NationStates Jolt Archive

2008-07-22-EVENING EDITION

SOCCER: BRUNSTONE BARELY GET A TIE FROM CLIFFSTONE
Cougars able to dominate BFL Grizzlies in noon friendly

Cliffstone, Pearson Cliffs - Cliffstone proved today that despite them not being in the Bay Football League (BFL) they could still compete with BFL teams.

In a noon exhibition at Cougar Field today, the Brunstone Grizzlies were barely able to come away with a tie as the Cougars were able to dominate the Grizzlies for most of the game.

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Cliffstone midfielder Jerry Rogers fires a shot on net during the 1st half today against Brunstone.

The match, more of a midfield affair for the majority of the game, was highlighted by offensive attacks primarily by the Cougars during the match.

Cougar midfielder Jerry Rogers led in the shots department for both teams with 3 shots on net during the match.

It was not until the 82nd minute however that Cliffstone would take the lead. The goal, an own goal by Brunstone defender Matvey Urai, came off a cross that was heading towards Cougar forward Aaron Landry. Urai, tried to block the ball from getting to Landry however helped to propel the ball into the next sending the home crowd into a joyous celebration.

The rejoicing however was to be short lived as the Grizzlies roared back with an offensive barrage of their own until Brunstone midfielder Igor Tasharov was able to head home the ball to tie the score up at 1-1 in the 88th minute.

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Grizzly midfielder Igor Tasharov heads home the tying goal past the outstretched arms of Cliffstone goalie Cyril Walkric in the 88th minute

Cliffstone had their chances to win the game through injury time but could not capitalize and therefore had to settle for a 1-1 tie.

The Cougars hope to do better during their next match against their crosstown rival, the Cresthenge Mavericks, later this week. As Rogers noted after the match, 'we had the win and allowed them to battle back and tie it up, it was not a good game'.

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Match statistics

2008-07-23 EVENING EDITION

SOCCER: NEW PEARSON CLIFFS LEAGUE FORMED
Pearson Football Assocation formed as Pearson Cliffs clubs reject Brunstone minor league status offer.

Pearson Cliffs - The four remaining clubs of the former Pearson Cliffs league have joined once again to form a new league.

'We had no intention of becoming farm teams for Brunstone', noted Nate Evans, a representative of the Westview Pitbulls, the team most opposed to any form of minor league status the Pearson Cliffs teams would engage in with their former rival.

The announcement of a new league, issued today in Pearson Cliffs, at least temporarily stalls attempts by Brunstone to get a number of farm clubs up and running for the franchise in the Pearson Cliffs area.

'They want farm clubs they can get their talent from Brunstone, we plan to compete with them and every other team in the nation', noted Evans.

The decision to form a league has been in the works for some time though with the removal of the Harbour Sharks from the picture a desire for a new league took on a new sense of urgency.

'Most of the teams are doing okay, however if we hope to continue as independent franchises we really need a league to compete within', stated John Simpson, representative of the Cliffstone Cougars.

The league is set to run its season during the month of August with teams playing 2 games against one another before the top two teams face off in a championship at the end of August.

Cliffstone plans to continue to play out of Cougar Field even with Harbourview Field up for sale. 'It would make no sense in us moving when we have so much history at Cougar Field', noted Simpson.

Westview will continue to play out of Pirates Stadium in the east of the city while both Ridgeway and Cresthaven will use Pearson Stadium as their home field. There had been some talk of Ridgeway being interested in Harbourview Field however Ridgeway has noted that 'they have no interest at this time of moving from Pearson Stadium'.

Meanwhile, news out of Daemoniata is that the Aldavaen All Stars will be visiting Pearson Cliffs to face off against the four Pearson teams later this week and next. Tickets go on sale for each game tomorrow at 9 am at the respective stadium box offices of each Pearson club.

2008-07-24 EVENING EDITION

SOCCER: COUGARS BEAT MAVERICKS IN PFA EXHIBITION PLAY
The luck of the uprights shines down on Cliffstone

Pearson Cliffs - The buildup to this match was intense, the match itself was adrenalizing, and yet, in the end, the difference between winner and loser came down to a couple of feet. Two posts, one in the final minutes of play, helped to seal the fate of the Mavericks today as the Cliffstone Cougars were able to take full advantage of their own opportunities to win the battle against their archrival today.

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Landry fires home a shot in exhibition action earlier today

Aaron Landry was again the key instrument for success for the Cougars as he scored in the 9th, and later the 67th minutes. His first goal in fact was no doubt due to a bit of luck as his shot slammed against the post and fell back to him allowing him to put the ball into a gaping wide net.

The Mavericks were able to tie it up on a goal from Jose Vega in the 33rd minute but Landry helped the Cougars take the lead with a beautiful deke in the 67th minute. Then moments after the Mavericks were unable to put the ball away during a goal mouth scramble, the Cougars stormed back up the field where off a corner, defenseman Vance Jelik fired home a shot from about 30 yards out which somehow beat Mavericks goalie Herman Richards.

After the match, Jelik was beaming about the first goal in his lifetime. 'As a defenseman, you never really get a chance to score. I was just trying to get it on net so hopefully one of our guys could pounce on a rebound, I think their goalie just missed it to be honest'.

Both teams now prepare for a number of visiting international teams that are invading the Pearson Cliffs area for the next two weeks.

It is hoped that these exhibition friendlies will not only help the Pearson teams make final preparations for their upcoming seasons, but also help to publicize the fact that Pearson Cliffs is playing soccer once again.

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Match statistics

2008-07-26

SHUTOUT, SHUTOUT, SHUTOUT.
Home teams unable to score yesterday in international exhibitions.

Pearson Cliffs - The seats were filled, the fans had shown up, the visitors had shown up, the home sides...not really. In the first mass broadcasted international exhibition in Pearson Cliffs, all three home sides managed to not only lose, but were unable to score.

RIDGEWAY 0 VS ALDAVAEN 3
At Pearson Stadium, the goalkeeper of the Ridgeway Rams, Jack Mitchell made a flurry of saves but was unable to hang onto the ball. Coupled with the Rams inability to clear the zone, the visiting Aldavaen All-Stars were able to capitalize on three rebounds for goals to win 3-0.

