Ouzo F.C

SOCCER CITY - ETOBICOKE:  Ouzo FC kept rolling along as the upended an over-matched Greens United 7-2.  This latest victory keeps Ouzo FC's destiny in their own hands as an early New Year's match-up versus rivals Raging Bulls awaits.  The winner most likely will claim first place and a spot in the year end banquet.   

Ouzo found themselves down 1-0 on an odd angle goal towards the middle stages of the 1st half.  Undaunted, Ouzo battled back and Phil Kennedy took a one bounce pass from Rob Rusnov and calmly deposited the shot behind a bemused Greens 'keeper who was wearing a kit which featured "Winnie the Pooh" on his jersey.  Minutes later Behn Wurthman deftly separated the ball from a Greens defender a cracked a shot that got an "Ouzo" bounce and caromed past the bewildered "pooh Bear" to make it 2-1 Ouzo.  Just before the half, PK took a lovely pass from Gus Polymerus and once again continued to ruin Piglet's best friends evening to make 3-1 at the break. 

Early in the second stanza a well worked set-up from the back led to a fantastic finish by Matt Geary with an assist from Jesse "The Body" Geisel.  Winnie could only shake his head  Polymerus kept his strong goal scoring session going, taking a delightful ball from Wurthman and beating the now starting to get disgruntled "Pooh Bear" on a breakaway neatly to the corner of the netting.  Stu Fletcher taking great feeds from Mike Mica-LADIES-man, and "The Body" would score the final two tallies to make the final 7-2 for Ouzo FC.   

In the closing minute a frustrated Greens United started to take out their lacklusture play by trying to create some fisticuffs.  "It was looking like it could get violent, and it DID get violent," said man of the match PK.  With the Greens rushing the field, a well disciplined Ouzo FC held back and watched "Winnie the Pooh" look like someone had stolen his winter supply of honey.  "Pooh Bear" kept trying to get at Ouzo players, but fortunately for him was held back and no further violence ensued.   

It was now time to head upstairs to celebrate with beers, wings and things.  With the Spencer family at the match to cheer on their favourite squad, and with Stu's better half Dana also in tow, it was quite a large group partaking in post match shenanigans.  Coach Anderson also made his appearance after missing the match with family commitments.  It was announced that it was Fletcher's birthday earlier in the week and as Ouzo serenaded "The Fletch" with a "Happy Birthday" tune, and the lovely Jane provided a round of Ouzo shots for the squad which has become the favourite squad of Winger's Lounge.   

As the evening was winding down, Wurthman was caught in a pickle.  He was preparing to leave, but was starting to be mocked for only making the "Final 11".  Realizing that if nothing else that Ouzo loves their beers he proceeded to order one more pitcher and waited out most of the crowd to earn his first "Final 4" finish of the season, along with Delaney and "Final 4" regulars Rusnov and Anderson.  Wurthman made his exit and then there will only three left.  The remaining Ouzo lads had Jane sit down with them and proceeded to give her life, love and footy advice.   On their way out each of the "Top 3" received a Toberlone bar and Christmas hugs.  Meanwhile the early exiting Wurthman left with nothing.    

Next up for Ouzo FC is a Boxing Day Tourney in Vaughn.  Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Ouzo-Christmas.   

RR 

SOCCER CITY - ETOBICOKE:  The build up to this game was big- Ouzo versus Westside- I mean Westway.   If Ouzo won it would mean they would be tied for second with the Raging Bulls. 

Prior to the game media sources say Westway was heard taunting Ouzo by yelling bah, bah, bah when walking by their dressing room.    

Ouzo came out of the gates dominating and possessing the ball.  There were many chances in the first half to score, but Ouzo could not take advantage.  Westway seemed to physically stronger and faster than Ouzo, but not as skilled or technical on the ball.

Finally in the second half our newly recruited Kitchener Polish Eagle- Wojciech Cwik (Cwikster) blasted a right footed shot low into the corner to give Ouzo the lead.  Ouzo continued to gain momentum with this goal and soon after Matt Geary blasted a shot off the wall that found it’s way to Mike Michaelides foot and in the back of the goal to make it 2-0 for Ouzo.

It seems these 2 goals for Ouzo were enough to wake Westway and they finally managed to score a goal late in the second half.  This however, was not enough and Ouzo would hold onto win the game 2-1.

The Cwikster was quoted after the game while enjoying some Polish beer- “it felt so good beating that team” and later repeated it over and over again during the ride home.

After game celebrations took part upstairs at Wingers until 2am for Sacchitiello, Delaney and Wurtmen.  Shirts came off shortly after 1am which can be confirmed by the text messages to Anderson’s cell phone and the bartender who has no comment at this point.  Excessive drinking continued at Delaney’s house with Wurtmen until 4am.  Nothing beats winning!!

Stay tuned for the next 2 weeks to see who wins it all!!

The dynamic Canadian international midfielder was dealt to Toronto FC for defender Julius James and an allocation in a blockbuster deal with the Houston Dynamo on Friday afternoon.

"Dwayne is a player we've admired for quite some time. When the chance came to work with Houston to get this deal, we were obviously very happy," TFC director of soccer Mo Johnston said in a team-released statement. "He's a wonderful talent and I hope all of our supporters are as excited as we are that Dwayne is now a member of Toronto FC."

