SPARTANS END DISASTROUS SEASON

LOSE PLAYOFFS IN PENALTY KICKS

Is it a bird. Is it a plane? No! It's another Spartan Season!

Another summer has passed us by, and the team has sputtered out another season.

The local heroes fell flat in their final game, coming from behind to lose against a 10 man team in the ensuing penalty kicks 4-3

"The team had a lot of potential," said Captain Ian,"but in the end we did no better than last year. I mean, we did collect two ties, but last year we actually won the first playoff game."

It was another collection of poor football that we've come to associate with the hometown team.

"When the Spartans clicked, they worked the ball well," analyzed Craig Forrest of TSN,"but most of the time, they seemed to beat to their own drum. There were few instances when men actually moved for the easy open pass, or covered a player on the defensive. It was like watching six year olds playing football."

"It's embarrassing when a team of 11 men and 3 subs can't beat a team that started with 9 men on the pitch that actually scored the first goal," commented Gerry Dobson."When the Spartans started playing their positions, and passing, and following the play, they scored. So that's three separate times."

"What the Spartans need to do," mused legendary German National Capper Juergen Klinsmann,"is watch more football. Watch how the great teams do their moves. They have a lot of talent in that Spartans FC team. But the team as a whole sucks, pardon my English. There's no team work. No common sense. It's like most of the men wanted to do their own thing. Not everyone can score that dream goal. But everyone can be a part of that dream goal."

Pele, considered by many to be the best player that ever lived, cited his own opinions on the continuing losing Spartan saga.
"You get these players together of differing postures and abilities. But instead of embracing their strengths, you try to hide them. For example, some players are afraid to get the ball, so they don't shake their defender and get into the open for a quick pass. Or they don't vie for that long ball. Or, even worse, are the skilled players who don't give the lesser skilled players a chance. Mistakes are part of the game, even at my level. But if you learn from each mistake...that's when you make less of them!"

Captain Ian had these final thoughts on the season that passed.
"Overall we did better than last year. There were more goals, and less losses. A lot of things need to be improved upon, but these are things the men are going to have to reconcile on their own. Next season we'll do better, maybe even win a game."

IN OTHER NEWS:
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Fans were disappointed that the Baron wasn't on the pitch very long. Chants of "we want Baron" went largely unheard.
"I apologize to the fans," said the ex-Bundesliga star,"Seems that there was a mix up on the substitution roster. Although some of the players went through the game without a sub, I had to endure 40 minutes off the field. Next year, that ain't happening."

Superstar Justin is not at all happy with his performance in the game.
"I should have scored more. I have the talent, but not the nerve. Next year it'll all be different. I'm taking the winter to improve my game. Next year you'll definitely see my better game. And no, it doesn't have to do with the fact that I'm a free agent after next season."

Golden Orange Winner Mike underwent a series of painful operations to counteract the hit he took from the team.
"I have the ball, get elbowed in the nose and get a penalty for my efforts. Really...can someone do something about the refs?"

Is aging defender Kyle retiring?
"There's a lot of quality players for this team. But they need something. Not sure what. But things aren't the same when I was younger."

DISORGANIZED SPARTANS LACKLUSTRE IN PLAYOFFS

TEAM LUCKY TO TIE OPPONENTS

Mike does it again and in Style

The Spartans were heavily favoured to win the series between Darlington's worst teams last Sunday. But after the kick off, bookies quickly revised their opinions.

Bowmanville FC scored within the first 10 minutes with a long ball that seemed to catch the wind and blew it into the net just shy of a reaching Trevor.

With the game at 1-0 for the bad guys, the Spartans quickly mobilized and brought the ball to the Bomanville net time and time again.

Superstar Justin let loose a bad shot that started fans chanting "Grandma Justin". A little later the Spartans were at it again, with Mike catching a pass from the Baron to no avail. Dave, an obvious contender for man of the match, gave a long shot that caught the wind and blew it harmlessly away.

At half, the story was pretty much the same as it had been all season, with the Spartans down by a goal.

Some Oranges and inspirational thoughts from Captain Ian seemed to mobilize the boys.

"It was insane," commented Craig Forrest of TSN,"as the Spartans came out of the half break and completely owned Bomanville FC. A few well placed passes. Bomanville FC didn't even touch the ball!"

