But a record 7th League title Championship in the last 11 years has me bubbling with enthusiasm.

The Greater Kingston Senior Soccer Association's Men's AS Roma FC has done it again locking up a record 7th league title with a pair of games to go before the playoffs.

http://gkssa.org/standings.php

For those interested, here is the writeup of last night's game;

An undermanned Vita Inter team were simply overwhelmed by a front-running AS Roma team last night at Woodbine.

Four 1st half goals, 2 by division leader Steve Van Peppen and singles to Geoff Graham and Mike Tschakovsky, vaulted Roma to a 4-1 1st half lead.

It wasnt until the 23rd minute that Roma broke through a patient Vita team when Steve Douglas set up a slicing run into the heart of the Vita defence that Roma broke free.

Van Peppen completed his hat trick in the 2nd half with another goal and youngster Gihat Sukru scored a hat trick in the 2nd half to make it an 8-2 route. Sukru also got the MVP player of the game for Roma as chosen by Vita.

For Vita, it was coming off a respectable showing in a Peterborough tournament where they were a respectable 1 win and a pair of draws. But it wasnt enough to go through. Both Romas Landon and Jamie Douglas played in that tournament to bolster Vitas numbers.

But it shows that Vita, for some reason, has a mastery over Romas stingy defence. Those pair of goals by Vita in this match were their 4th and 5th against Roma this year in 3 matches. Considering Roma has allowed just 11 all season in 15 games, Vita does seem to hold the key to scoring on Roma.

A 1st half goal by Tim Dowling nearing the end of the 1st half and a late 2nd half blast by Sal Cutrona allowed Vita their brace of goals.

Kenny Maclean, arguably Romas best defender on this night, explained it this way;

"I really was trying my best to make sure they did not score tonight. I wanted to keep our team goals against in single digits (9) but it wasnt to be tonight. They got a soft couple of gaols when we let down out guards but its really hard to maintain a focus in a game like this one was."

Those soft goals were a result of a Landon miscue late in the 1st half and another by stand in keeper Steve Douglas in the 2nd half. Douglas went in for Landon in the 22nd half to give the big keeper a run. Douglas got caught off his line on a high hard blast by Cutrona that he just got a piece of but it skipped off his outstretched hands and over him late in the game.

Ryan MacLean chided Douglas on that one saying;
"I hope the media noted that one in the closing minutes."

Douglas responded;
"I was trying to get the parry over the net for a corner (Vita) but I misjudged the pace of it."

FOOTNOTES;
Roma was without Chris Gencarelli, Quinton Boisvert, Csaba Vanyolai, Kyle Benevides and Mike Gauthier last night.

That hat trick by Van Peppen was his 3rd straight trick of this season. It puts his goal total at 15 one short of his Golden Boot award winning 16 of last season. He has a pair of games to go to get that record and garner another individual Golden Boot Award this season which would be an all time record of 8 in his career.

Romas Landon explained his role in the Peterborough tournament;
"I had a lot of work to do this weekend past but I really thought going unbeaten in 3 games would be enough to put us through but it was not. Those draws will kill you in a short tournament like this one was. I can tell you one thing. If we had put our team (Roma) into that thing, we would not have a lost a game. I would not have had anything to do. The quality of opposition in that tournament wasnt of the same quality as the Kingston Porto Tournament this year which this team won (Abel Cup in June)"

Veteran back Mike Tschakovsky mused about his goal in this game;
"It is the only way to get mentioned or noticed in the GKSSA. You either have to score or get a card for a foul to get into the stats for your team in the GKSSA as it presently stands. So I just thought I had better get one tonight if I could."

Roma dressed Dan Franco tonight thinking they might be short in numbers. But Bob Lemieux played tonight at the back so it left lots of room for subs in the back line. Lewis, MacLean, Kenny Maclean, Tschakovsky, Mike Franco and the aforementioned Lemieux and Dan Franco alternated in the back four.

MacLean even played some outside midfield a position he has not played this season because of the numbers. He nearly scored off a 1st half try of a Van Peppen header flick to him. His try just skimmed over the net on a volley in the 18th minute.

Roma is banged up as this season draws to a close. Besides Boisvert and Gencarelli who are likely out for the season, they have Popazzi and Jamie Douglas on the limp. Popazzi banged up his knee a couple of weeks ago and it has not responded well to treatment and Douglas pulled his groin in the Peterborough tournament this past weekend. Douglas and Popazzi played little in this game.

Soccer Plus lost their opportunity to stay in pace with Roma for the league title last night. They had a 2-2 draw with Cataraqui 1 which eliminates them from hopes of a league title. It is Romas 7th League championship in 11 years another of a plethora of GKSSA records set by this team over the last 11 years.

Romas Dave Crabb returned from the disabled list and showed little the worse for wear of his hip injury. Crabbs midfield service and tackling from the central midfield was very much missed while he was on the disabled list. His steadying influence is crucial as the games start to come down to meaning a lot at this point in the season.

