July 10, 2005 CPSL news (from insidetoronto.com website)

Soccer Astros to host CPSL championships

SAM LASKARIS
Jul. 10, 2005

One of their dreams has come to an end but regardless of how they fare during the rest of their regular season, the North York Astros will still have an opportunity to challenge for their league title. That's because the local franchise has been selected to host the Canadian Professional Soccer League (CPSL) championship tournament this fall.

Even if they don't earn a post-season berth by being one of the top three finishers in their division, as hosts of the league championship, the Astros will still get to participate in the post-season party.

An estimated 2,000 people attended last year's CPSL final in Brampton.

"We're hoping we can build on that," Astros general manager Bruno Ierullo said.

Ierullo added he actually has mixed feelings over the fact his squad will play host to the CPSL championships.

He's obviously thrilled his charges will be taking part. No doubt Ierullo is thinking back to 2002. The Astros also played host to the CPSL championships that year. Though they had a disappointing regular season that year, the Astros got to take part in the playoffs. The squad ended up winning a pair of post-season contests and advanced to the league final, which was won by the Ottawa Wizards.

There's a reason though why Ierullo sounds a bit hesitant in having his organization play host to the league final.

"It's a lot of hard work," he said. "We're trying to make this a community affair. I'd really like to see the North York Soccer Association and all the other local sport entities jump on board for this. This is not something that should be put on by the North York Astros. It should be a community event."

The Astros are off to somewhat of a disappointing start this year. The club has won just one out of its first six regular season games.

The Astros were also eliminated last Sunday from further play in the Open Canada Cup, a season-long tournament not only involving CPSL franchises but amateur clubs from across the province as well.

North York was edged 2-1 by the Brampton Stallions in their second round matchup.

"It was an even game," Ierullo said. "We both had chances. Unfortunately, they scored one more goal than us. Our game plan was executed to perfection. But luck was not on our side."

The Astros' next regular season game is scheduled for today (Sunday) at Esther Shiner Stadium versus the Hamilton Thunder.

The kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

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