Sunday September 23, 2001.

North York Mirror: Soccer Astros play for pride
by DJT

Soccer Astros play for pride

By SAM LASKARIS Special to The Mirror

Although they won't be taking part in the Canadian Professional Soccer League playoffs, The North York Astros are still keen to finish the 2001 season on a high note.

The Astros, who have three games remaining, sport a 6-9-3 record heading into Friday's road contest against Toronto Croatia (before The Mirror's press deadline).

But North York, which was occupying seventh place in the 12-team league, have been eliminated from a possible playoff spot.

Astros general manager Bruno Ierullo said he hopes his charges would fare well in its final few games.

"We're playing for positioning here," Ierullo said, adding there are a couple players he is considering for nomination as the league's rookie-of-the-year award.

Their performances down the stretch will decide whether Ierullo puts forth those nominations.

Ierullo also said the Astros are also in the running for a league award for the best disciplined team, an accolade he'd like his troops to garner.

Having earned 23 points so far this season, Ierullo said his club has made drastic improvements from a year ago when it collected just 11 points.

The season schedule has increased from 14 to 22 games this year.
"If we can fine-tune their performances and make them more responsible, we'll be in better shape next year," Ierullo said.

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