs and it sure felt a hell of a lot better than the 3-4 possible outcome some minutes earlier. What a huge relief! No time to celebrate this massive point upwards as Toronto Supra sat in the shadows waiting for their chance to jump ahead of us. We have a 6-point-swing game in 48 hours at Centennial Stadium as Supra play host to our lads for what surely would be the decider on Regional or Provincial for our lads next season. This is without question the game of the season and possible two-year stint as a Darlington OSL franchise. Let's hope this turn-around match tonight is the beginning of a  few more to come and also this same high level football carries over into Centennial Stadium. There remains just a handful of chapters left in this 2007 season and I know I will be there making sure, "A story needed to be told.....and I told it."  

League Game #10 @ Ajax, Sun Aug 05 07, Loss, 0-2

The Long Weekend/Season

He's crossing his arms & hands, praying and banging his head off the ground. Lee Wesselius is doing and asking for any help he can get to take his FC lads out from the dangerous relegation zone.

The highways were very busy and the LCBO and M&M Meats sales were record high which means it must be "The Long Weekend." Or, Darlington FC Provincials kicked off a Sunday night game in Ajax and basically played a very strong game controlling the bulk of the match and lost 0-2 registering zero points in the OSL tables. Oh, now it all makes sense. It's "The Long Weekend or should I say, "The Long Season."It's been a season that I would never recommend any coach or young player to experience. This has been one headache after another and the majority (actually all of it) has been the fact that our FC lads cannot put the football in the back of the net. 12 GF in 10 League Games is just not good enough at this level which makes for a very long season and on this particular Sunday, long weekend.

9:01pm kicked off the cross-town rivalry and immediately when the referee ignored the linesman's request to flag down a flailing striker molesting Fattori; well, I knew we were in for another of the same old same old. It was already a long weekend so why not add to the even longer season and turn a missed foul into a hand ball in our box leaving Lee on his own. Wesselius was once again facing a deficit and had no control over the outcome. An Ajax penalty taker walked up to the spot at the 0:14 minute mark and put our lads behind the eight ball with a 0-1 score to reflect on. The first half ended and a 10-man Ajax roster clung onto a 1-0 lead that would stand up for the final 45 minutes until an injury time mishap would totally deplete our lads. Our lads continued taking the play to Ajax as they did for the entire second half and on one final push forward our lads were caught flat-footed which is why a 0-2 score read final. Again, a 2-0 Ajax win over Darlington OSL result will once again make no sense out of what truly unfolded on Monarch on this long weekend/season.

I am seriously getting concerned with how much more of the negative bombardment Lee Wesselius is supposed to put up with. But I guess that's why this lad can go up against the best of the best in the Country. He's a class act keeper that will backstop his mates down the stretch run in this long season. Again, Lee was steady in the cage leading his mates on the pitch with his commands and insight. Rob Gurr was outstanding all night long putting in a grand performance leaving his mark as a positive one knowing he will be absent for the Tuesday and Thursday games next week. Aaron Fattori was welcomed back and his excellent efforts did not go unnoticed. Also, in the back line newcomer Mark Del Vecchio received the most time he has played this far in his early season and he looked awesome making some attractive plays touching the football up the line and distributing the ball up field. Adrian Zwart played his heart out in typical hard-nosed "Age" fashion. He worked hard up the line winning all his battles making several crosses and switches into the 18 and box. Swanny came out for a short stint and some of that magic H2O kick-started his game and he raised it up another notch or two. But it would be Antoine Paul putting in the strongest game again for the FC. Twon played a punishing game of football tonight and you can learn more abut his efforts in a couple of other tabs you are all familiar with by now.

A post game chat consisted of very little chatter and much like my write-up, not much can be said at this point so I will leave you with one very familiar saying, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

Round Of 16 Cup Game @ Barrie, Sun July 29 07, Loss, 1-2

Can't Barrie The Ball In The Back Of The Net

I am seriously becoming deliriously confused and bewildered over these results; which is turning into a season long marathon of painful perseverance. With this said, these lads are not finding the back of the net with ample opportunities and excuses can be uttered until the cows come home but the bottom line is, "we cannot Barrie the ball in the back of the net."

Eventually all FC lads were present and dressed and ready to go after the trek up the 400 this past cottage country Sunday night. The match kicked off at an unusual 8:39pm and that should have been a sign that weird things were to unfold if not already earlier getting shifted from one pitch to another for no apparent reason.  Oh, these are all just little bits and pieces and odds and sods that jiggle and joust our head space and game mode. I sat on the bench in my own space just moments before kick-off remembering back to a conversation I had with long-time mate and Darlington soccer guru David Wyman, as we took in the Whitby/St. Catharines Cup game just one week ago. I asked for a quick heads up on the Barrie team as Wizardly Wyman looked into his crystal ball and gave me the perfect scouting report on the bruiser team as he just played them recently. He was bang on and 100% accurate and as I sat in my pre-game space I remembered those thoughts and theories and now just needed my lads to play their Provincial game against this Regional side. Surely this was not going to be much of a match after we jump up 2-3 quick ones?

The opening whistle sounded and right off the bat our lads began moving the football around putting together some attractive one and two touch passes. The Barrie team were a big side with a big heart and they were coming at us at every opportunity. They were not going to be bullied around in their own backyard. At the 0:14 minute mark our lads almost jumped up 1-0 via an Almedia turn and pass to Swanny who fired one off the framework. We just could not "Barrie" the ball in the back of the net. More close calls would follow but no goals for our efforts. At the 0:26 minute mark a Barrie corner-taker strolled over to the flag-pole for a regular corner kick. The ball sailed in and Barrie men were left unattended giving one of them a Christmas and New Year's gift all wrapped up in one. A free header made it 1-0 to Barrie. Our lads were very angry and began moving the ball around better than I had seen in quite some time and surely back of the net was coming? On one particular push forward into the Barrie zone the play was blown down and it was an FC free kick in Dev territory. The Barrie wall was put into place as the keeper belted out his commands but none of this mattered as Potter struck the football in Potter fashion curling the ball around the wall finding bottom/middle right for a 1-1 tie which was taken into the interval. But just seconds before the first half whistle Lee would be asked to make some game-savers (more about this in the POTG tab). The lads walked off the pitch at the half deadlocked at ones with the host Regional side.

The second half kicked off and it was more of the same as the opening ten minutes but this time our lads threw even more at the Barrie defenders and keeper but again, we could not "Barrie" the football. If any of the misses and miscues had any kind of humour or sarcasm attached to the fiasco, then after another 10 minutes of the same, any smirks and smiles turned to panic and pain. There was nothing funny about anything that was unfolding and I had this horrible feeling that something bad was about to happen. Another unmarked man served up another free header as Lee was left out to dry once again. Barrie pounded home the 2-1 go-ahead goal. The half ran itself out and the final 7 minutes was a constant hammering at the Barrie backs and netminder but of course, we could not "Barrie" the ball. The only thing that would come our way would be another yellow card and this time the lucky FC winner would be Yannick Diamani who just registered his 3rd adding to the endless list of FC players that will be spending he stretch run on the bench due to suspensions. Oh yes, we have all that to look forward to as well while we are fighting off relegation. The plot thickens folks...the plot thickens.

The game was over and so was the 2007 Cup run. Lee Wesselius said it best as a quiet bunch of beaten Provincial lads sat and listened. "We can only thank ourselves and can take nothing positive out of this one lads." No one said a word and neither did I. I asked EVERYONE...EVERYONE...EVERYONE...to show up for practice this coming Tuesday so we can work on our new formation and prepare for the stretch run. No one played bad and no one let the team down. We could not "Barrie" the ball and once again we left Lee alone for two unmarked strikers to have their way but other than that, the lads played a half decent game. Wesselius was awesome. Paul, Almeida and Frankel were solid while Devon Potter looked like he will fit just nicely into his new-found glory up the middle. I am truly expecting big things from him down the stretch run. It would be Jason Farrow that played the best game for our lads tonight. Farrow has been playing some strong football of late and on this night he put in a solid performance in the losing cause (more about Farrow's frolics in the MOTM tab).

Well, what more can I say. Once again 3 missing in action starters, missed opportunities and whatever else was thrown at us I have not mentioned...it all adds up to no points and on this special occasion, a halt to our Cup run which we really had a serious chance at. I do not want to come across in a negative fashion but positive things are really becoming far and few between lately. We will now have a record amount of yellows and reds to deal with as the missed players will certainly add to all the stress. All we can do is keep plugging away and look upstairs to the Heavens every so often. This ongoing Darlington FC journey is full of chapter after chapter and not every read is a good one and lately, the pages have been turned over very quickly hoping to skip the odd page or two. But like I have stated right from the very beginning way back when, as painful as it may seem at times, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."        