And it was Mike who would take the ball and tie the game.
"I've been the source of various flops of the week," said Mike,"so I really had to prove that I hadn't lost my touch."

The goal gave the Spartan FC player sole custody of the Golden Orange.

After the goal, the Spartans seemed to sink back into their old habits. Formational discipline foundered, and men remained uncovered. Bowmanville FC owned the pitch by the last half of the last half, creating numerous chances and just unlucky not to score.

"We were lucky to tie," stated Captain Ian," and this should be an indication of what we need to do next week."

NOTES:
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Heart throb and amateur singer Sam has announced that he's done for the season due to injury. The often flamboyent mid-fielder brought dance to the otherwise mundane and sterile world of Spartan Mid-Fieldery.
"I'll be back next season. But the body needs to heal, and I wish the team success."

Usually prominent and overpowering, the Baron was notably lower in energy levels.
"I've been battling the flu all week, and it seems to have kept me from performing at my usual best," retorted the former bundesliga star.

Fil, mint sweeper in the last few games, was unavailable for suit up due to a computer error.
"The cab never arrived to pick me up from the airport, so I never made it to my dry cleaners. Unfortunate, but it happens."

Teen sensation Andrew continues to arrive late despite Spartans FC owners demands that he attempt to arrive on time. His signing bonus may be revoked, as well as his weekly allowance for call girls.

INDOOR SOCCER

Team wide email from Justin as follows:

Boys,


Change of plans - the Oshawa Kicks has a Mens 7 vs 7 Sunday Night league. Games will be after 6pm Sunday nights and the cost is $2,550.00 per team if we're registered before Sept. 15 (ie this Thursday). If we register after Thursday it's $2,695.00.

I NEED TO KNOW IF WE ARE SERIOUS - IF YES, I NEED TO DROP OFF A DEPOSIT OF $500 tomorrow TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13 to ensure we get the cheaper team rate. SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE IN.

For those that have let me know can you reconfirm that you are still in give the change in League/Location/Day we play.

So still looking for about 16 guys, then the cost would be $160 each.

Details on the league are below.

- Mens 7 vs 7 League
- 19 Weeks, including playoffs (Season starts October 30, 2011)
- Includes Jersey, Shorts & Socks

SPARTANS LOSE LAST GAME

SPIRITED EFFORT AGAINST TOP RANKED TEAM

Spartans in their last Bit of the Season!

For the first time in a few seasons, the Spartans are considered early favourites to win the vaunted Loser's Cup.

"Every indication seems to indicate that the Spartans are now at the best level they'll ever be," reported Gerry Dobson of TSN."and this panel is ready to announce a Spartan victory at the Loser's Cup."

"That is," retorted Craig Forrest,"if they can get enough men on the field."

Injuries and absentees have dogged the Spartans in their last few games. The average amount of starters in last five games has been 9.

"We have high hopes," said Captain Ian,"There's no team that can beat us when we're playing at our level. Problem is that we're never there for the whole game."

The 3-1 loss last night had some bright sides. Ex water boy and new comer Andrew was able to score his first of the season after four unsuccessful attempts at the opponent nets. This marks his first appearance on the Golden Orange roster.

The season also ended on a high note, as the Spartans finished the season with more points than last, and less goals against but more goals for.

"I promised an improved season," said Captain Ian,"and that's what we delivered. Next year, I'm aiming for one win. Baby steps is all that we can take."

IN OTHER NEWS
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Baron has shocked many spectators by his improved running. What's the secret of his success?
"I've been taking a regular regimen of sour kraut, rouladen and Holsten Festbok, as well as climbing the CN Tower during my lunches."

SuperStar Justin has fallen on a slump once again. The Spartan Striker has been heavily marked, and was taken off the field by Captain Ian to achieve Zen.
"Not sure what that means, but it really didn't help me any."

Dismo has left the team after a post game scrap with Kyle. Reports indicate that they were at odds with the wording of Plato's Republic.

DEPLETED SPARTANS WORK HARD

LOSS SHOWED THAT THE TEAM IS READY FOR PLAYOFFS

Fil with the Penalty kick...GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

"Despite the 5-1 loss," commented a tired Baron," we came away with our heads up high. The team is coming together, and is twice as good as where we were half season."

