Guardian-Mirror: Olympians Denied Berth in CPSL Final
by Winnipeg Fury

Olympians denied berth in CPSL final

By SAM LASKARIS Special to The Mirror

The Toronto Olympians ended up winning its final game of the season.

But the common sports belief that winning your last match often means winning a championship did not come into play for the Canadian Professional Soccer League team (CPSL).

The Scarborough-based squad, which plans to move to Mississauga next season, downed the Ottawa Wizards 5-2 in the consolation final of the CPSL's playoff tournament, which concluded Sunday in St. Catharines.

The host St. Catharines Roma Wolves captured the championship final blanking the Toronto Supra 1-0.

The Olympians were denied the opportunity to challenge for the title after they were edged 3-2 in overtime by the Supra in the semifinal match Saturday.

David Gee, Olympians coach and general manager said neither his side nor the Ottawa players gave it their all in the consolation final.

"It was a real exhibition type of a contest," he said. "No team really wants to come play in a game like that when you've lost the chance to go to the championship final the day before."

Gee said he was also disappointed none of his players picked up an award at the CPSL's banquet, held in St. Catharines after the championship final.

"I'm very surprised we didn't take anything," Gee said.

Three of Olympian players had been nominated for awards. Danny Sanna was up for the MVP trophy, Tony Marshall was in the running for the top defender award and Brian Bowes had been nominated for the best goaltender trophy.

Though the CPSL season is now complete, Gee said he's hoping his side plays one more game.

That's because he is still protesting the way the CPSL's Cup tournament was handled earlier this month in Ottawa.

The host Wizards captured the Cup trophy by beating Toronto Supra 1-0 in the final.

But Gee is hoping to have that result wiped out saying the Toronto Supra had apparently used three ineligible players in their 2-1 semifinal victory over the Olympians.

Gee wants a replay of the Cup final between his side and Ottawa.

The fiery coach also said CPSL officials rejected his protest last week, arguing he didn't file it in time and that he didn't submit the appropriate protest fee.

But Gee is planning to take his case to the Ontario Soccer Association, the governing body of soccer in the province. And if need be, he'll plead his case to the Canadian Soccer Association.

"I will get my day in court," he said. "I will not rest until it's been dealt with. If the OSA will not hear it, then I will take it to the CSA. Somebody has got to tell me I'm either right or I'm wrong."

"Back to CPSL menu">

.

.