League Game #9 vs Vaughan Azzurri, Tues July 24 07, Loss, 0-5

"It's Just Been One Of Those Seasons?"

Ice packs, tensors & tape & starters not starting all because it's just been one of those seasons.

Right from the very beginning of the season I can remember turning to Herman and just before I exclaimed what would turn out to be a very familiar and unwanted saying, he would pretty much repeat my words at the same time. These words have been muttered and uttered far too many times already this season. That frightful phrase has become a saying that continues to haunt us and that is, "It's just been one of those seasons?"

Up until Cruz's most recent game, we were the only team to score two goals on the league's best GA squad. But of course this means nothing as it's just been one of those seasons. Take away our own goals and poorly timed PK's and give us the wins that turned losses due to those mistakes and we would be among the top runners but of course, it's been one of those seasons. We draw the "Group Of Death" in the Cup and then after having to sustain a barrage of Cup road games we manage to knock out the 2nd place team in Provincial's and last year's West End Champions, but of course none of this gets acknowledged because it's just been one of those seasons. And a recent bundle of games finds our squad playing wounded with injured lads taking off injured lads and still, we get no recognition because after all, it's just been one of those seasons. Every bounce and bad call and unfortunate break and untimely injury has gone against us as it's just been one of those seasons.

Tonight's game was just another page taken right out of the same old same old. We were sitting on the bench looking at each other at halftime after easily dominating the opening 45 minutes with 75% of the possession going to us and we were down 0-3 on the scoreboard. One would have to witness this to believe it. It has just been one of those seasons so why stop there and might as well throw another 45 minutes of the same at us only this time show a bit of mercy and only allow two goals to go by. It was a final score of 0-5 and once again readers can look at the tables and see Darlington FC sitting on 5 points and holding. With that said, we do have the two bottom dwellers below us and that is where they can stay as they will not pass by us and threaten our footings. This Darlington FC team will not get relegated! We belong up at the top of these tables for crying out loud and if it was any other season...we would be there. It's just been one of those seasons.

On a positive note tonight Mark Del Vecchio launched his FC career and looked very strong in his debut outing touching the football in the closing moments looking every bit a permanent fixture with our lads. I can't say enough about all the wounded and injured lads that suited up again tonight and refused to come out. Shout-outs tonight go to Dev, Kore, Gurr and again Daniel Frankel played a strong game. Jason was strong again and Adrian had an MVP first half and at times looked to be 100% back and up to his old tricks turning heads and gaining comments and cries from the bench. However, it would be Antoine Paul that would earn the nod as team hero on this night and you can find a few more lines on his fine performance in the "MOTM" tab.

Well, there you have it...or there you don't in a game where it's just been one of those seasons. The lads take to the road and head up the 400 into Barrie for a Round Of 16 Cup game against the Regional lads. Fortunately they have a few more days to rest up until Sunday night and let's hope we have at least half these lads back and if that is the case...well I give Barrie next to no chances if the lads play like they did tonight. "A story needed to be told...and I told it."   

League Game #8 vs Toronto Supra, Sun July 22 07, Draw, 1-1

Darlington Day For The Wounded

It's been advertised for quite some time now and everyone was invited to share this special Ontario Soccer League high level of Provincial play with our FC lads as they took on the Toronto Supra. It was an electric atmosphere complete with concession stand and capacity crowd. It was intended to be a day for all young and old to witness the fit and the physical FC lads at their best. Instead, it would turn out to be Darlington Day for the wounded. Oh, do not misinterpret me. It was indeed the Darlington Day we all anticipated as our lads left it all on the pitch but not without panic and pain. I have never experienced a more injury-prone squad in all my life. It's been getting bad for 2-3 games now and today on this special Sunday matinee, it was the climatic conclusion to the walking wounded. We had wounded players taking off wounded players and wounded starters finishing wounded. It was Darlington Day for the wounded.

A late-arriving Supra team changed kick-off time to 4:47pm, just 3 minutes shy of a default game. I never would want to register points in this fashion as it's always about the lads coming out to play. With that said, on this special occasion, "Darlington Day for the wounded," I would have taken it in a heartbeat. As the opening whistle sounded I had no clue whether or not we would even finish with 11 bodies on the pitch. I would have taken 3 guaranteed points in a flash. But as it has been dished out to us all season long, nothing comes easy for this FC group so why not continue that frantic pace and pull in front of a capacity crowd. The whistle sounded and the wounded took to the pitch.

Could things get any harder? It was a measly 3 minutes into the opening frame when a mishap at the back caused our lads to go down 0-1 on the board. Now what? We now had wind and sun to contend with on top of all the injuries and insults and it was a goal down for the icing on the cake. A Mittag and Potter yellow, a missed PK, a Frankel flurry of fantastic football and a captivating FK save from the Supra keeps would highlight the remaining 40 plus minutes ending the first chapter with a 0-1 storyline. And with all that said, our lads played the possession game to perfection. They looked excellent taking everything into consideration. I was proud of all of them but a familiar 0-1 score spelled out grief and grunts on our FC faces.

The second half kicked off at 5:43pm and immediately our FC lads began taking the game to Supra. The game was putting along with stints and starts due to a continuous barrage of cards and calls from a young referee  who was obviously being assessed on this special day. The young and upcoming man in charge reminded his soccer pupils that he was not standing for any heavy feet on the gas medal so he booked and ticketed a record amount of candidates including another 3 FC lads as Zwart, Swan and Farrow became victims 3, 4 and 5. The flow of the game was now impaired due to all the careless drivers and the speed limit was now 30/km hour in a school zone but the only student or pupil of the game was the man in charge. The second half consisted of more of the wounded FC lads taking it to the healthier Supra team. The Supra were on their heels backing up the whole time as our lads pushed their way into the Toronto box and after a constant threat our lads would be rewarded with an equalizer. It was a brilliant give-n-go or if you like, one/two as David Almeida and Jason Farrow played off one and other for a lovely bit of football. Farrow fed a nice feed over to Almeida and as Farrow released the football to Almeida, he worked himself into a nice bit of open space where Almeida returned the favour. David sent the ball back to Jason right into his path where he made no mistakes pounding home the football for a 1-1 score. The remaining minutes of the game featured Darlington and only Darlington as they had Supra on their heels for the remaining moments of the game. Again, there was a major interruption as the referee ejected the Toronto Supra Bench Boss from the game as we all waited and watched as the shamed headman left the premises. It was a long-waited affair that never did get tagged on at the end and the clock ran out ending any hopes of our lads 3 point dreams. The game was over and a 1-1 final score was the best our wounded lads could muster up for their beloved fans. Cheers and chants praised our lads as they limped across the pitch in their post-game warm-down. Even the wounded went across once and that summed it all up in a nutshell. It was Darlington Day for the wounded. 

All Darlington lads need to give themselves a pat on the back as it was surely difficult to get up for this game under the dire circumstances. Jason Farrow and Adrian Zwart put in fine performances while Antoine Paul played another strong game for the FC. It would be Daniel Frankel that would stand out the most on this day and you can catch up on Danny's deeds in both the other main tabs. Well, there you have it and again, it wasn't pretty but neither were the cuts and bruisers I witnessed on legs and feet before the game. Hopefully a few scratches and scraps will mend before Tuesday as the lads play host to Vaughan Azzurri. Those fiery Italians will want revenge as our lads ousted them out of Cup play and I am sure they remember it well. I'm hoping our lads will continue their recent play of late and carry over their commitment and courage into the next chapter. And speaking of chapters, "A story needed to be told...and on this, Darlington Day for the wounded...I told it."

Darlington Day @ the Hydros, July 22 07

League Game #7 vs East York, Tues July 17 07, Loss, 2-3

Missed Opportunities/This Is A Recording

The last thing I said to the lads in the "all quiet in the huddle" was to please not let this one slip away and earn the three points. With that said, once again it was missed opportunities/this is a recording. How many times am I going to have to sustain that line? It was a final curtain call of 2-3 which easily should have read 5-3. It was close calls and near misses which all adds up to a repetitive razzing of no finish. The last time Swanny missed his classic "bottom-right corner" PK ritual was surely before the wheel was invented and of course, on this night he would push it wide and out for his first miss since I knew him. Again, this is a recording as missed opportunities plagued our hard-luck FC lads.