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Match Statistics: P. Saervarsson 30, E. Saervarsson 37, E. Saervarsson 90

WESTVIEW 0 VS LITTLE GREECE 4
At Pirates Stadium, it was much the same story. The Pitbulls were unable to score while the opposition filled the net with goals. This time however it was the defense that was solely at fault with the first and third goals coming directly from giveaways by defender Aiken Baker. Little Greece forward Giorgos Karyotakis meanwhile made an impression on the event organizers right away by scoring a hattrick plus earning an assist on the other goal to give him 4 points on the day in his team's 4-0 slaughter of Westview.

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Match Statistics: Karyotakis 20, Eleytheraki 44, Karyotakis 49, Karyotakis 68

BRUNSTONE 0 VS AN BLASCAOD MOR 1
Finally at Savage Field in Brunstone it was the Brunstone forwards who were helping to ensure that their team as well would be unsuccessful. The midfielders were constantly sending pinpoint crosses their way only to have shots which were closer to flying into orbit then going into the net. Then in the 80th minute striker Munis O'Sullivan was able to head in a cross into the top corner to silence the Brunstone faithful completely. Despite being outshot An Blascaod Mor were able to escape with a 1-0 victory.

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Match Statistics: M. O'Sullivan 80

Today only sees one match as in the late evening the Cresthenge Mavericks host the Shuukyuu Kishin Red Dragons at Pearson Stadium at 9pm. Though not much is known about the Red Dragons it is hoped by Pearson Cliffs fans that the Mavericks will get at least one goal for the home side.

MATCH PHOTOS FROM YESTERDAY:
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Aldavaen fired a steady stream of shots at the Ridgeway goalie yesterday

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Little Greece forward Christodoylos Eleytheraki heads home a cross to give his team a 2-0 lead in the 44th minute yesterday

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Brunstone forwards fire the ball into the stands instead of the net during action in the 1st half yesterday

2008-07-27

NO GOALS THE THEME FOR PEARSON CLIFFS TEAMS
Cresthenge clamps down on defense, leading to a 0-0 snore fest

Pearson Cliffs - Another game, another lack of scoring by Pearson Cliffs teams has many wondering when the home side will score at one of these matches.

Last night at a sold out Pearson Stadium, the Cresthenge Mavericks kept long balling the ball out of their zone from basically the start to the end of the match.

'I think they saw what happened to their counterparts yesterday and wanted to avoid that fate', noted one scout on hand from one of the BFL teams.

If they were hoping for a scoreless draw, the Mavericks were successful in that no doubt as Shuukyuu Kishin squandered numerous scoring chances and were looked extremely rusty as a cohesive unit.

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Cresthenge goalie Herman Richards saves a shot in the 2nd half of last night's match at Pearson Stadium.

In fact in the end, despite the fact that the Red Dragons outshot the Mavericks, it was the Mavericks who in fact had the best scoring chances with their forwards hitting the crossbar on two occasions.

The Red Dragons coaching meanwhile seemed to adjust a tad late to the Mavericks defensive style.

After the match, Mavericks goalie Herman Richards was asked how he felt being able to do so well against an international side. He noted that, 'to be honest, their shooting seemed a tad off until the latter 10 to 15 minutes'.

The Red Dragons meanwhile were unwilling to comment on strategies however it appears that they seemed unimpressed with one of their forwards, yanking Jennifer Sloan in the 74th minute of play, and pushing midfielder Kazuki Midorikawa to forward position while putting midfielder Hiroshi Imaizumi on as midfielder.

Midorikawa in fact was responsible for 3 of the total shots for his team in his limited time as forward almost scoring off a header in the 82nd minute of play, however, like the rest of his team, was unable to solve the Mavericks keeper before the end of the match.

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Match Statistics

2008-07-28

CLIFFSTONE OUTMATCHED BY BENINGRAD
Offensive barrage against one of the better PFA teams only bodes disaster for the bottom feeders no doubt.

Pearson Cliffs - As the international soccer fest continues in and around the Pearson Cliffs Greater Area, it became apparent yesterday that the B side teams, which are what Pearson Cliffs teams are, are for the most point outmatched by the international squads that are in attendance.

None the less the games make for good entertainment, especially the fact where Pearson Cliffs teams scored in all 3 games, despite losing 2 of them, bodes well for the enjoyability of the remaining games.

'Hey even if we score and lose at least we have accomplished something', noted one Brunstone fan leaving Savage Field yesterday after the game.

Cliffstone 2 vs Beningrad 4
Cougar Field - In the highest scoring match thus far at the tournament, the final score painted a much different picture then the actual reality of the match. 'They dominated us, their offense was non-stop, probably why we scored a few goals as they kept wanting more', noted Cougar defenseman Nigel Andrews after the match.

In fact the match was not even 5 minutes old when Beningrad acquired its first goal after Txikel Inaxize scored off a rebound to make it 1-0 for the visitors.

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A Beningrad forward taps home the rebound to make the score 1-0 in the 5th minute

The Cougars were able to tie it up in the 21st minute, after a cross went to midfielder Wayne Bristol who after shooting the ball watched it deflect off a defender and into the net to send the hometown faithful into joyous celebration. 'A goal is a goal, no matter how we get it', Bristol would comment later about the fluke shot.

Beningrad however would not be denied there second, and after a heavy offensive barrage scored off a break up the left side in the 32nd minute to lead 2-1. Early in the 2nd half it was 3-1 off a Beningrad header, and then in the 73rd minute Inaxize was at it again, this time heading in a cross for a 4-1 lead.

Aaron Landry was finally able to get a legitimate goal for the home side in the 82nd minute, off a blast from the top of the box, however Beningrad was to much for the Cougars and they had to settle for the 4-2 loss.

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Match statistics
Beningrad: Inaxize 5, Halford 32, Hall 49, Inaxize 73
Cliffstone: Bristol 21, Landry 82

Ridgeway 1 vs An Blascaod Mór 1
Pearson Stadium - The most controversial game thus far, after a post was hit by Blascaod in the 43rd minute, Blascaod midfielder Dougal McGuire was yellow carded for a questionable slide tackle in the 45th minute on Rams midfielder Craig Evans just outside the box. The ensuing free kick led to a rebound which Norris Hughes was able to fire home for a 1-0 lead for Ridgeway.

An Blascaod however would not become the first international beaten however as McGuire in the 54th minute stole the ball from Evans and fired a shot into the net to tie it up for Blascaod.

