Missile stay in 2nd, lose heartbreak to Blazers

Blazers show why they are in first defeating the Missile 1-0.

Over 20 fans in attendance were treated to a battle of #1 versus #2 and a close game was predicted by the pundits everywhere....They were right.

The Missile from Saint James, were comnig off a big win in Steinbach and had some momentum of our side. The Blazers just came off a huge 4-2 win over King's Head in which they were down 4-2 with 20 minutes to go.

The game pace started quickly and good ball movement was displayed by both squads. Jim, Dave and Waldo were controlling the back throwing every oppurtunity away. Our midfields were also controlling the field and Clay, Erin, Davey, Vince, and Daryl were outstanding. Donni got called upon three times in the the first half and made the hard saves look easy. Kevin and Jeff kept pressuring the Blazer D and managed a couple shots and one in paryicular, Kev hammered from over 30 yards out and their keeper made a brilliant save.

After the half time break , with the score notched at 0-0, the Blazers started to pour it on creating havoc by moving inside mids out and vice versa. They also used McIvor from their back end to create odd numbers in the MIssile 18 tard box. This tactic again was stopped by the outstanding Missile Team defense.
With about 20 minutes to go in the game, the Blazers opened the scoring. From just outside the 18, some tall guy named Jess turned on the ball an hit the shot of his life. He hit the top corner far side and Donnie managed a finger, but not enough to stop it.

The Missile continued to push and created a couple more chances, but to no avail.

Great match and the Missile will look to rebound and seek revenge Sunday as they host King's Head at 7pm.

Missile take the boots to the kickers!!

Missile win 1-0 for first ever franchise victory in Steinbach

It was Sunday, it was 3 pm, and it was Steinbach. Three conditions that the Missile have not faced much this year. Another extra bonus was that the Missile was coming off of an emotional 2-1 loss to King's Head on Friday and the faithful were hoping for a much better result on this day....which they got.

Saint James achieved their seventh win out of their last eight games defeating Hanover 1-0. Now up to second place on the table and only four points from the top, Missile are now considered the danger side of the competition and outsiders for the title. In a comprehensive display, the Missile made a mockery of Hanover's home field dominance so far this season. The game started with a flurry of Missile attacks, while the opposition remained stuck in their own half, refusing to clear their lines. After fifteen minutes the supporters of both sides were amazed by the offensive display and the superb inter-passing from the Missile’s midfield. The one-two plays from Clay, Erin, Davey, Darryl, Jim, and Vince were especially good to watch, with Simes tearing up the touch line with some searing runs. The Missile were eventually rewarded after Erin, teasing the defence, sent a short pass off the corner kick to Clay, who sent a fantastic cross for Kev to tap the ball home to go 1-0 up.
Meanwhile off the pitch Missile supporters were creating a great atmosphere with their typical sounds. In the second half. the Missile continued their domination with Jim and Waldo marshalling the defence. Don was his ever-alert self in goals, having to save only one shot for the game by diving low to his right and pushing the ball past the post, underlining the terrific improvements made by the keeper this season. As they say, average in height but tall in stature. Daryl continued his dominance in the air all over the pitch.
It has been a feature of Missile’s season that ball players have been able to perform equally well with players moving between positions. Special mentions go to Viera, who, after spending most of his time as a forward, played in the midfield helping the visitors in the one of the most satisfying wins of the season so far.

Special mention also goes to Terry who, in an exemplary display of sportsmanship, worked as linesman on the far side and did not swear at anyone.

Next match is a huge one with both #1 and #2 ranked Blazers and Missile face-off.