East York soccer guru and long time standing Head Coach Lucky Boothe pushed his luck and liked his chances at registering three points at the Hydros and on this night...he came out on top. A confident and skilled 1988 teenage template of structured soccer stars showed off their skills and talents in front of a rowdy Hydro crowd. The opening whistle kicked off the Provincial tilt and within 13 minutes East York were given a 2-0 head start due to our FC giving far too much respect and room to roam.   Eventually our lads would settle down and put in a more confident outing but the slow start would spell out catch-up and at this level of play...that usually carries with it tragic consequences. Translation, no points again.

At about 20-25 minutes into the match our lads started to catch on to what was going on and they made a game out of it. The remaining 79 minutes of the match was 2-1 FC so let me try my best to unfold some of the action for you.

The first half had just ended and ventured into the one and only minute of added time when our lads cut the deficit in half. Alonso Tello has become a permanent fixture on the left flank, as he used his soft touch and distributed a gentle tap onto Swanny's foot. Tyler turned and the ball was in the back of the net just seconds before the whistle sounded. The lads walked off the pitch at halftime down 1-2 on the early game report.

Once again halftime huddles and discussions found all of us repeating ourselves but at least everyone was on the same page and knew what had to be done. An FC line of white jerseys commanded attention as they paraded onto the Hydros for round two. It was just six minutes into the half as Swanny strolled over to his ever-so-familiar PK spot where it was his real home on the pitch for him. He has never missed from the spot since becoming a Darlington lad. So, with that said, there's a first time for everything and why not make tonight that night. He slid it right and wide and the score remained 1-2 Lucky's lads. The next half hour consisted of a few yellows evenly distributed to both teams and unfortunately East York would add another goal; surely putting this 1-3 storyline well out of reach. But hold on folks. This is the Darlington FC and they will not be embarrassed in their own backyard and once again, they attempted to make a strong finish out of this one yet. Again, we were approaching the final minute of the contest when our lads would pull within one with a second goal. Adrian Zwart, who is starting to resemble everyone's 2006 hero on the flank, managed to put in some strong minutes on this night, would be rewarded for his efforts with a helper on the second marker. Age sent one across the open space where he saw Swanny contemplating the fact that he may just have a go from there. Surely he was too far out for a strike from there? That's what the East York keeper thought as well because when the shot did come in the keeper made very little movement to the bottom corner and after a lick and a promise, Swanny's long range laugher became a long range winner making it 2-3 in the dying seconds. In classic fashion when one wants time to stop, the whistle blew and the final score was 2-3 East York over our never-say-die FC Provincials.

Before this game even kicked off I was worried and wondering if our lads were looking past this game getting ready for the much-anticipated "Darlington Day." After twenty minutes I really thought this was indeed the case but that could not have been further from the truth. The lads eventually brought it all together but the clock on this night would run out and again, we cannot overlook the missed opportunities/this is a recording.

Lee Wesselius was solid in the cage belting out commands for the full ninety minutes. Aaron Fattori came in late and went out big. Rob Gurr came back from an injury and came back ready to roll. Devon Potter was outstanding and played limping and hobbling in the closing moments. Jeremy Brown was another that was injured and went into the match in the closing moments taking one for the team as another defender came off limping. Wow, I have not even mentioned anyone except the defenders and 3/4 of these lads have been and are playing with injuries and ailments! Well-in lads...well-in. The few days off before "Darlington Day" should mend and repair some of the troubled spots. Eventually our mids would take some kind of control and settle down. Antoine Paul played a tremendous game once again getting inserted almost anywhere into the formation and making sure the shape remained true and steady. He came up lame as well and needed to get off immediately with 20 minutes remaining in the match and miraculously (because no whistle and goal kicks allowed him entry) he had no choice to suck it up, and over the next 15 minutes he demonstrated something all FC lads can use as a template for stamina and endurance. What a trooper! Jason Farrow was solid up front again and Swanny was a missed PK (sorry mate) away from the natural hat-trick. Ryan Pope was the MOTM (there's another tab waiting for the Popey fans to read) and his performance on this night was exhilarating as he carried the wounded and winded back line through the trench warfare.

Well, a few days off is indeed what this wounded bunch of soldiers need. A light Friday night practice will feature set pieces and hopefully some added shooting and zoning in on the net which will improve the missed opportunities/this is a recording. "A story needed to be told...and I told it."  

League Game #6 @ Aurora Hearts, Thurs July 12 07, Win, 4-2

A Night Of Firsts

Don't even get me started on the subject about the journey up to the game last night but I guess there's a first time for everything and especially on this, "A night of firsts." It's the first time ever that I actually strolled into a game just as it was kicking off and to think I did not get a chance to have a pre-game "all quiet in the huddle." Well, I guess that can be expected on this special evening, "A night of firsts." Devon Potter became the first FC lad to register two "MOTM" mentions and why not, on this, "A night of firsts." It would be a night to remember for all FC onlookers. Our gifted footballers won their first ever League Match collecting their first ever 3 points in the Provincial tables, and why not, on this history making night in Aurora making it, "A night of firsts."

In classic "helping each other form" when it comes to my FC friends and family, Rob Pope drove my vehicle over to the car lot while I made my awkward way over to the bench. Old man Popey caught up to me and took my infamous black bag over to the bench where a special spot waited for my behind to occupy where I could comfortably watch history being made. It was kick-off time and the action began to unfold as our lads carried the action right from the get-go. The opening frame displayed lots of movement from both sides using the centre pitch vicinity as the area of interest. Both keepers collected wandering balls and distributed the ball back up into attacking rushes but after both teams played the ball back down onto the ground it soon took on the very careful game of one and two touch scrimmaging. Neither team gave very much room and the majority of the half consisted of this kind of footy. Both teams had a couple of magic moments featuring a couple of lads including a wonderful run from our back four veteran Ryan Pope (more about this in the POTG tab). At the 9:39 mark of the game with just six minutes remaining in the half, our lads would score a key goal taking a 1-0 lead into the interval. Our backs found an open lane up through the middle for a change and took full advantage of it. David Almeida saw Jason Farrow open so he fed him the perfect pass and Jay made no mistakes scoring his second in three games. Farrow drove in a hard and accurate bottom right strike beating the Aurora keeper spoiling his first half clean sheet.

The second half kicked off and wasted no time offering excitement and entertainment with Dan Mittag collecting a yellow that would later turn red. More action and activity followed as Aurora equalized at the 10:04 mark. It was now 1-1 and over the next 30 minutes more cards and goals would follow including a flurry of goal scoring including 10 Darlington men scoring 2 unanswered goals. The thrilling conclusion began with an Aurora hand ball in their box sending Swanny to the spot. He does not miss and did not on this occasion making it 2-1 FC. One too many touches in the back line caused a turnover and Lee was never the blame as the short-lived advantage now read 2-2. Danny collected his second yellow which we all know, takes on the red shade removing him from the premises. Darlington FC now played 10 men down with a generous amount of time left meaning our lads would really have to dig down deep to settle for a draw. 12 minutes remained in the fixture and a new energized Aurora Hearts team bolted straight up field firing on all cylinders. Lee would be called upon and never once let his guard down playing last man stopper better than them all. Aurora continued forcing the issue and eventually would get caught advancing a little too much. Aaron Fattori took exception to the flat-footed Hearts and pinched in becoming the crucial cog in the wheel setting up the FC go-ahead goal. Fatty went on a bit of a run complete with give & go and overlap as he swept through a couple of Aurora lads then delivered one over to Swanny as the new-found striker registered his 10th point in just 4 games. Swanny made no mistakes scoring a momentous go-ahead goal playing with just 10 men. It was now 3-2 FC and Swan was not done yet as he figured in on an even bigger goal this time delivering a free kick to the league's greatest heading artist. There was only three minutes left in the contest when Swan and Potter depleted whatever wind was left in the Aurora sails. Swanny sent in a swooping free kick where Dev charged his way through the crowd of challengers crashing down on the ball thrashing it in behind the keeper via a pounding punch from his noggin. The FC heading hero made it 4-2 and the final three minutes ran off the clock. A final score of 4-2 echoed all the way down the 404 south and across the 401 east breezing through the air soon becoming part of those Solina winds that await our lads for three consecutive home games. In just one week's time a welcoming gale will remind us all that history was made on this "night of firsts."