Having only 7 men on the field at first whistle, the Spartans were quickly behind 2-0, playing second seeded Durham United. Coupled with the fact that injured Paul had to play in net, things were suprisingly in control.

"They were all over us," said Paul, who made some brilliant saves,"but it's hard to stop a team that has a four man advantage."

The Spartans made it 2-1, when superstar and Golden Orange wannabe Justin kicked a loose ball into the back of the net.
"The goalie lost the ball, and I did what just comes natural!" laughed Justin, only to turn that smile to a frown as the Linesman seemed to over rule the sleeping Ref.

"Although the Referee signalled a goal, and pointed the the centre circle, the play became a muddled mess," an exasperated Gerry Dobson recalled." The Baron kept asking the Ref what was going on, but the Ref kept his busy hands in his pocket and wouldn't answer. Probably because he didn't know. Myabe because he was in a happy place. Either way the man had lost all authority. Someone like that should NEVER be in that position."

With the goal called back by the linesman, the angry Spartans were joined by extra men, eventually getting to 11 by half time.

"Our spirits were high," Dave recalled, munching on Oranges for the first time all season.

"Baron," Anders pointed out," the colour Orange didn't change back. There it is again. Weird."

The Spartans came out in the second half like lions, attacking time after time. A header from Sam came off the post. Steve just missed a shot off the left side, and Mark took a header that just went over the top.

But it would be Fil who would be hauled down in the 18. He quickly converted the shot into a goal.
"It was a goal either way," said the Golden Orange alumni, who now joins the top position.

But the lack of subs and players took their toll on the team. By the 70th minute, Durham United scored three times.
"The guys have done their part," conceded Baron," but there's just no way we can keep up with no subs and a depleted roster."

"Overall Gerry, the Spartans did remarkably well for a team with 6 in the IR. If things continue on this course, we will see a new Loser's Cup champion, and hope for a win next season," predicted Craig Forrest.

IN OTHER NEWS
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Goalkeeper Trevor has finished his 2 game suspension for punching a fan.
"he asked me to do my best Hulk impersonation, so I jump up and smash him! Hulk good"

Mark continues to amaze fans with his patented "fake retreat and attack" move.
"I studied this from the 1932 FIFA tournament. Seemed to work well there, and certainly works great here"

Lyons has asked Abe to join their roster for a friendly against Lille this Wednesday.
"Abe has a unique corner kick shot, and that's what we're looking for in our special teams"

Carmen continues to improve. Fans are excited on seeing his new look.
"I've been questioning myself, and lacking confidence. So now I just drink before the game and loosen up. It's worked wonders!"

INDOOR SOCCER ALERT

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BOWMANVILLE INDOOR COMPETITION

The Spartans will rule the Indoor Circuit!

After our game last week a couple people mentioned they'd like to play Indoor this year. So I contacted the Bowmansville Men's League co-ordinator and even though it's past the deadline they just had a team drop out. So if we'd like to get a team together I currently have a spot on hold.


I need to confirm if we are putting in a team by next week. At that time I just need to put down a Team deposit of $250 and then we have some flexibility of getting in the rest of the team fee $2,950. Total Team fee = $3,200. The player Registration deadline was Monday, September 12th but they are giving us an extension, so we have sometime if we want to get a team together.

Season: October to April (20 x games)
Game Nights: Fridays - 8pm to 11pm with 10 pm weeknight games rotated through the week (Likely Wednesdays)
Total team fee: $3,200 (Maximum – 25 players per team) - Ideally, I'd like to have at least 20 players. So player fees would be $160.00 each.
NOTE: The Darlington Soccer Club DOES NOT supply uniforms - Teams must supply there own

For all those interested please send me an email (JUSTIN) as soon as possible. I'll need a firm commitment from people if they are interested as I will need to start collecting money shortly and get the registration forms completed.

We can also discuss further at out game on Monday. If we have enough interest from our Spartan team we can keep it to just us, however, if we don't I'm not opposed to having individuals, friends, referrals or new people join the team. So if you have any friends that are interested just let me know.