Bruised and Battered, but not broken or beaten…

Captain Dave sinks AC Fiorentina and the Missiles escape with a 1-0 win!
Running on empty tanks and with a limited bench of only 2 members, the Missiles knew they were in a battle from the get-go. However, knowing that the prize is an important 3 points to stay in a battle for promotion, the boys came through with a second half marker from their appointed Captain Dave to escape with the 1-0 win.
On the bright side it was nice to see Roy once again juggling a ball and going for a light jog in anticipation of his return next week! On the other side though our squad was missing its top goal scorer Lagacé, as well as important mid field contributor Maguet, and the fleet footed defender Dale, the depleted bench was marked through this tough match with the AC Fiorentina squad.
The contest was evenly played in the first half with both sides having opportunity. Missiles had the wind along with several good chances, however nothing could find the twine for the visiting squad. Forwards Jeff Simes had several excellent runs however had difficulty beating the equally bulky and swift defender, while Joe made several dazzling moves and fired several volleys towards the net only to be denied time after time. The mids were utilized as well to create several chances, especially a couple of long runs by Dave K and open field for Vin, but it still resulted in a nil-nil draw at the half.
Once again the home team showed up to play, and AC Fiorentina began to take over the play in the second half. The Missile defenders seemingly played far back with the mids guarding in front. The Missiles stopped chasing the ball and waited for the AC attack before preventing several chances before they were directed on goal. Clayton in particular made an excellent slide in front of a shot that sailed over to prevent a goal from an imposing AC player. Few excellent chances were granted to AC and Don the Keep kept them at bay with several spectacular saves to keep the home side scoreless.
Our boys were also not without there chances, and halfway through the second a brilliant strike was finished which proved to be the winner. Captain Dave Kostelnyk dribbled the ball around outside the opponents 18, and then apparently once again moving out to the right-side in order to make a cross to an open Missile (the imposing Patton presence in front of the AC goal), Dave instead pivoted at the corner of the 18 and fired a shot into the wind which fooled the keeper and dropped just inside the far post for a magnificent marker! Jubilant Missiles erupted and AC was devastated.
AC then carried most of the play, moving the ball around the horn and up to the mids, but still they could not capitalize. The Missiles defensive squad whom were subbed several times during both halves due to suffering various ailments, kept strong and held the home team scoreless.
After the final whistle out squad quickly congratulated their player of the match – Don the Keep – and then disappeared to the friendly confines of the Pony Corral for a few post game beers and nachos.
As the seemingly never-ending road trip continues, with our fifth game of six-in-a-row on the road, the Missile will play this Friday at the Waverley Soccer Complex against a new opponent – the King’s Head Knights. Thanks again to the fans in attendance and hope to see everyone on Friday for another exciting encounter.

celebrity post - Jim Patton

Not the Prettiest Win, But They’ll Take it

Scrappy match against Mundial ends with Missile 2-0 victory

It took everything the St. James Missile had left in the tanks to maintain their cool in the face of the hot-collared, Mundial squad last night. While tempers flared throughout the majority of the 90 minute battle, the Missile were able to pick up three points and their fifth consecutive win.

The line up saw a very similar start as the Penerol match, with Legace and Vieira striking with the support of halfbacks, Keats, Bo-Maguire, and Maguet. Kostelnyk and Howie picked up the wing positions while Patton led his defensive team of, McVicar and Elrick. Once again, McLeod would stand tall between the posts, capping the teams filed presence.

Mundial, where credit is due, played a tough game. They were constantly in the trenches and controlled the midfield quite well. This was all fine and good until Dave Kostelnyk broke free on the right wing and found captain, Kevin Legace running the touch line. Legace managed to out muscle the last Mundial defender and blast a shot from a very tough angle. Despite his best efforts, the Mundial keeper was unable to control Legace’s heavy shot, much like many keepers in the league, and the Missile went ahead 1-0 at the 26 minute mark.

At the 43 minute mark, Mundial would find their best opportunity from 20 yards out. A hard, curling shot from just above the penalty area would just graze over the crossbar and ring off of the back framing of the net. This chance was the wake up call for the less than masterful performing Missile squad, who would take the 1-0 lead into the half.

Half time substitutions saw the replacement of Howie, Vieira, and Maguet, to bring in the fresh legs of Nguyen, Schneider, and Simes. But these substitutes were not coming in for a stroll on the pitch as Mundial came out with fire in their boots. A sloppy 15-20 minutes of soccer from the Missile squad would give Mundial opportunity to get on the scoreboard, however, with Patton, McVicar, and Elrick standing as the last line of defence, the chances were limited.