Post game rituals found our FC lads taking down socks and tensors and like most nights, shouts and smiles were present but these sights and sounds were a little bit different from other nights. These were special faces with special yells of victory and venom. It was history for our lads and everyone of them knew it. It was a group of lads that came back and scored two phenomenal goals playing short-handed and they all knew they deserved the win. They did it as a team and they did it all together. Every single FC lad played their hearts out on this night of firsts and all should stand up and be accounted for. Lee was sensational in the cage leading his team as the disciplined and mature captain should. Fatty, Jere and Popey were all standouts on this night. The "Double D" dynamic duo of David and Daniel were at their best. Swanny proved again why his up front appearance was more than just a pretty face figuring in on no less than 3 goals. Everyone was solid but it would be our steady sweeper Devon Potter that would carry the lads on this night and more positive Potter poetry can be read in the "MOTM" tab.

Well, there you have it. It was indeed a night of firsts as our lads won their first ever Provincial League Match. Our boys head home for the first time in a while and will enjoy three consecutive home games including the much-anticipated "Darlington Day." And, if I don't get lost and delayed and happen to find my spot on the end of the bench...well, I may just weave a tale or two as, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

League Game #5 @ Hearts Azzurri, Sun July 08 07, Loss, 1-2

A Real "Heart" Breaker

I sat on the state-of-the-art bench all by myself looking out onto the new turf surface that cost more than our entire fields combined. I was alone with my thoughts as the lads were 1000 yards away warming up on a distant practice field so the Esther Shiner surface does not get trodden on until fifteen minutes before kick-off. "Well, excuse me!" This was indeed a cosmetic creation of brilliance just sitting untouched and unscathed asking for some skills and techniques to be unleashed. Well, let's see what we can do about that?

The game started and so did we. The lads came out firing on all cylinders and with just ten minutes into the opening frame our lads would jump up 1-0. Swanny maintained his goal/game move up into the front lines as he answered with a free kick. Swanny delivered a bottom right free kick in behind the Azzurri keeps for a 1-0 lead. The advantage did not last long and within 3 minutes the Azzurri answered with a set piece of their own coming from the flag pole. A Hearts lad was left unmarked and was able to pound home a header beating Josh Wyman point blank and levelling things up at ones.  The rest of the half almost played itself out and just seconds before the first half whistle sounded the Hearts Azzurri jumped ahead 2-1 via another point blank goal. The lads walked off the pitch trailing 1-2 on the score sheet but again, knowing full well they were more than in the game as they controlled the majority of the pace.

The second half was a real test in persverance and discipline from a coaching perspective as I wanted to dart off my seat (jeez, everyone would love to see that happen) and let the officials know how one-sided things really were. This was the first time this season we had experienced anything like that. The officiating was something not far off the house league level as linesmen could not keep up with the frantic pace up their lines and the middle general should have had all stripes removed from his sleeve. The lack of proper calls began frustrating players and soon the game was a shamble and shame of high level footy. The cards started to come out and next the rough play would follow with erratic shooting and missed opportunities. I lost count of missed chances in front of the Hearts keeper. We had our chances time and time again and should have won the game let alone draw level. The second half played itself out and we did the same on the score board. It ended 1-2 and it was a hard felt loss and a real "Heart" breaker on the road that we all know should have been a rewarding three points away from home. 

Call-up goal keeper Josh Wyman did more than just an adequate job in the cage proving to everyone why he could easily be one of the best 17-year-old keeps in the Country. Devon Potter and Aaron Fattori ran ragged for the full 90 minutes earning a cold beer after their performances. Antoine and Yanny were excellent while Age and Robbie were awesome before leaving the game with ailing injuries. However, it would be Dan "Crash" Mittag that would earn the nod as standout on this night (more about this in the MOTM tab). And a final shout out to the head referee Jae Hyun Lee, whose whistle sounded as bad as his calls. (let's see if the people at the  OSL are any of those thousands of loyal readers we have)

The top of the Provincial tables has the top four leaders sitting with 13 points and we have played all those teams (including this game tonight) and know we should be sitting level with all those top runners. Instead, we maintain our  spot near the bottom of the tables and I continually keep looking up to the Heavens asking the "Soccer Gods" what they expect from us? I am assuming we just have to continue doing what we are doing because the lads really do look like a Provincial team at the highest of levels. We head up to Aurora in a few days for another League Game and a win will be on the menu for our starving heroes. "A story needed to be told...and I told it."

Cup Game #3 vs Erin Mills, Fri June 22 07, Win, 4-1

Cup Half Full Is Our Swan Song

It was a beautiful array of colours & swirls as a kaleidoscope of creativity reminded us all that on June 22nd in the year of 2007, it was Darlington FC's first-ever Provincial win.

I woke up to the birds chirping outside my bedroom window and just as I realized it was June 22nd my wife was standing above me dropping off a Happy Birthday morning cup of tea at my bedside table. It was a regular game day preparation except for the fact that it was the 22nd of June and later on as my supper was ready I finished off a lovely meal with a surprise birthday cake and my wife made me sit through the entire "blow out the candles" ordeal. I knew how old I was so in between breaths were necessary. Just before my first big breath my wife asked me to close my eyes and make a big wish. "Here goes nothing." I closed my eyes and made a special wish on this, the 22nd day of June in the year of 2007. Now, let's see if my private wish comes to fruition. I opened my eyes and found myself sitting on the bench on south Solina road at the Hydros as Herman was handing me my game day large double-double.

I can't remember if I have written about this recently but I do know the lads with Herman and myself talk about this continually. And that is all other teams look at our positioning in the tables and come into the Hydros thinking they have easy win written all over their faces. Well, the second they leave they have relief and shock speaking loud and clear. Our post game huddle tonight was basically no different than any other night and the efforts were also no different except one main difference, we collected that much deserved three points. I reminded the lads that they did nothing out of the ordinary tonight but they finally received that victory removing the monkey off their backs. This was a sound and entertaining performance which again, was no different than what they have been doing from day one. Finally! Our lads have received points. From day one Herman and I have been preaching to the lads that it will come and please hang in there. Every game the lads come out firing on all cylinders and have managed to stay positive looking at the cup as half full...not half empty and on this night with a bit of brilliance up front it was everyone's favourite swan song.

Two starting midfielders in our Double "D" with Franky and Almeida and a dash of Diz up front were absent on this night which meant the bench had to show the real depth we all knew we had...and they all did. Again, changes and hunches were in store as we desperately had to get things going so more combinations and creations were implemented. The chemistry has been great from the start which means once we find the right balance things will turn immediately and on this night...it took a major turn for the better. It was our final Cup Game in the Round Robin and nothing but a one-goal win would suffice. Erin Mills had already won both their games by identical 3-1 wins over Vaughan and Guelph. Vaughan sat in second with 4 points good enough for -1 goal differential while our lads needed a win to pull level with four points breaking the goal differential by one with any kind of win as we already had a -1 GD. (you can read more about this in the Season Full Of Stats tab)     A hard fought battle found our lads coming out on the short end of the stick against Vaughan and an equally tough 0-0 draw in Guelph surely meant a guaranteed win over the visiting Erin Mills team had odds stacked up against us. Again, this is the Darlington FC 2007 Provincial style team and you better be ready especially when entering our Hydros. Our cup is half full...not half empty.

It was great to have Captain and leader Lee Wesselius back as he lead his FC team mates out onto the pitch in his typical FC fashion criss-crossing his water bottle at the centre spot before dashing off to his cage. A nod from the keeper meant sit down on the bench and shape up and format on the pitch. The Erin Mills team stood and watched as our lads went through their rituals focussing and finding their places and their zones. The whistle sounded and the Friday night Cup Game tilt was underway. The game was barely broken in and at 9:09 our lads took a quick lead as the Swanny switch up front paid dividends immediately. Korey went into one of the vintage Brown gallops up the flank then zig-zagged back into an open space collecting the football beating a man then shifting inside into another bit of open space sighting a fleeing Swanny roaming towards the 18. Korey made another lovely shift side-stepping a defender then slipping the perfect pass across to Tyler. Swanny made no mistakes showing why he will be the OSL top point getter once he finds his pace. Swanny finished and it was 1-0 Darlington FC. Just five minutes later Swanny was on the other end this time sending Dan Mittag in for a cracker. New-found middy slipping right into Swanny's boots, made no mistakes firing home his first-ever FC marker for a commanding 2-0 FC lead. Our lads controlled and dictated the entire opening frame and if not for an own goal (Popey owes Lee one in World Cup now) Lee would have walked the clean sheet tonight. The first half whistle concluded the action and it was 2-1 FC.