De Rosario, who hails from nearby Scarborough, Ont., began his professional career with the Toronto Lynx and spent three seasons with the Dynamo, winning back-to-back MLS Cups. He was named the MVP of the 2007 MLS Cup for the second time in his career after scoring the winning goal in the 74th minute.

De Rosario also won MLS Cup titles with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2001, scoring the golden goal, and in 2003.

"2001 was very special to me because it was my first year in the league," De Rosario said. "Frank Yallop gave me the opportunity to be involved in this league and I went on to score the winning goal for San Jose to win the MLS Cup for the first time in their history. That really marked my name in the league and it is a moment I will never forget."

De Rosario, who has scored 15 goals in 49 appearances for the Canadian National Team, has never hidden his admiration for Toronto or his desire to play there - one day. That day has come.

"Being born in Scarborough and growing up in the Toronto area, it is great to have professional soccer here," De Rosario said. "The support that Toronto FC gets is amazing. The fan base is tremendous and they are passionate, knowledgeable fans."

The 30-year-old had that chance in July when the MLS All-Stars took on West Ham United of the English Premier League. De Rosario came on in the second half to score what proved to be the game-winning goal in a 3-2 win for the MLS All-Stars.

"It's definitely a dream come true, scoring in a game of this magnitude," De Rosario said after the game. "This game is huge. People don't realize how big this is because this is an opportunity to showcase our talent throughout the world and show them how good this league is."

While Toronto FC gains a marquee name and one of the best attacking midfielders in MLS, Houston welcomes a solid center back in Julius James, a 24-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago who played 13 games for TFC, scoring one goal this year, and a sizeable allocation.

James is expected to replace Bobby Boswell, who is out of contract and reportedly interested in a European move.

"This move is in the best interest of everybody and now gives the Dynamo real opportunity to address a number of its off-season goals," Dynamo coach Dom Kinnear said. "We are receiving a bright young talent in Julius James, and now have great salary cap flexibility to bring in players that can add to our strong base."

SOCCER CITY - ETOBICOKE:  All eyes upstairs at the Wingers Lounge were focused on the match between the skilled Icon Shooters and Fan favourites OUZO F.C. After about 12 minutes of hard fought action the Shooters Number 9 made a sneaky play along the boards to flick home the first Goal of the contest. Minutes later OUZO equalized with and outside shot from "Ears and Beers" Ouzo F.C. Number 5 Steve Delaney. The soccer gods were smiling as Delaney's shot bounced off two Icon Shooter before hitting the back of the net. 2 penalty kills later Ouzo stormed into the second half with a quick goal by Matt Geary from Stu Fletcher!. After another penalty kill Ouzo's fearless leader Rob Anderson blasted home a volley from Gus Polyemeros that saw the shooters back break as Ouzo went up 3 to 1. 

After some more hard tackles the Shooters had no answer up top for the Sac attack as they became more frustrated with the physical play of Ouzo's defensive core and the stellar play of their veteran keeper Andrew Spencer! Spencer had his best outing of the season so far and kept Ouzo in the game by turing away blasts from point blank range to complete a truly inspiring performance. To Stick the final nail in the coffin, Ouzos top striker Gus " Holy *** I am engaged and I can't wait to have my big fat greek wedding" Polymeros blasted home a well timed ball from Behn Wurthmen. Wurthmen powered in with the ball all the way from the back capping off a 2 point night for the flashy defensemen!!!

After what else - another penalty, The Shooters were able to notch another goal, but that would be it, as Ouzo had to much class this day for them. The League should be looking into point shaving allegations and unfair calls from the Official, who seemed to throw every call the Shooters way.

Up stairs in Wingers beers flowed but there seems to be an issue with the missing bottle of OUZO and their number one fan " I have Already seen Sac's main vein" Jane, who was also missing. Maybe she is off somewhere with a bottle of Ouzo and a throw back Sachitiello jersey with finger cramps from all the diddling!!!!
 
 
Truley a pleasure to be part of such a night lads, thank you!!!!!
Delaney OUZO #5

SOCCER CITY - ETOBICOKE:  It was another great performance for Ouzo FC this past Sunday, as they disposed of Team Korea to run their Unbeaten streak to 6! Ouzo scored 12 goals tying a team record, en route to their 4^th win of the season, and sole possession of first place a-top Division 1, following a Raging bulls win over the Icon Shooters. Gus Polymeros continued his fantastic season form scoring a hat trick, and Phil Kennedy came within inches of netting his first Ouzo hat trick, only to see the Korean International tip his shot just wide of the post. Another strong performance for the GAA league leader Andrew Spencer in the goal, handling 26 of 30 shots and was only beaten by a few defensive mental lapses as the game opened up. 

Ouzo now face the Icon Shooters this coming Sunday, in a monumental game in the season.  A win, sees Ouzo strong and confident heading into the remaining 3 games of the season on top the league. A loss and Ouzo will need help and some gritty performances to gain their first league Championship in over 5 years.

I would have some fantastic Wingers stories to add to the write up, but I was DD this week, which means that all the fun the lads were having was multiplied to my soberness. Somehow the only week I’m sober, we managed Free Ouzo shots!! Way to go Sac.

Next game time: 10pm.