The remainder of the match was a chippy affair with both teams not showing much respect for one another both on and off the pitch. After the match a fiesty McGuire noted that, 'you tell that Evans kid to come play football in my country and we see how long he lasts pulling dives and stuff like that'. Evans meanwhile, just laughed when told that the other team was not found of him much.

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Match Statistics
An Blascaod Mór: McGuire 54
Ridgeway: Hughes 45

Brunstone 1 vs Little Greece 2
Savage Field - In a match much closer in score then in reality, Brunstone tried to play as defensively as possible to hold off their opponents scoring prowess while Little Greece showed touches of greatness on both their goals.

Little Greece jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute after Konstantínos Papacharalampoys scored off a cross to make it 1-0 for the visitors. Later in the 45th minute Christodoylos Eleytheraki would get on the score sheet with a blast from 25 yards out during an advantage. 'Karyotakis was fouled hard but I saw the referee was playing advantage but their defense sorta let up for a moment so I figured I would have a go at net and it went just over the goalie and under the bar', noted Eleytheraki about the goal at half. Brunstone keeper Drayce Riggens meanwhile was mad at himself about the goal. 'It was a perfect a shot, I had let up for just a second as I expected them to call the foul as I could see it here but then they shot it and I was like no cause I knew I was a step out of position and I could see it would be close'.

The second half Little Greece went into a defensive shell though when Brunstone forward Vadim Plostorinov got a goal off a rebound in the 74th minute, the Olympia started going on the offensive again. Brunstone keeper Riggens however would keep his team in the match, making some fine saves in the process though time would run out leaving Brunstone with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Little Greece.

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Match Statistics
Little Greece: Papacharalampoys 30, Eleytheraki 45

2008-07-29

MAVERICKS GET POUNDED, PITBULLS EARN A TIE
Westview able to earn a tie against the internationals

Pearson Cliffs - Pirates Stadium was again rocking as the home crowd hoped to get their team on the board this game, while Westview came out a lot more pumped then they had been in their first loss to Little Greece.

The game remained scoreless until the 36th minute when Lester Davis streaked in up the left side and buried the ball past the Aldavaen keeper to make the score 1-0.

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Lester Davis watches as his shot goes past the Aldavaen keeper in the 1st half yesterday

The Pitbulls however, eager for a 2 goal cushion, found themselves on the defensive in the 45th minute when Aldavaen got a breakaway. Defender Anthony Garcia was able to catch up however tried to slide tackle the ball away from the forward and fouled the Aldavaen player instead. The referee had no choice to book Garcia with a red card setting the stage for Westview to have to resort to defense in the second half.

The Pitbulls tried to hold off Aldavaen with 10 men in the second however in the 53rd Aldavaen were able to equalize the score as Haljalmar Vidarsson, joined the rush and was able to get a shot into the net from just inside the box to silence the home crowd.

The remainder of the game was played primarily in the Westview end however to their credit they were able to stave off the Aldavaen attack and both teams ended up with a 1-1 draw.

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Match Statistics

Meanwhile in the Cresthenge match, it was the Mavericks turn to get blown out, this time by the Centralia Cougars

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Cresthenge goalie Herman Richards makes a spectacular save in the 1st half yesterday

The Mavericks were able to hold off the Cougars for most of the 1st half however midfielder Corey Anglin, was able to break the deadlock with a header off a corner in the 45th minute to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

In the second half it was all Centralia, with them hitting the post in the 59th, scoring on a cross in the 67th, hitting the bar in the 70th, and scoring during a goal mouth scramble in the 71st.

Anglin has a big day in fact for Centralia, scoring the 1st two goals while teammate Nick Compston got the third to give Centralia a big 3-0 win.

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Match Statistics

Next game for Cresthenge will be against Aldavaen this Thursday, meanwhile Centralia face Brunstone this Wednesday at Savage Field.

2007-07-30

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Total mismatch as Ridgeway gets slaughtered

Pearson Cliffs - It was only a matter of time. When international teams visit on occasion you are going to get a few premier type teams that will attend as well. Normally they are put against teams that, whether premier, or in the case of Pearson Cliffs teams, are B side, should be able to compete. On occasion however you run into games like we saw yesterday.

Beningrad, powered by hattricks from two of their players, were able to destroy the Ridgeway Rams 9-1 at Pearson Stadium. The match, a sold out affair, was over within the first five minutes as defensive miscues and an eagerness by the visitors to score capitalized on a half asleep Ram squad.

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This scene was a constant throughout the match yesterday

Those arriving late for the game no doubt would have been in shock to see the scoreboard showing a 2-0 lead for the visitors by the 5th minute of play as Lloyd Cooper was able to steal the ball off a defender and slam in home in the 2nd minute of play, while in the 5th Cooper again acquired the ball off a deflected shot and was able to easily put it past the keeper to give his squad a 2-0 lead.

The game settled down for the remainder of the 1st half with Ridgeway trying to get back into it, while playing much better defensively then they did the first few minutes, however just before half, in the 45th minute Txikel Inaxize was able to drill a rebound off the post into the net to give his team a commanding 3-0 lead going into halftime.

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Though some of the blame has to go to goalie Jack Mitchell, on some goals there was simply no defense around

The second half was where Ridgeway however just fell apart. A goal in the 62nd by Cooper, his 3rd in the game, off a cross, seemed to deflate the Rams, especially goalkeeper Mitchell who really should have had the ball but just could not hang onto it.

That fourth goal in fact seemed to inspire Beningrad to get more while the Rams just gave up.

By the end of the match Beningrad had more goals then Ridgeway had shots. The only bright note was Norris Hughes' goal off a corner in the 90th minute that at least gave the remaining fans something to cheer about.

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Match Statistics
Beningrad: Cooper 2, Cooper 5, Inaxize 45, Cooper 62, Halford 68, Halford 70, Halford 77, Murphy 84, Cooper 87
Ridgeway: Hughes 90

Meanwhile at Cougar Field, Cliffstone played a strong game but just barely lost against the Red Dragons 1-0. Paul Dismoor was able to get the lone goal for Shuukyuu Kishin in the 32nd minute courtesy of a perfect cross in front of the net which he just fired home to give his team the victory.

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Match Statistics

It is hoped both teams, especially Ridgeway, can pull it together and earn a win in their remaining international friendly later this week.

2008-07-31-International Edition

BRUNSTONE GETS THUMPED
Riggens pulled in second half after horrible first.