The lads continued pressing the issue for the opening ten minutes into the second half and eventually would be rewarded with a huge insurance marker. Again, Swanny lead the way playing the role as helper setting up another one. This time Swanny used his vision and saw Antoine just about ready to get on his horse. Tyler was way over on the left flank and he caught a glimpse of the prancing Paul chomping at the bit ready to gallop the gate. It was a perfectly-timed pass as Swanny sent in a diagonal cross that fell right onto Antoine's foot as he picked up the ball just over centre with no one between him and the keeper. And before the Mills goal keeper could think about how to come out, Antoine long-ranged him putting a bulge into the back of the onion bag for a convincing 3-1 stranglehold. Tyler finished off his 4-point night going out with his Swan song setting up another one. Swanny sent another perfect pass along the carpet over to a fleeing Farrow. Jason finally removed the monkey from his back ending his scoring drought beating the Erin Mills keeper solidifying the FC win by a final score of 4-1. Just seconds before the final whistle Herman planned and plotted with Big John Wesselius as the two orchestrated a 30 second firework demonstrative and dazzling display of fireworks at the conclusion of the game which would launch itself into the Hydro horizons. The lads began shaking hands with the Erin Mills squad when overhead fireworks lit up the Hydro skies. It was a beautiful array of colours and swirls as a kaleidoscope of creativity reminded us all that the Darlington FC had finally made history on the 22nd day of June in the year of 2007, collecting their first Provincial win ever.

It was a dominating decision from our lads on this night. They played a well-disciplined game of football advancing themselves into another Cup Round but more importantly, collecting that first win of 2007. An "OG" would disturb Lee's clean sheet as he played a great game in goal stopping everything that came his way. The two "Browns" were exceptional tonight as Kore played his hard-nosed flank game while Jere manned the back line letting nothing pass. The "OG" was the only blemish on Popey's performance on the night as he stood his ground playing a solid "D." Dan Mittag was once again steady and sure in the midfield finding targets and hitting one himself for his first goal on the season. Antoine Paul had an awesome game once again proving he can contribute in any of the spots on the pitch and Adrian was outstanding until his nagging back side-lined him AGAIN!!! All our FC lads came to play on this night but it would be Tyler that would lead the way with a goal and three helpers making a statement with his own "Swan" song.

Well, I made it home and enjoyed a lovely piece of left-over birthday cake and as I put the fork in and took that first bite I remembered a very special wish just hours earlier in this same day. June 22nd will always mean a night of firsts as our FC lads won their first ever Provincial game of football. Again, I will not need to take notes or write it down. I should remember this date for the rest of my life. It was June 22nd as my FC lads won their first ever Provincial game giving yours truly the greatest  gift of all as it would be my most cherished gift on June 22nd proving that wishes do come true. So in true Nicholas Paul Harris form, "A story needed to be told, and on my June 22nd birthday, I told it."

League Game #4 vs Cruz Azul Shooters, Tues June 19 07, Loss, 2-4

Cruzing Right Along

Last year's OSL Provincial Champions, Cruz Azul Shooters, came into the Hydros donning a perfect unblemished record once again sitting at the top of tables. They just keep cruzing right along. As they exited the Hydros, they kept that unbeaten record in check but not before knowing they were in a battle on South Solina Road. Teams look at the OSL tables and see the new rookie team Darlington at or near the cellar but they have no idea that facts and figures sometimes do not tell the real story. Any day now, and I truly believe it will start now..... our FC lads will go a on a rampage and piece together a few wins. We are ready to break out and it would be nice once we start to experience other teams than the top elite skilled teams in the Provincials.

I sat on the bench last night watching the lads warming up with a different keeper. He looked 21. He looked like a young man. He looked like he titled the scales at 200 and change. He looked like a Provincial keeps in the OSL. Hmmm, It was not Lee Wesselius as I knew Lee was sitting this one out due to an East York "Red." It was Stuart Robertson's U-17 CSL superstar. Josh Wyman jumped up a staggering amount of rungs all the way up to the top of the ladder and not even a slip or stagger was noticed. These were crucial steps he was taking and never once did he waver from the task at hand. The opening whistle sounded and the courageous call-up lead our FC lads out onto the pitch while an anxious crowd looked on. Cruz Bench Boss Jr. Groves motioned to his troops to take to the trenches.....the war was on.

My time-piece was ticking for a change and more importantly, synchronized with the man in charge, it was 9:00pm and the football was in play at nine bells. It was an opening nine minutes of back and forth tidy football. Both teams were feeling each other out. The football moved along the carpet with accurate one and two touch footy. It was attractive football unfolding and our lads looked much the equal going head to head with the great Cruz Azul Champions that just one year earlier in a Cup Game, dismantled these same FC lads by a score of 8-1. That was then and this is now. The possession was pretty much even as the game showed itself off well. Both teams maintained shape and formation and then at the 9:12 mark we would have our first highlight of the night. It would be Cruz Azul that would take the first crack at jumping ahead. A Cruz striker caught hold of a swooping switch that came into the top of the box. The Cruz attacker pounded a header that had back of the net written all over it but call-up Wyman had different intentions. Josh darted across his line and double-palmed the football out of harm's way. It was a mesmerizing save and certainly real check to see if his head was in the game. Trust me...it was and you can read more about this in (POTG tab).

The next fifteen minutes was more of the same opening moments as both teams gave very little. If anything, our lads started to gain better poise and began opening up space moving the football forward. It was an attractive match to watch as both teams went back and forth with little runs here and there. The deadlock would be broken via a PK from the spot as Josh read the strike well but an experienced Cruz taker made it 1-0 Cruz Azul at the 9:28 mark. Just six minutes later our lads would respond making it 1-1 on the score sheet. A Swanny cross found sweeper Potter hanging out in his other office looking for anything seven feet off the ground. He found what he was looking for as he pounded home the equalizer. The first half played itself out but not before the Cruz PK taker was issued a card with red on it. He walked off the pitch to a frenzy of onlookers that would rouse up the touchline for a spell. The first stanza was in the books and the synopsis read 11 FC men versus 10 Azul men with a 1-1 storyline that surely had a second period to look forward to.

A halftime "All quiet in the Huddle" discussion consisted of very few lectures. A reminder went out that a 1-1 halftime report was against the best of the best and we were right there in the thick of things with a call-up in the cage. And it was 1-1 with their marker coming from the spot. Again, A Darlington FC Provincial team would not go down without a fight.

The second chapter kicked off at 9:52pm and just 8 minutes into the frame disaster would strike as an own goal gave Cruz Azul a 2-1 lead. The majority of the half ticked away and our lads looked very strong as they kept forcing the issue. It was 10:30pm and not much remained in the contest and my mind started running through the scenario. We were down 1-2 on the game sheet with a PK and an OG. Again, the score very seldom reflects the true outcome these days if you are an FC lad. At 10:31pm Cruz Azul jumped ahead 3-1 and right after that our lads showed true grit and determination again by answering with an FC reply. Again, Swanny from the corner flag with advancing Dev pounding home a winning header for 2-3. Another ten minutes shaved off the clock and time was certainly running out as our lads continued pushing forward. We were very close to injury time (and believe me there would be a generous serving of extra minutes as the Cruz Azul played the "killing time" thing to a tee). My watch said we had almost lost three more points and when Cruz added a point blank marker making it 4-2 I knew for a fact that we would be at the brunt of reader's laugh and lies. All I can say is continue to look at Darlington FC at the bottom of the tables and watch as we make our run towards the upper rankings where we truly do belong. It was a 2-4 final score which definitely gives no justice to the spectacular match of football we all just experienced.

I arrived back at my house last night and eventually made my way up the wooden stairs into my room where I stared at the ceiling for the typical one hour as plays and pictures ran through my head. I played the game all over again and began singling out the heroes of the match. I revisited many of them. Again, I cannot fail to mention the whole "Josh Wyman " thing and everyone can revisit his attributes and contributions in the other tabs. Popey quietly held down the entire back flank which consisted of Cruz Azul gazelles and speedsters for the full ninety. For the first time this season the middle dynamic duo of Swanny and Daniel changed to the other Daniel as Mittag teamed up with Tyler in the middle. I was very impressed with Mittag as he "crashed" (hmmm, where does this "crash" term keep resurfacing from) and carried his sturdy build well maintaining the midfield real estate well. He challenged hard and delicately distributed the football up to his flanks. Mittag was stellar on this night. It was a welcomed sight to see Adrian Zwart back in the line-up looking every bit the "Age" we all remember from his outstanding 2006 campaign as "Top of the W" sensation. Diamani was solid once again giving the opposition much to think about. It would be Devon Potter that would be the stand-out on this night as his performance was something special to rave about and you can delve more into his efforts in the MOTM tab.