While AS Roma is also bidding for another team goals against this season with 11, watch for the young Benfica squad. If this young team stays together in the playoffs, they could surprise a lot of people come Playoff time.. They are 2nd in goals against with 15 just 4 behind Roma. Roma is bidding for a GKSSA record of 6 this year.

Roma has won it 5 times since 1999. They won bests in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2008. Their 6 against in 19 games in 2002 is a GKSSA record. Their 18 against in 18 games last season could be bested this year if they can keep 2 more pretty good clubs (Soccer Plus and Sporting) from scoring in their last two matches.

Fever/Soccer Plus won it 4 times in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Benfica is the only other team to have won it. Theirs came in 2001.

Roma goes into Lanzo Cup semis Friday night at Woodbine at 630 pm against a capable-of-upset Cataraqui team. Soccer Plus and Sporting will square off in the other end of the Lanzo semis also Friday night at Woodbine.

As seasoned Roma veteran fullback Adam Lewis says;
"Big one tomorrow - Cat (Cataraqui 1) will be ready and confident after last night."

Who can remember Vitas stunning upset of Roma in Cup semi final play back a couple of years ago? Who can remember their thrilling Lanzo Cup final with Sporting last year?

Hold on and stay tuned.


Wayjoy

Soccer news from Wayjoy gets me bubbling too because that means exhibition games will start the hockey season are just around the corner. Like in Tomorrow with Trenton vs Wellington in an inter league exhibition home and home

it's nice hockey is starting to rev up but i wouldn't get too excited about the first couple exhibition games. you'll be lucky to know any of the players without a program and you won't be seeing them in another couple weeks. it would be much better if wellington/trenton played at the end of the pre-season.

Nice little road trip, eat out watch a game. What's wrong with getting excited about that. Only thing that could make the trip better would be driving a motorcycle through the county and enjoying the scenery on the way in.

Soccer news ... hey look there is paint drying on that wall.











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09,11,01
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"driving a motorcycle through the county and enjoying the scenery on the way in."

only if its a Harley.



"First step to receiving help is helping yourself."

"Looking at what you are not doing is just another way of doing nothing."

"only if its a Harley."

That is up to Harley Financial Services I'm afraid seeing I don't have a spare 12 to 20 grand laying around in the bank account so I might have to suffer until I can afford the one that sounds like a Potato Potato Potato

Hazards of Riding a Harley Davidson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vIWollFz78

Sounds of Motorcycles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnGX5jL-lhg

Confucius:

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."

Wayjoy

that soccer team I love so much, AS Roma, number 1 seed of the Greater Kingston Senior Soccer Association's "A" division, are through to another important match.

This year's edition has players in the age range of 51 right down to 24 years of age.

They play in the Carmen Lanzo Senior Cup final this Sunday at 1800 at Caton's 2 off Montreal Street exit.

Against the number 2 seed team in the division Soccer Plus FC. This one will be a dandy.

If they can pull it off, it would be the team's 7th Cup in the last 11 years. If ever there were a candidate for the Kingston Hall of Fame for teams, this team would be inducted.

Unfortunately, teams are not currently eligible for induction, only individuals.



Wayjoy

for the second of three team trophies.
Now it is on to the Playoffs and the final thursday night.

If you thought I was excited about the Vees one hit wonder of last year, I sure am excited about this group. Hopefully my Vees will followup in Roma's history-making steps again this year.

The 2009 Playoff final appearance by Roma will be their 9th in the last 10 years. They missed the final just once in 2007 when Fever ( now Soccer Plus) played Italia (now Fanatics) in the final that Italia won.

Roma previously won the GKSSA "A" division playoff Championships in 2001 against Sporting, 2003 against Portuguese Benfica, 2005 against Sporting and last year against Fanatics for a first ever triple crown. They became only the 2nd team in modern history over the last 10 years to win a triple.

That four playoff championships is another of their plethora of records set in the books. Only Sporting has come close with three Playoff titles.

They have a chance to rewrite the GKSSA history books with another first Thursday night. Back-to-back triple crowns. If they can pull it off, this team is certain to make the Greater Kingston Hall Of Fame as the Hall's only team to ever be inducted. It is, as we all know, only for individuals. But there should be an exception for this team and all of their history making accomplishments in the GKSSA.

While they have not won another triple, they are certain to be inducted one way or another when their playing days come to an end. In an age where dynasties are becoming rare, they deserve to be there as a group.

With Soccer Plus's 2-1 semi final win over Benfica, Roma ( number 1 seed) will face Soccer Plus (2) in the Thursday night Playoff final.

The "B" final also Thursday will pit The Keg FC (1) against Cataraqui 11 (4) .

The "C" has, like the "A" division, no surprises. Pilot House Nooners (1) will kick off against the JKL Rangers (2) on Wednesday.

Also, the same day, the "D" final does have some surprises. Frontenac United (3) will be up against Cataraqui 111 (4) .