Brunstone - Drayce Riggens, son of the famous Ivan Riggens had one of his worst showings in years, allowing three goals in the first half, two of which he arguably should have stopped. The result was a 4-0 pasting of the Grizzlies by the Centralia Cougars.

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A capacity crowd at Savage Field left disappointed after the results from yesterday

In a game where the talk beforehand was on defense, it was a complete disaster for Brunstone. Centralia kept pressing until finally in the 19th minute, midfielder Corey Anglin deked the defender and then using his weak foot fired it into the net to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead.

Moments later in the 22nd minute it would be midfielder Nate Coppolla, with a beautiful deke of Drayce Riggens, that would put the Cougars up by a score of 2-0.

Going into halftime it appeared that score would remain 2-0 however in injury time forward Keith Brannon headed home a cross to give Centralia a 3-0 lead and left the home crowd quite hostile at their star goalie, firing all sorts of debris at him and the team as they made their way to the dressing room for halftime.

The second half saw Adrian Polosk enter the net for the Grizzlies, their first substitution of the day. He would prove to be a lift to the Grizzlies as he was able to rob the Cougars on a number of occasions. Even he however was beatable as the Cougars proved in the 90th minute off a penalty kick, after a foul in the box, to give Centralia a 4-0 win.

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Match statistics: Anglin 19 (CC), Coppolla 22 (CC), Brannon 45 (CC), Compston 90 (CC)

2007-08-04

PFA SEASON STARTS OFF WITH SCORING
A new league ushers in hope for the future of soccer in Pearson Cliffs

Pearson Cliffs - After an official absence for a year, soccer was back in Pearson Cliffs yesterday as the Pearson Football Association broke group on their inaugural season.

Only four teams are apart of the league however with the teams so evenly matched it made for two exciting matches.

In Cliffstone, Todd Sterling made the home crowd proud, scoring 3 goals allowing his team to defeat the Westview Pitbulls 4-2.

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Todd Sterling of the Cliffstone Cougars leads all scorers after games yesterday in the PFA

Other goals were scored by Cougar midfielder Jerry Rogers, Westview forwards Victor Ward, and Brett Moore.

Meanwhile at Pearson Stadium it was Ridgeway verses Cresthenge with the Mavericks pulling out a victory in the latter stages of the game with a 2-1 victory. Goals were scored by Norris Hughes for the Rams, while Cresthenge was powered by the scoring touch of Lomo Saltado native Jose Vega with two goals.

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PFA standings after Sunday's matches

It will be interesting to see how all four teams respond in their followup games on Thursday though with the Cougars big win over the Pitbulls, they are now favoured to win it all this season.

2008-08-11

SOCCER: CLIFFSTONE TAKE DOWN CRESTHENGE
Westview ties Ridgeway to give Cliffstone the edge going into the second half of the PFA mini season

Pearson Cliffs - With the standings having Cliffstone in the lead, it was clear on what the other teams had to do, win. However after yesterday only one team was able to accomplish that goal.

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Standings heading into game day 3 yesterday (top), and after (bottom)

Cliffstone, led by a stubborn defense, was able to defeat Cresthenge 1-0 to take a a commanding lead in the standings by the end of the day. Couple that with Westview and Ridgeway unable to come to an agreement on who would win their match and Cliffstone now seems destined to acquire the Presidents Trophy of the PFA this season.

'The season is still not over', noted Dave Griffiths, coach of Cresthenge. 'Cliffstone might have the advantage now, but they still have to play that championship game at the end of the season and we plan to be there', noted Griffiths.

Cresthenge will need however to improve their scoring if they hope to have any chance against the Cougars no doubt.

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Scoring leaders before (top) and after (bottom) game day 3 yesterday

'Cresthenge states that we have to look out for them in the final, the problem is though that they have a limited offense'. We have a few players that can score while they have [Jose] Vega', noted Cougars coach Calvin Bailey after the match. 'As far as I am concerned first place is already decided, the only question is who will we get to slaughter in the final', noted Bailey.

2008-08-15

SOCCER: CLIFFSTONE CAN BE BEAT!
Lester Davis scores two to do the damage for Westview

Pearson Cliffs - Just when you thought you knew what would happen next you realized you didn't. Both underdogs won their respective games yesterday with the biggest surprise being the win by Westview over Cliffstone at Pirates Stadium.

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Standings after yesterday's games

The Pitbulls, in dire need of a win to stay in the hunt for first place played big yesterday with backup forward Lester Davis scoring two key goals in the 2nd half to send the home crowd into jubilation.

Meanwhile, at Pearson Stadium, Hal Wright was the hero for the visitors with his goal in the 77th minute to keep Ridgeway on pace with the other teams in the standings.

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Scoring leaders after yesterday

Ridgeway, who have looked horrible so far this season actually played a strong defensive game despite their roster having been depleted of players over the past 2 seasons.

2008-08-17

CLIFFSTONE F.C. ACQUIRE HARBOUR JUNIOR SHARKS
Team to be renamed Cliffstone Harbour Juniors

Pearson Cliffs - With the announcement last month that the Harbour Sharks would cease to exist, many wondered who would acquire their junior program, the best in the Pearson Cliffs area. Though there was some speculation that Cliffstone would take a run at it, with their current debt in building their new stadium, Cougar Arena, it was thought that they would not go all out for the squad.

However those representing creditors of the Harbour Sharks announced yesterday that a deal had been struck with the Cliffstone Cougars Football Club to acquire the Harbour Junior Sharks and all outstanding debts of the organization. Though specifics are not known, it is believed that part of the deal calls for Harbourview Field to be sold off to developers.

This announcement would seem to ensure the ability of Cliffstone to stay competitive in the new PFA for years to come.

Cliffstone coach Calvin Bailey noted he was 'delighted' at the news this morning at his home. Though he was unable to talk long with reporters he seemed enthusiastic with the propsect of having a junior squad to help feed the Cliffstone professional side.

'It will make us much more competitive then we have been in the past, this coupled with our new stadium (set to open in 2009) will definetly make us a world power in soccer in the years to come', noted Bailey.

