Soccer's Astros open on high note
SAM LASKARIS from The Mirror
May. 28, 2003
If the North York Astros want a chance at tasting some more post-season success this year, then they are going to have to earn it.
A year ago, the local Canadian Professional Soccer League side played host to the league's playoff championships. And thus, even though the Astros had a disappointing 4-9-6 regular season mark, as hosts they were still allowed to compete in the post-season tournament.
North York managed to pull off a pair of playoff upsets before losing to the Ottawa Wizards in the CPSL final.
"We can't get in through the back door anymore," said Bruno Ierullo, Astros' general manager.
The Astros have played three exhibition games so far this season. They are a perfect 3-0 thus far. But all of their wins have been against local men's amateur teams. "We need some fine tuning," Ierullo said.
Ierullo was hoping his team would have seen even more action.
"The weather has not helped us," he said. "We should have had six games under our belts right now. But the rain put off those other games."
North York is scheduled to begin its regular season June 8 in Etobicoke against Toronto Supra.
And the Astros' home opener is scheduled for June 16 at Esther Shiner Stadium. Scarborough's Metro Lions will provide the opposition for the 8:30 p.m. contest.
North York also has four other regular season games scheduled for June.
"I want to win 18 points out of 18 points," Ierullo said of the six games they'll play this month. (In the CPSL, squads are awarded three points for a victory). "But I'll be happy if we win four of those games."
The CPSL this season will feature 13 teams. The Astros are in the league's Western Conference with Hamilton Thunder, London City, St. Catharines Wolves, Mississauga Olympians, Toronto Croatia and Brampton Hitmen. The Eastern Conference includes the Wizards, Supra, Lions as well as Vaughan Sun Devils, Laval Dynamites and the Oshawa-based Durham Flames.
.
.