The best opportunity of the half came from a Mundial corner kick. The ball had been played deep, across the penalty area and back to the center where it was directed to the net. McLeod played this perfectly and came up with a great save, ensuring the Missile’s one goal lead.

“It is all about positioning,” says McLeod in a post match interview. “I’ve been playing long enough, and I’ve been burned enough times watching the ball and moving to follow it. In those types of situations, a keeper has to be disciplined enough to pay attention to his positioning.”

While McLeod continued to make everything look easy on his end of the field, the offensive end continued the difficult battle to try and buy some insurance for the win. While tempers continued to flare, poor sportsmanship would end up costing the Mundial squad a player; a dirty hit after the keeper had picked up the ball would award the halfback’s second yellow and see him ejected from the match.

Being up a man, the Missile needed to take advantage of the situation and score. As the game was getting out of control and the Mundial squad began to play recklessly, the game could not have ended soon enough. Midway through the second half, confusion would cost the Missile squad their captain as Legace was sent off with a red card for improper substitution. This call came immediately after Legace picked up a very questionable cautioning after colliding with the Mundial keeper.

“It didn’t make sense,” argued Legace after the match. “We had asked for substitution for Wade and me. The linesman was given two cards and everything seemed fine. The referee had started the play before [Vieira] had been let onto the field. It was awkward but we took our lumps and rolled with it in the end. You have to respect the official’s decision.”

With the sides back to even strength it would not be until the 78th minute where the Missile would finally find the back of the Mundial net and seal their victory. A lobbing ball found Keats inside the area and the rebound would land on the foot of Simes, who was faced with an empty net and his fifth goal of the season.

After 90 minutes, nothing sounded sweeter than the referee’s whistle, signalling that the match had finally ended. This win extends the Missile winning streak to five and continues McLeod’s string of shutouts to four. As the road trip continues, the Missile will play again on Tuesday at the Waverley Soccer Complex against AC Fiorentina.

A very special thank you goes out to team captain, Kevin Legace, whose determination, dedication, and love of the game brought him to appear in the match last night after the loss of his grandmother. The St. James soccer club would like to extend their thanks and sympathy to Kevin in his time of mourning.

In other action around the league, AC Fiorentina mustered everything they had as they, once again, brought upset against the first place, and heavy favourite, Blue Blazers. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, limiting the Blazers strangle-hold on the division to 4 points. Penerol met with Boni-Vital and managed a 3-0 victory which will keep them in contention for top spot as well.

Revenge is in the Air Tonight

St. James Missile, Penerol S.C., and Blue Blazers all in action tonight

Friday night is upon us and Division Three of the MMSL is not holding back. Tonight, the top three teams in the division will kick off in separate matches in efforts to gain 3 points and split the ties that bind the top of the standings.

St. James will meet the surprising, Mundial tonight. Mundial is currently 4-6-0 with only 12 points to show for their season—three of which were picked up against the Missile in their first meeting this year. The Missile look to extend their winning streak to five consecutive games tonight as they continue their six game road trip. A win tonight would improve their record to 8-3-1 with 25 points.

After two wins this week, including a 5-0 romp against the St. James Crew and a convincing 4-0 victory over Penerol S.C., the Missile will play their third game in only five days.

“We’re ready,” comments team captain Legace. “Our team is playing the best soccer of the year and we all really want to continue to send our message to everyone that we are a great squad.”

The number one, Blue Blazers will face off against the lowly, FC Fiorentina, whose record of 4-2-5 surprisingly includes a 2-1 victory over the Blazers. The Blazers have played 13 games up until today—which is two games more than the trailing Missile and Penerol squads-- forging their first place record of 10-2-1. The Blazers will need to continue winning and focus on the prize tonight in order to maintain top spot.