2008-08-21

SOCCER: BOTH CLIFFSTONE AND WESTVIEW PLAN TO PLAY STARTERS
With today's matches for pride before the big final on Sunday, both contenders plan to still, 'play as usual'

Pearson Cliffs - If you ask coach Calvin Bailey of the Cliffstone Cougars, or coach Charles Price of the Westview Pitbulls there reasons for keeping their starting lineup for the last game of their mini-season, they will both tell you different reasons, but in the end it will be the same result.

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Standings heading into today's matches

The Cougars and Pitbulls, both guaranteed a spot in the final this Sunday, have chosen to play their starters during the last regular season match later on today.

Coach Price is direct and to the point for his reasons, 'We want to beat these guys'. Definetly a win over Ridgeway will be a confidence boost for the Pitbulls who earned a tie against them in their first meeting this season.

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Scoring leaders as of the end of game day 5

Coach Bailey meanwhile has a different reason for playing his starters. 'We want a Cougar to be the scoring champion this season, if we do not play our starters we might as well hand (Cresthenge forward) Jose Vega the scoring title.'

Both Thomas Sterling and Aaron Landry are tied with Vega for the scoring lead this season and both are anxious to earn the crown. 'Hey, we already got first place despite what happens today so might as well aim for something', noted Landry.

Meanwhile in other news, rumours have surfaced that the Ridgeway Rams are in financial difficulties and might be pulling out of their lease deal with the city in relation to Pearson Stadium. Though the team would neither confirm or deny these rumours there is speculation that they might go back to using Ridgeway Park Stadium.

2008-08-22

SOCCER: VULTURES ABOUND IN PEARSON CLIFFS
Numerous scouts descend on Pearson Stadium for final games of the season

Pearson Cliffs - Pearson Stadium was awash in the colours of the Pearson Football Association as all four teams battled yesterday in more of a show for the spectators then anything else.

With nothing on the line for all teams except pride there was a lot of razzle dazzle and some fine performances in both matches during the evening.

The afternoon tilt saw Ridgeway host Westview, with Westview eager to pull out a victory unlike their last encounter.

Ridgeway midfielder Silas Roberts, impressed many of the scouts on hand as he wove his way through the Westview defense before firing a shot that zeroed in on the top corner putting the Rams ahead 1-0 in the 27th minute of play. The Rams then settled into a defensive shell, trying to stave off the Pitbulls offensive assault.

It would not be until the second half however that Westview would break through the Rams defense, with Pitbull forward Brett Moore scoring the tying goal in the 55th minute off a cornerkick.

Westview would then score the winner, again, off a corner, this time with Moore firing home the winner to send the Pitbull supporters in the stands into mass celebration.

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Final season standings, top two teams earn a trip to the final this Sunday

The evening game meanwhile was more of a non-contest with Cliffstone jumping out to an early 4-0 lead by halftime before cruising the rest of the way to a 4-1 victory over Cresthenge. Cliffstone midfielder Jerry Rogers was able to claim the 2008 scoring title with a hattrick in yesterday's match, while former goal scoring leader Jose Vega was only able to acquire 1 goal in a losing cause for the Mavericks.

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2008 scoring leaderboard

Meanwhile, in the stands were scouts from the four expansion PFA teams, along with scouts from both the LFLS and BFL leagues. Though mostly here to scout Ridgeway, a number of them stayed for the Cresthenge vs Cliffstone match.

Rumours are already circulating that Norris Hughes and Silas Roberts, of the Ridgeway Rams (http://www.freewebs.com/pearsonfootball/rr2008.htm), are becoming hot commodities in transfer market talks. There has also been speculation that a few Cliffstone and Westview players were being considered for unsolicited bids though Cliffstone management have already gone on record as noting that in order for them to give up a player, the offer would have to be, 'in the millions'

Expect Ridgeway to move quickly now that their season is over, to list players on the transfer market, meanwhile, expect more scouting this Sunday at the final as virtually all BFL teams are expected to have scouts in attendance for the PFA final with Cliffstone hosting Westview at Pearson Stadium at 1:00pm.

2008-08-23 final edition

SOCCER: RIDGEWAY TRANFERS EVANS AND LEWIS
Athens United outbids Brunstone Grizzlies for both Ridgeway players

Pearson Cliffs - A busy day in the PFA yesterday and today culminated in Ridgeway selling two of their players, and losing another two to retirement, while Cresthenge is short a goalie after some suprise retirement announcements today as well.

The big news however happened a few hours after Ridgeway's season ender against Westview when midfielder Craig Evans announced to the media that he would not be resigning with the Rams for next season. At 33 years of age, he is deemed to be in the last few years of his career however after being booed on and off the field this season he noted to management that he wanted to be transferred to another team. Though not worth much in the transfer market, expansion PFA franchise Athens United was willing to spend 35,000 PopularFreedom Euros to acquire his rights.

The big prize on the transfer market of course was 29 year old forward Kody Lewis. Both the Brunstone Grizzlies of the BFL, and Athens United were the most interested in his services however again it would be Athens United that would pay the most shelling out 161,000 PopularFreedom Euros for the rights to have him on their team for next season.

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Evans moves from Ridgeway to Athens United for the 2009 PFA season

Both moves were huge for the Rams and Athens in that it gives the Rams some much needed capital for next season, while for Athens it gives them the veterans they desperately need heading into their first season as a team.

Meanwhile, in other soccer news, Ridgeway and Cresthaven both had players announce their intentions to retire. Percival Brown of Ridgeway at 36 years of age was expected to retire at the end of this season and so it came as no surprise when the left centre back announced he would be hanging up his cleats for good now that the season is over. Also retiring from the Rams was Edric Wilson, who at 34 years of age was primarily used as a backup this season on the Rams.

Ridgeway Rams 2008 Roster (http://www.freewebs.com/pearsonfootball/rr2008.htm)

Cresthaven also had 2 players announce their retirement although both were surprises, at least as far as the Mavericks organization was concerned.

Backup goalie Lex Grant called it a career. At age 36 it was expected he would be retiring soon though he had noted throughout the season that he planned to stay on for 2009 so this definetly leaves Cresthaven in a bind for next season with only Herman Richards in net. They obviously will have to shell out some money for a quality backup however with a need for scoring the question will be can they really get quality players at both positions.

Also calling it a career from the Mavericks was Centre Midfielder Quinn Parker. Parker, a mainstay of the midfield in Cresthenge since 1990 will definetly be missed by both his teammates and the fans not to mention the media since he was by far one of the best class acts in soccer on all the Pearson Cliffs teams.

