February 28, 2009 CSL London City news, CSL tryouts (from CSL news release)
LONDON CITY BOUNCE BACK
2009-02-28
The CSL Tryouts held on February 20 attracted 58 players from Canada, the United States and Mexico and 24 players were drafted by CSL clubs. Meanwhile, following two difficult seasons, London City are bouncing back.
The CSL Tryouts held on February 20 attracted 58 players from Canada, the United States and Mexico and 24 players were drafted by CSL clubs, giving those clubs 30 days in which to reach terms with the players. Failure to reach an agreement provides other CSL clubs with the opportunity to negotiate.
It’s been a tough last couple of seasons for London City since its driving force Harry Gauss suffered through a brain tumor operation, but when the club celebrated its 36 years in professional soccer recently it was clear that North America’s oldest running professional soccer franchise is marching on. It looks like the beginning of a new era.
The club’s CEO and general manager Ryan Gauss pledged a continuing bright future for London City while announcing recently that veteran player Andrew Loague won the 2008 MVP award and also the Most Dedicated Player trophy after scoring 14 goals and showing on-field leadership during a tough 2008 campaign. Brian Abidakun, a first year defender, was announced as the Rookie of the Year.
“The past three years have been an extremely difficult rebuilding process, as we started right back at square one,” explained Ryan Gaus. “However, after a lot of work by many people, this season is when the hard work and tough times are finally going to pay off – and by that I mean a legitimate shot at the playoffs in the upcoming season.”
London City will play their home opener on Friday May 29 against the North York Astros, kick-off time will be 8:38PM.
CSL Tryouts Update
Pierre-Rudolph Mayard, a standout forward with Trois-Rivieres Attak, has signed a two-year contract with Montreal Impact. Mayard scored eight goals in the Attak’s CSL National Division title win in 2008 and played an important role in the club’s overall success which took the Quebec-based club to the CSL championship final.
The Attak played its fourth exhibition game on February 28 at the Stade du Haut Richelieu in Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu. The CSL side shut out the Université du Québec à Montréal 3-0 using a roster composed of players trying out for this year’s team as well as players about to renew their contracts.
Coach Eullaffroy was pleased with what he saw. “The opposition was good and we could easily evaluate the new player’s abilities. I saw some interesting soccer and discovered a few new players that I didn’t know before, who actually might be called back for one last tryout…the ultimate tryout !”
Coach Eullaffroy has set a deadline of March 25 to have his 2009 Attak roster complete.
North York Astros have signed rookie midfielder Josue Arias, 18, who last year played for Woodbridge Soccer Club in Vaughan until August when he was transferred to the Astros for games in their reserve team. “Josue is a very talented young player who will be challenging for a starting role in 2009,” said Astros’ general manager Bruno Ierullo. Astros reserves played Arias in eight games off the bench. He scored one goal during the trial period.
The Astros plan their pre-season training camp to open in April and the club will play its first pre-season game on Sunday April 19 against a yet to be confirmed opponent. The exhibition will be at Esther Shiner Stadium at 5 pm. Season tickets are now on sale.
The Canadian Soccer League kicks off its new season mid-May.
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