Penerol S.C. is reeling off of a disappointing 4-0 loss to the St. James Missile on Wednesday night however tonight’s match up against Boni Vital United could very likely put a smile back on their faces. With the exception of the Blazers and the Missiles, Boni Vital has been the closest to stopping the power house Penerolians; a hard fought game found Penerol victory with a final score of 6-3 during the early season meeting. Both teams are full of fresh players and lack real experience, but this match is sure to draw a lot of attention and the outcome is definitely up in the air.

Finally, the Sierra Stars will battle the Grant Mill Rangers for three points. This could be only the second win for the Rangers which would bring them within striking distance of Lions F.C. and save them from relegation.

All games kick off at 7:00pm tonight with the Vince Leah Community Centre in the middle of the action. Both St. James Missile and Blue Blazers matches will be played on fields 2 and 3 and seating is limited so be sure to get there early. No matter the outcome of these four matches, the face of division three will look a little different at the final whistle tonight.

Go! Missile! Go!

Big Win for the Boys in Blue

St. James Missile show Penerol S.C. they mean business

The St. James Missiles donned the blue, away shirts tonight as they continued their six game road trip at Crocus Park tonight as they met Penerol S.C. The last time these two teams met, the game ended with upset; the favourite, Penerol, fell victim to a 4-2 come-from-behind victory for the home team Missiles. Penerol, surely, was in the mood to break the Missiles three-game winning streak and seek revenge for the first meeting.

This game would mark the first meeting of the infamous, Birky Penner; Penerol’s self proclaimed goal-guru, scoring 50 plus goals last season—but that was in division four. Tonight the St. James Missile would re-extend their welcome to Division Three with a hard fought battle from start to finish.

The key word in the Missile vocabulary was intensity. From minute one, super-human efforts from every corner of the Missile line-up had the Penerol team reeling. At every turn in the offensive zone, Jim Patton, Craig Wilding, Dave Elrick, and second half substitute Dale McVicar, were there to meet them. Defensively, Penerol was under constant attack from the likes of forwards, Joe Vieira, Jeff Simes, and team captain Kevin Legace. And as far as the middle of the field was concerned, the depth and diversity of players such as Erin Keats, Sean Maguet, and Wade Bo-Maguire, kept their wingmen Vinh Nguyen, Dave Kostelnyk, and Vincent Howie busy all night.

Showing a fine display of leadership, Legace opened the scoring with a blast from 12 yards out, taking advantage of strong pressure and support from his line-mates. Legace finished a lead pass from Vieira who was graciously fed across from Kostelnyk. Despite a number of excellent opportunities on both sides of the pitch, the score after 45 minutes of play remained 1-0 in favour of the Missiles.

The midway marked the substitution of Howie, Wilding and Vieira to make room for Simes, Nguyen and McVicar. “The depth of our bench, if you need to call it that, is outstanding,” says Brent Boulter, head coach of the Missile.”

“When making substitutions, we lose nothing—we only broaden our game play and bring fresh legs,” adds Josh Gill, team manager.

The second half brought some heavy pressure from the trailing Penerol squad. Despite many tries, Don McLeod continued to deliver between the bars with and incredible performance. “You know,” says McLeod, “some days you just feel everything click. Today was one of those days.”

Penerol’s closest chance came from, the otherwise silent, Birky Penner, whose free click curled around the defensive wall and rung the all too familiar sound of the crossbar. This glimpse of finesse from the Penerol team gave more reason for the Missile squad to refrain from pulling their punches.

After a foul commited by the Penerol keeper, Legace provided ample punishment by nearly tearing a hole in the back of the net from the penalty spot. Making the score 2-0 after 60 minutes left Legace hungry for a third goal which came from a loose ball in the Penerol area at the 69 minute-mark.

Three goals seemed to be enough for the Penerol keeper, and the call was made to bring in the back-up. But, unfortunately three was not the limit for the Missile squad who came right back to test the newly entered keeper—and not in the nice way. Two dangerous chances from Simes, who curled a shot just wide of the near post and by Nguyen, who was absolutely robbed from 20 yards out, brought the keeper up to speed on how the game was unravelling.