It was an excellent game from our FC lads as they hosted the elite of the elite this past Tuesday night. We were the first team to put 2 goals past this team and if these same efforts and extras continue, then surely a rapid advancement to the top portion of the tables will come very soon. The lads will take a couple of nights off as they prepare for Erin Mills in their third Cup Game this coming Friday under the lights at the Hydros. Yours truly will be there making sure the next adventure gets told like the last, which is why "A story needed to be told...and I told it."         

League Game #3 vs Ajax Storm, Tues June 12 07, Loss, 0-1

Darlington Couldn't Quite Weather The Storm

Now that our lads have made the Regional to Provincial jump, this cross-town rivalry promises to develop into something special. And I'm not real sure about the "special" wording but it will prove to be a classic war of rituals and rivalries. This was game one in the Storm/FC home and away fixtures and the edge goes to the Storm after the Hydro encounter. It was a hard fought battle from our lads and again, no scoring hurt our lads who had many glorious opportunities but just fell short. It was a rough and ready rugby match that broke out including a red card, numerous yellows, with bloodied bodies on both sides including a Frankel blood bath that soaked through two shirts and a Yannick Diamani dentistry lesson in how not to remove a front tooth. Ajax waltzed into the Hydros and left devastating damage as their hard antics prevailed on this night as Darlington couldn't quite weather the storm in a 0-1 tenacious tilt.

"All quiet in the huddle" ended, reminding all FC lads that a fresh scouting report within 48 hours reiterated that Ajax was going to bring a very rough style of footy onto our home turf. Rough style was an understatement. Right from the opening whistle the hard tackles and underhanded retaliations started playing havoc on our lads immediately. Just one minute into the opening stanza the Storm sent one in off the framework waking up our FC and Lee.  Just minutes later Ajax Headman's son and Storm captain, took down Yannick in a heap. Diamani lost his front tooth in the exchange and now the consequences; the Storm captain was shown the red card and lead off the pitch leaving his side with 10 men. The first half played itself out but not before our lads controlled the majority of the possession and flow.

The second half kicked off and within a five minute span the Storm beat Lee from point blank and head referee Grace Iafrate awarded Jason Farrow with a yellow card. The entire second half was now in front of us and a 1-0 deficit behind us. It was full steam ahead for the remaining 40 minutes but once again near misses and erratic shooting would run its course. The final whistle sounded after a final push from our lads that just fell short. All in all it was a strong outing from the boys. It was a very hard battle and if our lads could muster up some finish, it could have easily been a win from our FC hopefuls. No goals in back to back games and no wins thus far appears to be troublesome but I can reassure you, that could not even be close to the truth. Those figures are deceiving and really do not tell the real writing on the wall. It's been a few lapses in a couple of games and some hard luck with unfortunate bounces here and there but the chemistry and cohesiveness is just a hop-skip-jump away from balance and shape.

Popey and Dev were strong in the back line while all middies maintained a flat four through all the blood, sweat and tears with Swanny and Almedia leading the way. Once again Jeremy Brown came off the bench and looked calm and cool as did Dan Mittag. Antoine Paul was a key figure playing his role all over the pitch filling in for different lads. It would be beaten and bruised Diamani that would earn the nod as head peep on this night. The team looked powerful and poised in the losing cause and hopefully a win can change the tide and open up the scoring flood gates when Cruz Azul visit our Hydros in one week.  I told you it gets no easier. It could be one of those years but these lads will not disappoint as they keep improving after every touch of the football which is the very reason why, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."   

League Game #2 @ East York, Sun June 03 07, Loss, 0-2

8 Men Beat 15 Boys Amidst All The Chaos

It was total chaos in East York as our parents helped put up the nets, run the sidelines and only one referee made matters even worse as 8 beat 15 by a score of 2-0 on a day we will all choose to forget.

I sat on the end of the bench looking out at my lads warming up while the nets still not up and East York lads arriving late. I kept waiting for more Scarborough lads to show but a final count of 8 men would be called upon to play a full 15 FC slate. There was one referee on the premises and he was a linesman and he too, never received two extras and would man the centre on his own. Parents helped put up the nets and run the lines as well as a small child on the player bench side. It was classic Scarborough chaos at its best and now it was time for kick-off and time for our well-polished Darlington FC disciplined lads to take it to the mismatch bunch from East York. It was 15 against 8 and surely our FC lads would go easy and make it a training session after 4-5 goals at the half? Oh, it would be one-sided and an easy 3 points alright but not the scenario one would expect or even comprehend. It was certainly a day where the men separated themselves from the boys...and they did. It was a courageous and captivating clinic of men versus boys and it would be the 8 men beating the 15 boys amidst all the chaos.

It was a normal, "all quiet in the huddle" when I asked the lads to please make it quick and easy on a hot and humid afternoon in Scarborough. 15 against 8 should not really be played especially in the heavy heat and haze but the whistle sounded and a one-man -show referee pleaded for patience and understanding. We had no worries on this day and already added the 3 points in the tables. What would take place over the next 90 plus minutes would be an exercise in agonizing pain and pity. A changed pitch location and new afternoon time added insult to injury amidst all the chaos and a now 3pm kick-off read 3:13 on my watch and that was the last glimpses of time standing still as the next 90 minutes flew by running the clock and the lads right out of time. For East York, time had stopped but for our FC troupe, the watch grew another hand that circled clockwise double time.

I should have known right from the start that a result was never to be found. There were signs and signals but I ignored them thinking about how the FC stats were about to be bolstered. Well, an early opening half Tyler Swan "Yellow" followed by a second half Lee Wesselius "Red" were the only inflated facts or figures our side could muster up on this day. The opening 45 minutes was a painful display of misses, misfortune and downright misuse of extra bodies and space. At 3:34 Swanny turned away from point blank...3:39 Swanny stopped from long range...a 3:44 Mittag cross found Tello pounding one off the framework...a 3:46 spectacular York keeps pulled in a Farrow header...another Swan point blank at 3:48...another point blank at 3:51...another point blank at 3:54...save after save and miss after miss...and so on and so on and so on...Get the point? Are you starting to sense the common denominator and thread weaving its ugly path through the winding road of dead end turns and tunnels. The first half whistle ended the laugher and 8 men pranced off the pitch gagging for fluids while 11 boys strolled off at the other end gasping for air and answers.

An interval gathering of the minds found very little words of wisdom coming from both Herman and myself. "Get it done! Now!" What else needed to be said at this point? We had just watched 8 players totally outnumbered, run 45 minutes off the clock and the very thought of that happening again...well, the very suggestion made me sick to my stomach if I hadn't already picked up a nasty East York bug.

The second half was on and I can start dictating more times and incidents like at 4:11 more long range shots turned away and at 4:16 point blanks misses and saves but it just makes matters even worse adding them all up. There was just over a half hour of footy left and the very thought of this shameful scenario an hour ago was a distant dream. Or should I say, nasty nightmare. I should have known we were in for dramatics after the Aaron Fattori scramble saving the ball off the goal line after Lee was caught out. It was a sign of things to come. Two more mishaps would then take place which involved leaving Lee on his own again facing fleeing strikers with upset in their sights. It was all coming to fruition in a very surreal unfolding of disbelief. It would happen again in a very familiar lapse of brain cramping that is becoming a real concern of late. Within a two minute shutdown of disaster our lads were down 0-2 as one could hear a pin drop. I was waiting for a gun salute over the Scarborough horizons. At 4:25 a point blank strike would beat Lee and that goal would give him a permanent send off as he would be red-carded one minute later after colliding with an East York player taking him out of the play violently. Just like it happened back in the day for Jim Potter and John Wesselius' Mason Window lads, Ryan Pope would enter the game just in time for a PK from the spot. Popey actually read the taker well picking the correct corner touching the ball and almost turning it away. The key word, "almost" It was 0-2 and a jubilant home team knew something special was about to happen. More of the same Darlington "yeah, yeah, yeah" transpired with erratic shooting and then better more accurate shooting fell short as the East York stopper turned unbeatable in the closing moments. A one/nil deficit possibly could have been 1-1 with some better luck but when the PK made it 0-2 whatever wind remained in the sails was completely depleted at that low point. The final 5 minutes was all Darlington including a couple of free kicks highlighted by a Dev strike that skimmed the upright. I could hear the tick off the framework which frustrated matters even more. Farrow was all over the box in the closing moments but somehow I really do believe he could have had Sir Stanley Mathews written on his back with Nobby Stiles football boots and the ball would not cross that East York line. The final whistle sounded and long time East York skipper known in the soccer community as "Lucky," paraded onto the pitch and congratulated his pupils but not before consoling yours truly as I sat motionless on the end of the bench.