Cresthenge Mavericks 2008 Roster (http://www.freewebs.com/pearsonfootball/cm2008r.htm)

2008-08-24

SOCCER: FINAL SET FOR TODAY!
Cliffstone Cougars favoured but don't count out Westview

Pearson Cliffs - As the final preparations begin for the big final today, there are no illusions as to the quality of the final this season.

This is of course not the Pearson Cliffs Football Assocation of old. With all four teams in the league plundered of their best players during the off year in 2007 it has been a slow climb back to respectability. For some teams that climb will take longer as many Ridgeway fans will have noted after their embarassing 9-1 drudging earlier on this season to an international side.

Still some teams have gotten better, not to the same extent they were in 2006, but to a respectable level that they could compete with at least some of the international squads that came for exhibitions back in July. The two best of these teams we see in the final today.

The underdogs, Westview Pitbulls, by far are the most puzzling of all the sides that played in the PFA this season. Boasting the likes of nationally known players such as Gabriel Cooper, Anthony Garcia, Justin Wood, and Patrick Guelph. Westview was predicted to steamroll over the competition. Alas, their heroes have come in the form of locals such as Lester Davis, Victor Ward, and Brett Moore while the 'stars' have been silent this season.

With Cliffstone, they too have been led by their locals on the score sheets, though the transfers they acquired prior to this season, unlike Westview, have been instrumental to their overall success. As coach Calvin Bailey noted in an interview with us earlier in the season, 'you cannot just measure our team by who scores, you have to measure all the parts, who steals the balls, who defends, and our transfers have been huge for us'.

Probably the most noteable of these transfers is the work of Cliffstone midfielder Jeff Surrey. This former Capital Soccer Assocation star provided much of the work in setting up the majority of goals for Cliffstone this season. He terrorized the midfield with his defensive abilities and dribbling abilties. Only one official assist is tied to his name this season but if you watch how the majority of goals for Cliffstone was set up, he was apart of nearly every one of them this season.

Cliffstone 2008 roster (http://www.freewebs.com/pearsonfootball/cc2008r.htm)

Westview fans meanwhile are expecting big things from their 'superstar' Gabriel Cooper. With one goal this season, many fans are disappointed with his play however he leads his team in assists. 'The fans here have to realize we acquired in Cooper a setup man', noted coach Charles Price in an interview yesterday. 'We wanted the best setup man available that we could afford and so we acquired Cooper. He has done the job, setting up both goals by Lester Davis in our win against Cliffstone so do not worry he will do his job in the final.'

Westview 2008 roster (http://www.freewebs.com/pearsonfootball/wp2008r.htm)

Meanwhile, scouts are expected to be littered across Pearson Stadium private boxes for the first final in Pearson Cliffs in 2 years. Coach Henry Bennett of the Ridgeway Rams has no illusions about that after what happened to his team in 2006. 'Losing the final to the Harbour Sharks was not the worst part, it was seeing our entire team dismantled in a matter of mere months with players refusing to resign, and refusing to play unless they were transferred. Both Cliffstone and Westview had best be ready as the kings of vultures will be out in full force watching their best players no doubt'.

2008-08-25
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Westview forward Victor Ward stretches his hand forth in victory after scoring in extra time

SOCCER: WHAT A FINAL!
Westview wins it in extra time as Cliffstone defense chokes

Pearson Cliffs - The Pearson Football Association (PFA) could not have scripted a better outcome to their season yesterday. Before a capacity crowd of over 48,000 the Westview Pitbulls won in an overtime thriller to acquire their twelfth championship and the first PFA title in Pearson Stadium.

The game, watched by millions across the country, showcased some of the best soccer in a riveting final that kept everyone in suspense for the full 90 minutes plus the extra 30 minutes of overtime that were needed to finally settle the championship once and for all.

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Aaron Landry opens the scoring in the 6th minute of play as the Cougars come out swarming to start the game

Cliffstone came out swarming in the first few minutes of play with their efforts being rewarded when Aaron Landry got his own rebound and blasted it into the net to give the Cougars an early 1-0 lead in the 6th minute of play.

That goal seemed to shock the Westview supporters while the Cliffstone faithful were in wild celebration as they sensed victory already. Westview however quickly responded mounting a counter attack of their own which resulted in a goal in the 13th minute of play to bring both teams level at 1-1. Brett Moore stole the ball from Cliffstone defender Nigel Andrews and quickly roofed the ball over the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Cyril Walkric to silence the Cliffstone supporters and send his own fans into a jubilation.

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Brett Moore roofs the ball into the net to tie the score at 1-1 in the first half.

The game settled down after that however it was the Pitbulls who seemed more intent and capable of trying to break the deadlock.

By halftime, the Pitbulls and Cougars were still deadlocked, with Westview have an advantage in terms of shots on net among other statistics.

The second half the coaches started to make changes. Cliffstone started the process with coach Calvin Bailey pulling Todd Sterling in favour of striker Jason Warren. Westview countered by removing defending back Justin Wood in favour of offensive minded back Gavin Harrison. It was however the non-removal of Andrews however that would have a huge impact on the game. In the 71st minute of play off a Victor Ward corner, Westview forward Lester Davis headed a shot towards the Cougar net. Goalkeeper Walkric dove to stop it however defender Nigel Andrews, in trying to stop the shot, had it deflect off his foot and into the net to put Westview ahead 2-1.

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Walkric reaches back in vain to try and stop a deflected header in the second half

'You had to actually see the replay to see clearly how that deflection turned a save into a goal for us', noted a jubilant Davis after the match. 'I was a bit shocked as to how he [Walkric] missed it and I figured it must have hit someone on the way in, either way I am glad it did'.

The goal, sent the Westview fans into a rowdy celebration which would continue until the last few minutes of regulation time.

As the 90th minute mark was reached the 4th officially noted 4 minutes would be added to the end of the match. It was not until the very last rush however the Cliffstone was finally able to acquire a winner.

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Cliffstone in their last rush to try and tie up the match in injury time in the second half

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Landry is able to send a pass to a streaking Jason Warren to set up the game tying goal

It would be Surrey in fact who would lead a break through the midfield, down the right side of the pitch. A quick pass to Landry set Cliffstone up with a number of options. With midfielder Jerry Rogers screaming for the pass on the far left, Landry instead threaded the ball up the middle to a free Jason Warren who waited until the Westview goaltender charged before firing a shot to the right and into the net to send the Cliffstone fans into celebration.