Wayjoy

It is ok Wayne, thanks. I think I will be able to sleep tonight without this sleep aid.











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Go Leafs !
Go Jays !
Go Raptors !
Go Argos !
Go Rock !
Go TFC !
Go Nationals !


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09,11,01
Lest We Forget
11,11,11

Do you happen to watch the Kingston Ponies at all Wayne? Quite a run they are on. Good game last night, but because the majority of their players have left for school they were short staffed and the lack of pitchers really got them.

No, Dean, I do not watch the Kingston Ponies but they do have a rich history in this history among ball fans. Their run this year has been exciting for their fans for sure.

Now back to the Greater Kingston Senior Soccer association's "A" division team, AS Roma.

They completed their history-making 2009 season with a win on penalties after a gruelling 90+10+10 minutes of scoreless soccer. And if one thinks it wasn't exciting and a nail-biter, hasn't seen them play.

Penalty shot scores by Steve Douglas, Adam Lewis , Jamie Douglas and Ryan MacLean was all they needed as Soccer Plus could only muster a pair of scores after Roma' Hall of fame goalkeeper Steve Landon put a stop to a couple of their tries.

Under the lights, it was an exciting night for Soccer fans in Kingston and I was one of them.

No team has ever won back to back Triple Crowns and this team did it this year. And they did it against younger, fitter teams. You wonder how mmany more these geriatrics have in their tank.

So let us see.

Since 1999, over the last 11 years I have watched this team, they have won 7 League Titles, 8 President's/Lanzo Cups and 5 playoff Championships.

There is not another team even close to that record.

Geez, they sound like the Aurora Tigers, Wellington Dukes or St. Michael's Buzzers list of accomplishments in the OJHL.

Now if I could just get the Kingston Voyageurs to lock themselves in a room with these venerable old soccer prodigies for a couple of days. Perhaps some of that perennial winning championship-type stuff might rub off on the 2009/2010 Voyageurs.

Nothing like having a mentorship that knows about all there is about winning big games.

The two games do have some similarities. Both are team games consisting of people who accept their roles and execute to the letter. Combine it with a little skill, a ton of heart and some luck and you have a repeat championship.

Are you listening, Kori Cooper, Evan Robinson and Peter Goulet?

Wayjoy is here if you need consultative assistance with the coming version of the Vees.

I know something about championships.

Stay tuned.



Wayjoy

are going to the league's ball final game in Gatineau with each team tied at two apiece. The Ponies are giving their fans a lot to be proud of...win or lose.

http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1754543

Wayjoy

You're certainly right about their fans being proud. It's even more impressive when you consider that for the last 14 games they have gone with 1 pitcher, no bullpen and pretty much just 9 guys. The game Tuesday was great to be at with all the fans there. Hopefully, they can seal the deal tonight.

A good article in the Whig;

----------------------------------------------------------

Ponies players were all class this season
Posted By
Posted 3 hours ago


The season began for the Kingston Ponies in a similar fashion to the playoffs. At best, the team could field 11 players, while on many nights when the team took to the field, the bench was empty.

Then as it has been well documented the young college players arrived and it was standing room only for the better part of the summer. With the arrival of the playoffs in mid to late August and the departure of the collegians we were back to eleven included in this group were two players that attend out of town Canadian colleges.

As the old saying goes there is no "I" in team was never more evident than with this group of young men for their commitment to the "team" not to mention to each other was something to behold as they juggled work schedules (eating lunches on the run) to get off work in time leave for the two hour trip for road games, sharing rides, driving long distances to pick up a player just so they would have enough to play the game. They played with injuries as the wrapped and taped up arms and legs to be able to hobble out to the playing field and as the games started the unmistakable smell of the sore muscle liniment would emanate from the bench.

In the outfield Geoff Fearon, Scott Ewart and James Hornby played every game and never gave up on any ball and made some spectacular catches throughout the amazing playoff run. The infield positions most nights depended on what nine were there with the only constant being Derek Mack at shortstop with Jeremy Tisdale, Ryan Kerstans, Jed Vallier and Chad Storring playing in the other positions where necessary,

Curtis Miller was the regular catcher that's if he wasn't on the mound pitching, and the teams designated rover, Chris Garrison, who pitched as well as playing every position except first base and that's only because I don't think he was asked.

Brett Gibson the other member of the eleven and ace of the staff pitched his regular slate of games and would show up to the other games when his work schedule would allow in case he was needed in another position.

They entered the playoffs as the underdog in every series of games they played, but with their belief in each other and the determination to win, they made it to within one game of the ultimate goal winning the championship in both leagues.

I would like to commend this group of young ball players for the exciting and some times intense brand of baseball they displayed as they left it all on the field each and every game and their commitment to Ponies baseball, when it would have been real easy to letup as the odds stacked against them down the stretch. It has been a real pleasure to be around and associated with these young men in their playoff journey. Thanks guys.

Don Mack

Ponies General Manager Kingston