Okay, enough of the dramatics and enough of the crying over spilled milk. It's now the next day and even though it was just a brief moment, the sun did rise and show its face. I sat outside my front door on my porch and took a deep breath and caught an astonishing scent of my wife's lilacs from the hedge. Everything was right as rain. It was another day and it was great to be alive. All was back to normal and I had 17 disgruntled lads awaiting me over at a pitch in 24 hours that desperately needed to be reminded who they really are. And you ask me, "Who exactly are they?" I will tell you. They are the 17 gifted lads that just sustained a loss on the road. That was it....just a rotten ole loss somewhere in Scarborough. These are the very lads that make me tick and make me tock. These are the very lads that make everything worthwhile in my life and whether it be a road loss or a triumphant home win...they are and always will be, my 17 lads from Darlington in the summer of 2007 who have already proved themselves to me as football heroes and more importantly, beautiful human beings.  Well, I never promised that it would always be pretty and on this day, well, it was downright ugly. With that said, I have made it my duty to report everything that happens around the edges of the game which is why, "A story needed to be told...and unfortunately, I told it." 

Cup Game #2 @ Vaughan Azzurri, Thurs May 31 07, Loss, 2-3

Darlington Didn't Really Do Anything "Vaughan"

It was 2pm and I was sitting at my desk looking out the back window wandering off into space as the heat and humidity reminded me we had a Cup Game later in the day. I picked up the TV flicker and began surfing around viewing the various weather stations trying to locate the one network that promised it would go down to 25 degrees with very little humidity. I found nothing that resembled anything below 28 with intolerable conditions. How could a group of young adults attempt to play a 90 minute tilt in these conditions, let alone push themselves over and above the call of duty? I expected a lethargic and lagging effort at best. I could not have been more mistaken and will never under estimate my lads again. Countless practices and sessions over these past weeks has really paid off. These lads may have a few more steps to find and a 1/4 cup of chemistry for the perfect mixture but fitness and determination is in fact at mid season form already. They just fell short and really didn't do anything "Vaughan." (or if you like, anything wrong).

A warmed up FC squad took to the pitch as a familiar parade of patrons. The lads had a proper warm-up and could not have been more ready than they were. But once again the opening whistle sounded and for some unknown reason the lads temporarily go into a lower gear crawling and creeping through the gear box before shifting into over-drive. However, their baby steps once again put them behind the eight-ball having to climb out from a 0-2 deficit with 2 goals in 2 minutes making it 0-2 at the 0:17 minute mark. Our FC lads woke up and controlled the balance of the flow and feel for the first half. It was 0-2 at the end of the half but the entire squad was confident and more than ready to buckle down for chapter two.

The second half kicked off at 9:52pm and at 9:56pm the deficit was cut in half just like that. Yannick Diamani was reminded after the game that he collected his first helper as a Darlington player dating back to before last season. It was well overdue and well appreciated as the goal scorer reversed roles this once assisting at the other end. It was a clever chip over to front man Farrow who used his noggin to bang home the FC's first-ever Provincial Cup Game marker. A jubilant chorus of chants and chats commenced for just long enough to fade away with the one goal deficit which abruptly became two. Only six minutes later the Azzurri would jump up by two as the Italians answered from point blank. It was now 1-3 and without any kind of dispute our lads dominated the majority of the pace. That lingering opening period lapse would haunt again. The lads kept heads held high and continued taking the play to the Azzurri and just eight minutes later would be rewarded with goal number two. Our Swanny/Almedia "W" combination would pair up for an astonishing bit of footy (more about this in the POTG tab). The Italians went into their protect mode and found themselves on their heels for the balance of the game hanging onto a 3-2 thread. The lads pushed forward and sent no less than six attackers forward but it would not be enough on this night and the 2-3 score stood firm registering a road loss for our lads second Cup tilt.

Again, it was a sound effort from all the lads and if not for that brain cramp in the opening half our lads out-played and out-chanced the host team. Popey and Potter looked more like the two FC lads we all come to respect and rave about. A back line of Darlington vets could not control an Azzzurri striker that gave fits for the opening stanza. Speedster and dashing defender Antoine Paul was shifted and asked to station himself in the path of the" Italian Stallion." Antoine had his hands full as he was the only Darlington player that could maintain the annoying Azzurri gazelle with a number 11 on his back. Paul shut down the threat and kept him in check for the remainder of the game. Again, a midfield with a menagerie of  magnificent men minded their post for the 90 minute compliment. Farrow and Tello were solid up front while newcomer and first touch of the ball Jeremy Brown, came off the bench into action not embarrassing himself at all. The debuting Jere looks to be a great addition to this squad as I give a huge shout-out to the Brown brother. Hopefully a full squad will turn out for a Sunday afternoon romp in East York as League Game #2 awaits our FC lads. "A story needed to be told...and I told it."   

Cup Game #1 @ Guelph Royals, Fri May 25 07, Draw, 0-0

FC Keeper Royal"Lee" Shuts Them Down

FC lads were picked up and car-pooled and fetched and founded and all this had to be done before 5pm just in perfect time for a lovely trek across the Toronto chaos and congestion. Hours later our FC lads met up on a grassy hill over-looking the picturesque setting for an "under the lights" extravaganza against one of the west-end giants. It was a Guelph team sprinkled with University experience and expertise. With that said, our lads prepared warming up all the while not taking their eyes off the late-arriving confident home team and our lads had a very serious and equally confident glare on their faces. Yes, this was the Guelph region we had entered into but our lads carried the name on the front of the jersey with as much pride as the name on the back and they reminded themselves that they are the real and the first "FC."

It was 9pm and the lights came on and it was Cup time as a sprinkled spectator gallery watched on. Where were all the local supporters at? How strange it was to have this level of footy on this well-groomed pitch with no acknowledgement of achievement that was about to unfold over 90 minutes. When the final whistle sounded a few more onlookers took in the grand finale but nothing to write home about. If this was the Hydros.....well, we would need extra bleachers brought in. It was game on for Cup Game #1 of a round robin format.

It was an opening fifteen minutes of lack lustre from our FC lads. The lads gave them far too much respect leaving Lee on his own for the most part. Things started to settle down and after an array of different changes and fresh legs from the bench, form and shape gave signs of regularity. At the 9:17 mark midfield general Daniel Frankel (now cutely known as Franky to lesson the complication with 2 Dans) let go of a ferocious strike that just sailed wide of the framework. In the closing moments of the half also new addition and reliable back four technician Aaron Fattori saved the day by clearing a wandering ball off the line. The first half played itself out with tight footy from both sides. An aggressive, strong Darlington squad kept a quick and skilled group of Guelph lads off the score sheet for the opening 45 minutes.

Our lads kicked off the second period with much more step in their pace. Some attractive football unfolded from both sides but still not allowing much room to roam or run. Guelph had their moments but once again, Lee closed the door with superior net-minding. Second half highlights featured a Dan Mittag monstrous strike that just sailed over the bar and usual calm and collective Franky registered his first early season yellow as he would not let the bigger boys bully him. The second half twisted and turned running the full 90 minute gambit but not before an injury time Wesselius save that would keep his lads in the game (more about that in the POTG tab).

It was debut games for three new players in Fattori, Tello and Mittag and I was impressed with all three of them especially Fattori in the back line. Alonso had some glorious moments up on the left flank and Mittag's sensational strike almost ended the deadlock. Again, Franky and Almeida were steady working the middle and new found FC Farrow did his bit up front taking his lumps. However it would be our keeper Lee Wesselius that would have a phenomenal game and royally shut them down. Captain Lee was spellbinding in the cage and a more vivid description of his performance can be located in the "MOTM" and "POTG" tabs. The fact that Lee owned both tabs on this night should explain why he was the main conversation piece in the convoy of FC vehicles heading eastbound.

It was a nil/nil result and without question, a huge road point for our FC lads. The various drive-thru stops and starts for a midnight trek back home will certainly make all those fries and burgers taste that much better. Sunday finds our lads training in a light session as they have pictures and promos for the upcoming Darlington Day extravaganza coming up in July. The lads practice for a few more days then take to the road again as they are in the middle of a three-game road segment that finds them in Vaughan for another Cup Game before entering East York for League Game #2. I will be there along side all of them making sure every trial and tribulation gets documented as you should know by now, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."   

