"Now, I'm only gonna say it one more time. You make me this game's Man of the Match or I just simply fire away and cover you in paint."

Man Of The Match

Personally, this is the toughest category for me to have to choose a
name because there are several games when almost every kid on the pitch shines. However, there is usually that one individual that stands out a little bit more than all others. This is the category that features that one certain player that stood above all others for that game and he is the "Man Of The Match."

2004 U-16 Outdoor Season, CSL, RP

West Niagara Invitational Tournament

May 01 04       Game 1       vs Windsor Croatia

Harris

   He's gone on a major growth spurt(they all have) over the winter months and brought his game along with the spurt. Kyle's controlled midfield style and one touch football has improved to where he leads the team with leadership and example. His opening game of this new outdoor campaign demonstrated that exact style of footy that he brings to the pitch every game now. He controlled the middle of the pitch with his new partner in crime, Thade, and the pair of them sent in through balls and attractive passes all weekend long. A Thade touch over to Kyle then into Knappy created the first outdoor marker on the year and it was that reason and more, why Kyle was this game's, "Man of the Match."

May 01 04       Game 2       vs North London

Bolton

   This new addition is attached at the hip with Kyle. These two are going to be making noise all summer long. Thade played an awesome game of footy against London as he controlled the entire game. It was an unfortunate loss against the London side but Thade's work ethics and gentle touch made him a stand-out for the full 50 minutes. Thaddeus was this game's, "Man of the Match."

May 01 04       Game 3       vs Salt Fleet

Boychyn

   This whole game was Boych from start to finish. The bulky farm boy went into one of his mind-sets where he wanted the football to himself. Well, we all know when the big lad does that.....you better get out of his way. He scored a dynamite strike and figured in on the other marker taking the Fleet keeps out of the play so Mikey was left with the inevitable. It was all Boych on this day which is why he collected his first, "Man of the Match."

May 02 04       Quarter-Finals       vs Woodbridge

Boychyn

   It would be difficult not to give this lad the MVP nod for the tournament. Jere came alive in the last two games and decided to claim both games a Boychyn victory. Once again Jere was a key factor in the outcome scoring a huge opening goal followed up with some nice work setting up the game winner. Jere's bull-in-a-china-shop mentality earned him two more points on the night and proved to be the very reason why he was the nod for this game's, "Man of the Match."

Oshawa Kicks Spring Tournament

May 08 04       Game 1      vs Hearts Azzurri

Fattori

   Our back four are already looking in mid-season form. They are now settling back into their stingy format with their no GA mentality. The entire back line stepped up against Azzurri and it would be Aaron that would lead the defenders on this day. Air was superb holding down the fort letting nothing go by him. He was sound defensively and even stepped up for a crucial helper that decided the outcome of the match. It was Fattori's tremendous back four footy that earned him his first nod as, "Man of the Match."

May 08 04       Game 2       vs Whitby

Weigel

   I can sum up this lad by stating a couple of key factors that usually means he's on top of his game. Spidey collects a clean sheet and we dot not lose. Fezz is the heart and soul of our back four and it's been that way since the square wheel turned round. Fezz was solid at the back against Whitby and still found room to support all the while never getting caught up field or out of position. His game-saver via that breath-taking diving header was astonishing enough in itself to earn this 88, "Man of the Match."

May 09 04       Game 3       vs Guelph

Bathe

   Greggors was here for the win today. Greg gave his all and them some. Greggors left it all on the pitch. He helped out in a defensive mode and also was willing and able to storm the Guelph net as well. Greggors was determined for the entire 50 minutes and showed awesome leadership against Guelph. Greg was the final game of the tournament's, "Man of the Match." 