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Warren watches as his shot finds its way into the net to tie the score at 2-2 in the 90th minute

In extra time Westview came out flying and within 8 minutes had again reacquired the momentum. Westview forward Brett Moore crossed the ball to Victor Ward who was stationed in the crease. The pass was intercepted by Cliffstone defender Ryan Gibbons. Gibbons could not control the ball which fell onto the foot of Ward who fired the ball past Walkric to allow Westview to regain the lead at 3-2.

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Ward scores the winner after another Cliffstone defensive miscue

The final few minutes of the first extra period, coupled with the rest of the second extra half found Cliffstone doing everything they could to set up the equalizer however the Westview defense stood strong, while Westview goalie Patrick Guelph made a number of huge saves to ensure his team the victory at the final whistle.

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Final match statistics

As Westview fans celebrated their victory the Cliffstone Cougars seemed in a state of disbelief, after having dominated the league most of the season they came up short in the final. The Most Valuable Player of the match went to Westview forward Brett Moore, who had one goal and set up the winner.

After the match coach Bailey of the Cougars noted, 'congrats to the Westview Pitbulls, they played a good game and deserved the win'. When asked about his defense and his reasons for not substituting Andrews after he was responsible for the 1st goal and had a yellow card against him, he noted, 'Cliffstone fans need not worry, we will be addressing our defensive needs this offseason'.

Coach Charles Prices of the Westview Pitbulls, spoke to reporters after the game. He noted that, 'Cliffstone gave us a run for our money and again showed signs of excellence at times, however we played a full game which is why we came away with the victory'.

It will be interesting to see what moves both teams make in the offseason, however for now Westview will no doubt just savor their victory.

2008-08-25 evening edition

SOCCER: WESTVIEW WASTES NO TIME IN ACQUIRING NEW TALENT.
Goalie Luke Stonesmith calls it a career so the Pitbulls acquire Todd Devant from Sifton.

Pearson Cliffs - As Westview fans bask in the glow of yesterday's overtime victory, management of all four Pearson Cliffs teams were scrambling to fill holes in their teams before the transfer market closes on September 1st.

The Pitbulls however have been the most active of all four teams as Westview had three players announce their retirement after the final yesterday. Of the three which included goalie Luke Stonesmith, defender Glenn Morgan, and forward George James, the most pressing concern for Westview was no doubt to find a replacement for Stonesmith. With only one goalkeeper, Patrick Guelph, on the roster, and with even Guelph not 100% sure on returning for the 2009 season, the Pitbulls were in serious need of personel and fast.

Westview fans can now relax as the Pitbulls picked up in fact two transfers from Sifton for a bundle of cash. Westview coach and general manager Charles Price was to the point when we discussed the acquistions this morning. He noted that, 'it was imperative to us that we acquired the talent we needed now. The transfer window closes in seven days, and our fans expect us to be contenders next season so we needed goaltending and we got that'.

What Westview in fact got was Todd Devant. At 35 years of age, he too is at the age where this will probably be his last stop of his career, however Westview is acquiring a goalkeeper who has proven himself over the years and is in fact rated higher overall then their current number one keeper Patrick Guelph. Westview however paid a hefty price for Devant, shelling out 156 thousand PopularFreedom Euros for the netminder, almost three times what Cresthenge was apparently offering for him.

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Westview acquired Todd Devant from the Sifton Renegades of the LFLS football league in Lomo Saltado this morning.

Price noted in his interview with the Tribune earlier today, 'I knew that other teams were seeking to acquire Devant, so I wanted to make it clear to the [Sifton] Renegades that we were the team they wanted to do business with. I told them, here is the deal, take it now or we go elsewhere. The general manager over there knows me, knows I mean business. Yes the price we paid for him was overvalued, but we needed a goalkeeper, and in fact we need another one as well so price was not be an obstacle we would allow to hinder us doing the deal to bring Devant to the Pitbulls'.

The deal of course and the amount Westview paid for Devant throws into question the plan for Westview to start up a junior club in 2009. Though Price was elusive when asked about a junior program for Westview he did note that, 'our financial state at this time might make it necessary to delay our junior program aspirations for a year or more.'

Many of course will wonder why Sifton, which only had three goalkeepers prior to the start of their season, would do a deal. Of course the answer relates directly to the fact that Westview overpaid for Devant, coupled with the fact that Devant was in the last year of his contract with Sifton and had noted a preference to play his final years in one of the PopularFreedom leagues. Sifton also has the luxury of calling up one of their juniors if one of their remaining goalkeepers gets injured so for them the loss of Devant is overall negligable.

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Westview also picked up forward Jason Greese from Sifton later on in the day for 5 times his value on the transfer market

In addition to Devant however, Westview in the early afternoon also picked up some scoring talent in Sifton native forward Jason Greese. Greese, like Devant, was at the end of his contract and wanted to move elsewhere. As like the Devant transfer deal, the price Westview paid for Greese was steep at 550,000 PopularFreedom Euros, roughly five times his market value. Westview however desperately needed a more talented forward on the left side then current starter Lester Davis and now they definetly have that with Greese. Though Price was unavailable for comment in relation to the Greese signing, he did note one thing at the end of our conversation in the morning in relation to the Devant signing when we asked him what his fans would think of him that he spent so much money on a player. His response was, 'imagine you are a Cresthenge fan and you find out your general manager wasn't willing to spend for needed talent...that option I find the worst of the two'.

2008-08-26

SOCCER: CRESTHENGE FORWARD JOSE VEGA WANTS OUT
‘Anywhere but here is better’, states star forward of the Mavericks

Pearson Cliffs – Westview may have done more damage then they thought with their big name signings yesterday. After Westview shelled out over 700 thousand for two players yesterday, word out of Sifton today is that midfielders Casey Franin and Harvey Francis have resigned with Sifton for three and five years respectively. Not only did Westview acquire two of the most likely transfers who would be willing to live in snow ridden Pearson Cliffs, but the cash they paid for them helped two others, who were reportedly close to signing with Cresthenge, to decide to stay with their current club.

Last night though even worse news hit the Mavericks. Their star forward Jose Vega was on sports station FAN 950 announcing to the world that he was demanding a trade and his reasons why. Now of course that is not the most professional way to deal with things, however, as Vega noted last night, he was the only player to score at all for his team this season and that he was frustrated that the team did not seem as willing to land star players as Westview was.