League Game #1 vs Aurora Hearts, Tues May 22 07, Draw, 2-2

Who Showed The Real Heart

A capacity Hydro crowd took in the home and season opener watching on with great anticipation as to how the new-look Provincial home team would shine. The Aurora Hearts made the south bound stroll down into Clarington and even though they don the name "Hearts," it would be our local boys that eventually showed the real heart. The sun went down and the Solina light towers lit up the main attraction as kick-off read 8:57pm on my time piece.

A very familiar disciplined line of FC troops took to the pitch with an obvious swagger of shine and shimmer. The long wait was now over and it was time to bring on the Provincial peeps as the Regional ones just did not sustain our progression from one year ago. The opening whistle sounded and the game was underway. The opening ten minutes was not much to speak of as both teams felt each other out. I am sure a few butterflies and jelly legs hung around for a bit more than ten minutes. An early first half yellow card handed out to Yannick Diamani would certainly take the edge off his nervousness and actually catapulted him into his next best 30 minutes in quite some time. A  0:17 minute brilliant Wesselius save would keep things deadlocked at zeroes. A point blank strike would handcuff our keeps but not enough that Lee couldn't steer it away with a double palm save. The Aurora Hearts had a menagerie of  players that could strike a ball with pace and power giving Lee a half decent workout for the most part. A Ryan Pope parade up the pitch punctuated the opening stanza (more about this bit of brilliance in the POTG tab). At the 0:31 minute mark our lads would jump on top with a 1-0 lead. A 5-10 minute segment found the visitors on their heels defending themselves against a barrage of corners and crosses and one particular corner, which wasn't the most poignant of the lot...found the back of the net. A Swanny corner which quickly turned into a garbage feast in front of the net found Devon Potter wandering up front like he always does on set-pieces and this time he made no mistake winning the early season award for garbage goal. Call it what you want.....Nick's bit of crumpled paper agreed with the official's game sheet which reported one-nil FC.  The first half ended as our lads belonged to a 1-0 lead which could have been 3 at worst.

The second frame kicked off and again our lads looked every bit the front-runner winning the balls and finding the space. However within a four minute span it would read 1-2 on the score sheet in favour of the visiting Hearts. Their first marker came via a tremendous strike finding top corner that no EPL keeper could stop on a good day. Goal two was something to be desired and let's just leave it at that as a deflection and a bit of dandy deceit found lob ball beating Lee. A couple more yellows dished out to Antoine Paul and David Almeida just fired up the home side even more and the final ten minutes was a complete domination from our lads and eventually they would be rewarded with an equalizer and Aurora knew bloody well it should have been more. In the closing moments Rob Gurr crossed in a swooping cross that found Jason Farrrow hanging out in his new found office. The Rooney clone caught hold of the football and pounded home a winner via a world class volley. The sidelines, now over-run with spectators and its share of Farrow supporters (majority females) cheered and applauded as the striking finisher galloped back to the semi-circle looking like a prize pony on his debut circus prance. The final whistle sounded and there was not a single person that took in the game that argued the fact that Aurora was lucky to escape with a point and the home team...well, a come from behind draw would certainly show who had the real "heart" on this night.

As I watched the lads taking down socks, tensors, boots and more, I could not help but think to myself how promising things really do appear. This was game one with many new faces and the chemistry is already taking shape and form. Almeida and Frankel ran the bottom "W" like they do it every night in their sleep. Brown and Paul did same at the top of the "W," and of course Swanny manning the head spot.....well, Swanny is Swanny and on this night he ought to be commended for his distribution of the football. Jason Farrow showed exactly why he is going to cause a raucous this year as he looked every bit a veteran. Maybe we should let all those girl watchers know that he's really 12. Our backs were strong tonight especially Gurr and his "MOTM" mention speaks for itself. Diamani played the best game I have seen him play in quite some time and even reliable Lee could not be faulted for his inflated GAA. All in all it was a great first outing and just imagine when the missing in action FC lads return for Friday's Cup tilt in the west end. It should be an exciting venture up the 401 into Guelph where you know, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."      

Friendly vs The Dutchmen, Wed May 09 07,  Win, 2-1

The Dutch Should Have Worn Wooden Shoes On This Field

It was a long winter but just like every year since we have been calling the Hydros home, the snow melted, the turf thawed and the Solina winds swept across the barren land opening up the front gates for the Darlington FC. Here we are for yet another exciting outdoor campaign and this year our lads have been promoted into the elite OSL Provincial division where a higher level of football will entertain the crowds in Clarington. Our new-look FC lads open up at the Upper Hydros in a pre-season tilt against the local men's team known as "The Dutchmen." The orange men stroll into Darlington and take to the pitch on our practice field where the lads promise to put on a clinic of a training session. As final roster and jersey numbers are literally being finalized our lads will play a regular 90 minute friendly against the Dutchmen and like always, I will be there to follow each and every trial and tribulation as our lads lace up for friendly number one.

It was a condensed version of our normal routine warm-up game of handball and ritual complete with stretching and running that would be interrupted due to darkness hovering about. Local referee and Darlington Head Coach Ron Wrigglesworth officiated the friendly tilt on a chilly night at the Uppers. Our new-look FC squad paraded to the pitch with 7 new faces with only 10 returning from the previous triumphant year. It was a juggled and jittered formation that would take to the pitch and there's only one way to start ironing out the kinks and it was to play through all the hiccups. I knew there would be stoppages and starts but I never expected the playing surface to factor in on the outcome.....but unfortunately, it did. The Dutch should have worn wooden shoes on this field. However, both teams had the same deficit but I really did think it hurt our lads smooth carpet game of one and two touch football that really had no chance due to the divots and dangers of a rough terrain turf. Anyway, no time for excuses and when it was all said and done our lads still managed to pull out a 2-1 win over the "Orangemen."

The opening whistle sounded and it was baby steps to say the least. Our lads were feeling things out but the Dutchmen were coming in at full tilt not letting up for one minute. As a matter of fact they were going in hard and at times some of our lads were coming out on the wrong end of the stick. Composure and common sense prevailed and our lads managed to overcome the obnoxious style of footy and would be rewarded for their efforts. At the 0:15 minute mark our lads turned a bit of magic taking a one-nil lead in the opening stanza. New sensation and midfield specialist Daniel Frankel weaved a bit of brilliance turning aside an Orange middy sliding the football over to Rob Gurr. Gurr made a nice move sliding the football over to brother-in-arms Swanny who in turn did not let his side down. Swanny shifted to his right made a spectacular turn and cracked home a tremendous strike to the right corner about half way up. The bewildered Dutchmen Keeps had no chance as the strike had one-nil written all over it. The first half played itself out with relatively nothing to write home about except for a marvellous bit of net-minding from Lee (more about that in POTG tab).

The lads watered up at the interval and a new set of soldiers took to the pitch still trying to find a home and a comfort zone. Again, a few early season hiccups would dictate the flow but no major worries as this can be expected. Chemistry will come and as a matter of fact.....I saw signs and signals of cohesiveness. It was just 0:08 minutes into the second half when our lads would jump up 2-0. A Lee Wesselius drop kick from his box found a forest of legs in blue Darlington shirts and after a slight scramble, Dizzy touched it into new addition Dan Mittag. The experienced OSL Provincial player made no mistakes pounding home a winner with ferocious finish. Danny headed back to the centre circle with his new mates enjoying a 2-0 lead. With just minutes away from the closing whistle, Lee's clean sheet would be tampered with. A point blank scramble in Lee's box gave our keeps no chance. It was 2-1 and that score would hold up as a 70 minute match would come to a conclusion just as the darkness loomed over the Uppers.

All in all I was moderately impressed and I can certainly see the lads gelling especially with a fort-night of scrimmaging and friendlies still to come. Our game is largely played on the ground with lots of one and two touches supported by each other with feet continually moving into open spaces. Again, the horrible pitch conditions really did limit us so frustration and awkwardness ran havoc at times. We will be just fine. New additions Frankel and Almeida played strong games in the winning cause while Farrow looked like he will have a few goals in him once he adapts. But it would be new sensation Dan Mittag that impressed me the most. Danny scored a nice goal and played an excellent game off the football always knowing exactly where to be and where to go. Regular shout-outs to Lee and Rob and Korey played a huge game giving his all. Swanny walked the honours as MOTM and you can read up on his performance in the MOTM tab.

The lads now begin some intensive training as they need to hone their skills and find some chemistry. More exhibition games will follow and with that I will be there making sure every trial and tribulation gets reported which is why, "A story needed to be told...and I told it."