“That was just unfair,” says Nguyen after he shrugs his shoulders. “I shoot maybe once every three games. The back of the net is just not somewhere that I can find.” Nguyen, the Missile squad agree, is probably the player most deserving of a goal this year.

A late substitution, for fear of the lives of the Penerol defensive line who were clearly unaware of the trouble they were getting into with Vieira, brought Howie back onto the pitch at the 83rd minute. As if the Penerol tissue box was not empty enough, a perfect pass across the top of the penalty area from Bo-Maguire found Howie, who neatly tucked the ball into the back of the net.

The three goal performance bought the man of the match award to team captain, Legace but incredible efforts from Patton, who managed to save the only Penerol scoring opportunity of the first half and the rest of the defensive team added fuel to the Missile fire as they delivered only the second loss in two seasons to the Penerol Soccer Club. The final score was 4-0, giving McLeod his third consecutive, and fifth overall, shutout this season. Overall, the Missiles have managed to outscore the big-talking Penerol team 8-2.

Missing from the line-up tonight were half-backs, Roy Barnstoff, Clayton Schneider, and Daryl Patton. Ian Koslowsky, who was also missing, may sit the remainder of the 2005 season with a separated shoulder.

While extending the Missile winning streak to four, the St. James squad will drive for five on Friday evening when they visit the Vince Leah Community Centre to seek revenge against Mundial. The last time these two teams met, Mundial delivered an embarrassing 2-0 loss to the home team Missile.

Reported by: Vince Howie

Preview - Penerol host Missile

Tonight, AUgust 3rd, 2005, at Crocus park, fans will be treated to a truly awesome play-off type atmosphere.
Peneraol is a team that was promoted from div 4 this past season and have climbed into 2nd place.

Tour home-town Missile are a well balanced team with experience that will be shown this evening.

Here are the team records as of August 2nd.

GP W L T GF GA +/- PTS
Penarol S.C. 9 7 1 1 0 36 10 26 22
Saint James Missile 10 6 3 1 0 24 13 11 19


Visit ticketmaster.orgy for your tickets!!!

Missile pound Crew 5-0

In the 2nd round of the battle of St, James, the Missile came out fast and furious.
With Jim, Waldo, and Dale on D, Erin, Howie, Sean, Wade and Davey in the Mid, and Joe and Kev up front, the Crew did not have a chance from the get go. Having their 3rd stringer Kehan in the pipes did not help their cause either.

The game pace was fast and our 3rd string goalie cut off his pony tail just for the occasion as well.

With about 10 minutes left in the 1st half, Wade smashed a beauty into the top shelf. 1-0 Missile. Then, 5 minutes later, Simes fed his brother in law Erin a pass wich he kindly put in the back of the net. That gave Erin yet another Simies family offering, but also, more importantly, a 2-0 Missile lead at the half.

Some changes were made and Vinny, Dave E, and Darryl came into the game for the Missile. If we were to be called anything this year, we should be called a team with depth. Every man that has been subbed out has had an equal come in. That is MAGIC (like Terry would say).

Our hippe goalie was awesome making 7 saves in the first half.

The 2nd half saw the Missile get the ball, the wind, and yet another goal. The marker was another Simes family moment as Jeff fed Erin for his 2nd of the night.

Simes wasn't done as Kev was crushed in teh 6 yard box after he gave a pass to Jeff for his first of the night to make it 4-0. Just for good measure, Joe made good on a suspect corner kick to notch his 2nd of the season, also his second versus the Crew this year.

Great game and positive attitude all around. The 21 in attendance was our 2nd largest of the season as well.

Our defense was steller keepiong A1 chances at 0 for the game.
Our forwards made some good plays and moved the ball nicely, but out Mid Field dominated and scored 4 of 5 goals on the night. That is outstanding production and looked good on everyone.

Next match is
WEDNESDAY
PENEROL
7 PM
CROCUS

Get your tickets as this will be 1st versus 3rd place and Penerol will be looking to avenge the 4-2 loss we Missile handed them on our home field!!!!!