May 27 04           League Game 1           vs Peterborough

Cassells

   He's not the biggest lad on the pitch...but he's playing the biggest game right now. Our newest addition was on fire against the visiting Boro side. Craig played his heart out on this night and proved to everyone that he should be in a starting position with this new-look 88 squad. Cassells played a solid game of defensive footy and still used his opportunities wisely and pushed forward when he had the chances including a clever cross that would be the finishing move that ended any Boro threats on this night. Craig was all over the midfiled closing holes and creating space when off the football. It was our 88's first regular season game of the year and it would be Mr. Cassells that would earn this opener's, "Man of the Match."

West Niagara Invitational

May 30 04     Championship Finals     vs Woodbridge(OYSL)

Knapp

   Any number of 88's were stand-outs for this game. Greggors had one of his better games of the early season. Geoff was solid. Fattori and Fezz did their back four thing as good as any game and our mids kept the football flowing. However, it was our speedster up front that would earn the nod. Once again Andy dazzled and displayed brilliant footwork and hustle as he was in the Woodbridge back four faces for 60 minutes. Knappy figured in on the first marker and of course the second goal was something to behold. Andy's goal(see POTG) brought the house down and put the game out of reach and that all by itself was good enough reason to give our striker his shout-out. Knappy's consistent play of late is just one of the reasons why he was this game's, "Man of the Match."

June 03 04           League Game 2            vs York Jets

Miller

   He was a shoe-in for this honour last night. Scotty was on fire. He was all over the backfield. He covered more ground last night than anyone. He took the free kicks. He took the long range kicks. He took the short range kicks. He sent in some awesome crosses and played the long ball at the perfect time locating his 88's with precision through balls. Scotty did it all last night as he was a huge reason why the York attackers were shut down. It was Scotty's huge heart that crowned him last night's, "Man of the Match."

June 05 06       CSL Cup, 1st Round       vs Hearts Azzurri

Phillips

   Okay, here we go again! His numbers are starting to resemble the Spidey stats we all have become so familiar with. Stats that usually resemble zeroes. Stephen has been up to his old tricks again. He's been punching, diving, fisting, jumping, leaping...you name it...he's doing it and making life very miserable for all opponents. This game was no exception as he made three to four major game-savers. It was Spidey's All-Ontario netminding that would earn him this Cup game's, "Man of the Match."

June 08 06           League Game 3           vs Boro

Harris

   Our midfield leader and co-captain was in fine form on this night as lead his 88's to a huge road win in Peterborough. Harris scored a terrific set-piece and was credited with the helper on another. Kyle's crosses and passes flowed all night long. It was Kyle's stamina and endurance that stood out on this night and his will to win in the closing moments of the game helped solidfy the three points. Harris' two points were a big reason why he was this game's, "Man of the Match."

June 10 04           League Game 4           vs Richmond Hill

Bolton

   This category is getting tougher and tougher all the time. Every game our 88's play features several lads that kick their game up a notch. Every game has 3-4 lads that shine above all others and one of those high achievers is selected for MOTM. It's very difficult to choose but I usually find a way to make one of these gifted lads stand out. This night was no exception to that rule show-casing many 88's doing their thing. Jukes was strong in his new role again. Powell & Knapp never let up and don't even get me started on Howsam shaking things up. I have chosen one our mids as the MOTM. It would be Thaddeus who rose above all others on this night in Richmond Hill. Thade played a very strong game in the middle tonight. When Thade and Kyle are on their game there is not a team in this Province that can touch our style. Thade's stamina was awesome tonight as he never quit. He dazzled and displayed brilliant footwork and delivered passes and through balls to all his strikers and outside mids. Thade controlled the heart of the game and gave it a real pulse that beat to his drum. Bolton made sure everything was going to go through the way of the middle and he made sure it was his direction that opened up the pathways. Mr. Bolton came to play his game on this night and did not let his 88's down which is why he was this game's, "Man of the Match."