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Star forward Jose Vega has gone to the media to express his frustration with Cresthenge's apparent direction

The move by Vega will definetly put coach and general manager Dave Griffiths in a bind. The two close to the end of the season apparently had their disagreements but nothing like this. It will be interesting to see how he handles it, though if he does decide to transfer Vega out of Cresthenge, he will no doubt have plenty of offers, and plenty of angry Mavericks fans.


SOCCER: CLIFFSTONE COUGARS BACK ANSON TYLER RETIRES
Backup calls it a career

Pearson Cliffs - It took a day, however Anson Tyler finally decided to hang up the boots after 19 years with the Cougars. Having two championships to his name he was hoping for a third however Westview spoiled those plans.

It is unclear at this time who Cliffstone plan to replace Tyler with for the 2009 season however in light of the recent defensive weaknesses Westview exploited during the PFA championship on Sunday, expect them to acquire someone soon.

2008-08-26 noon edition

SOCCER: CRESTHENGE GM & COACH DAVE GRIFFITHS FIRED
Former Harbour Sharks GM & Coach Gunner Arborwood takes over

Pearson Cliffs - Dave Griffiths was fired this morning as coach and general manager of the Cresthenge Mavericks. Coming about 24 hours after his star player had openly asked for a trade, the ownership of the team took action.

In a press statement the owners of the team noted that, 'we view Jose Vega as an integral part of this team. Though we do not succumb to the demands of players, his assertions that Mr. Griffiths had not done all that was capable to acquire the best talent was correct and therefore we have moved to replace him with someone more capable.

Both Griffiths and Vega were unavailable for comment however Arborwood, in a press gallary introduction, noted his track record with the Sharks in the final few years of its existance as an indication of how things would work with Cresthenge from now on. 'We have assurances from Jose Vega that if we alter course and start working towards a winning team he will stay so we have taken the first step towards that realization', noted Arborwood in his introduction to the media today.

It will be interesting to see what he can do with no junior team and a transfer window that has just days left.

'For now I cannot promise much, however do expect something to happen before the transfer window closes', was all Arborwood would state.


SOCCER: CLIFFSTONE FIRE GENERAL MANAGER RAY PARKS
Team gives coach Calvin Bailey interim GM position for 'time being'

Pearson Cliffs - Mere moments after the news broke that Griffiths had been fired, word came out of the Cougars organization that another general manager was out of a job. General Manager Ray Parks, widely blamed for the lack of defense on the team, was sent packing this morning. Coach Calvin Bailey will fill in for him on an interim basis.

Bailey and Parks were known to have their disagreements throughout the season and during the final when it was clear that Cliffstone's lack of defensive talent cost them the match, it was clear that more fireworks would happen in the media.

The move to replace Parks was in fact widely expected after Cliffstone's performance in the final, though do not feel sorry for Parks, already there are reports that Workers Point has reported an interest in hiring him for their squad for next season.

Whatever the case the move gives Calvin Bailey full control now of his roster and the ability to move people and acquire people as he wishes. Though Cliffstone does have a tight budget for this upcoming season, Bailey noted that he has, 'more then enough money', to acquire the needed talent to ensure that, 'Cliffstone will be victorious next season'.

2008-08-27

SOCCER: CRESTHENGE DROPS 1.1 MILLION FOR AARON HILTO
Numerous moves before BFL roster freeze as Cresthenge spends big

Pearson Cliffs - Light was shed on at least one reason why the Harbour Sharks went bankrupt as former general manager, and now general manager of the Mavericks, Gunner Arborwood, went on a spending spree yesterday.

Barely in the job for 24 hours he made a number of significant moves, signing 36 year old midfielder from the Downtown Capitalists for 191 thousand, then acquiring 38 year old striker Nicholos Atkinson from the Rockyedge Crushers for 105 thousand before finishing off the day by dropping 1.1 million for Crusher backup goalie Aaron Hilto.

All three deals were for players who were at the end of their careers and realistically would not get any playing time on their former teams while they will start no doubt for the Mavericks so for them it is definetly a great deal. Analysts of the deals however will note that the Mavericks paid far to great a price for most of these players in light of the impact they will have on the team.

The moves make the Mavericks into a contender in the PFA western division however even with the moves they are still rated lower then the Pitbulls and with next to no cash flow remaining. Acquiring Hilto especially, who on paper is by far the best rated goalie in the west, will do wonders for Cresthaven defensively however with their shoddy defense not getting any better and with them dropping virtually all their cash, it is doubtful they can acquire the needed talent on defense to truly have a realistic chance to win the title.

Fans of the Mavericks outside Pearson stadium yesterday however were overjoyed by the news for the most part. 'We got a midfielder in Lylestine who can set up Vega, while we got another scoring forward in Atkinson who can give the Mavericks more firepower so of course I am excited,' noted fan Carl Givens.

Other fans however were a bit more reserved in terms of their enthusiasim for the deal. Long time fan John Edwardson noted that, 'they improved their scoring but the price they paid for Hilto was far to much. He will be a great goalie but we should have gotten a good goalie and some defenders as the defense we have right now still will cost us a championship'.


SOCCER: CLIFFSTONE DROP 70 THOUSAND FOR BACK STERLING HOWELL
Great Falls transfer 38 year old as Cougars try to shore up their defense.

Pearson Cliffs - 'It is a start'. That is how coach and now general manager of the Cougars Calvin Bailey summarized his acquisition yesterday of the 38 year old veteran. 'We needed defense, we got one player, we will look for more during the next transfer window when BFL teams are really looking to move players'.

Right now the move on its own is a step in the right direction for fans of the team still steaming when anyone mentions the names Andrews of Gibbons. 'We have no illusions that we will need to make several moves before our first game next summer', noted Bailey. This is the first of many of these transactions.

Howell, will no doubt bring a great deal of experience and prestige, however he also comes with other skills. On paper he is rated much higher then any of the other defenders currently on the squad, plus he brings some speed and a touch of scoring that Cliffstone can use on corners. Of course thd downsize is his age however Cliffstone knows that right now with their youth program ready to go for next season, they will need to bring in more veterans to help increase the skill of the younger players moving up the ranks of the Cougar organization. Howell will definetly help in that aspect as well.