June 17 04       League Game 5       vs Vaughan Azzurri

Jukic

   Injuries and absent starters usually means regular 88's get shifted into different positions and roles. Jukes is one of those types of footballers that we can insert in different areas for his strengths and versatility. Chrissy has been moving here, there and everywhere of late and on this night he was asked to play some tight back four again. He played some awesome football in his own end on this night. Jukes had the cream-of-the-crop Azzurri players in his face all night. A speedster #13 Azzurri striker would push forward and advance to our goal all night long but Jukic jockeys and positioning kept the frustrated Italian at bay. He gave it all on this night and left every bit on the field. His hard nose tackles and quick response to get back into position gave him the upper edge for 90 minutes on the road in Vaughan. Well-in Jukes. Jukes is in fine form and continues to be proud to be an 88 helping out the cause. It would be Mr. Jukic's fine outing on this night that would give him his first, "Man of the Match." 

June 19 04     League Game 6     vs Scarborough Blizzard

Powell

   I've said it a thousand times over the past couple of years and I will say it again. You can insert this lad anywhere into the line-up and he always gives his all no matter where and when he plays. Geoffrey has one type of football that he plays game in and game out. He is in your face and all over everything all the time. This was just another one of those typical Powell matches where he caused chaos whenever he was on the pitch. At one point in the match Geoff took a head shot of sorts and may have broken his nose...AGAIN!!! It would not surprise me by the way the lads were talking about the amount of blood he lost. With all that said, he still went back out onto the pitch and started his personal journey of attack and conquer. He was solid on the pitch tonight and gave the opposition fits all night long. Well-in Geoffrey and keep doing what you do best...standing on the wall for your 88's. I have lost count of MOTM honours for this 88 and I am sure it's not his last. Geoff Powell was this game's, "Man of the Match."

June 20 04         League Game 7         vs Richmond Hill

Howsam

   Our standard 4-4-2 and often familiar 4-3-3 formation were put on the back burner for today's contest. Our lads implemented a new 3-5-2 formation today and it was more than okay. It worked beautifully considering it was the first time ever fielding this format. The 5 lads in the middle play the old classic "W" style where the two outside lads push forward when on the attack and the two inside mids go up and come back for 90 minutes. The middle man speaks for itself. The two inside 88's on this day were Eric and Blake. The two played it to perfection which is why Shake gets the nod on this day. Squeegy was stellar and had a magnificent game and would only be outplayed and second fiddle to his partner in crime. Shake covered a ridiculous amount of ground on this day and still managed to find time for some of his nifty moves and gentle touches across the pitch. He would eventually go down with a nasty bang in which ice packs and TLC would not dininish  the blow. He will be back and making more noise and before we know it...he will be in line for another, "Man of the Match."

June 24 04           League Game 8           vs Toronto Eagles

Powell

   When the season ends and all the"T's" are crossed and "I's" are dotted this 88 will probably have as many MOTM nods as any others. Geoffrey only knows how to play one way. Geoff goes in hard and works his behind off game in and game out. Geoff's performance on this night was no different than any other night as he lead his 88's into battle in a very hostile environment. Powell was solid for the whole 90 minutes always maintaining his positioning and opening holes at every chance. Well-in Geoffrey. Keep up the great work and keep doing what your doing because it's that Powell style we have all come to depend on. Geoffrey was this game's, "Man of the Match."

July 01 04           League Game 9           vs Woodbridge

Cassells

   I was always told to me that the best things in life come in small packages. Well, our newest addition is a rather wee lad. But let me tell you something. This wee lad brings it hard and heavy game in and game out. Cassells plays a huge game and goes in hard with strong commitment and explosive intentions. He plays a huge game. He's been playing some delightful footy of late especially since we initiated the new "W" formation with the five lads through the middle of the pitch. Craig came back last night and helped out everytime Woodbridge went on the attack. Craig also played a very strong game pushing forward adding punch to our opposition. Craig was a definite winner in a losing cause. Keep up the great work Craig. You are an awesome addition to this 88 squad. Cassells played excellent footy for 90 minutes at the Hydros which is why he earned his second nod as, "Man of the Match."

July 08 04           League Game 10           vs NSSC

Boychyn

   Just give him a red card. Hang a possible suspension over his head. Threaten him with his life. Make sure he goes in like a lamb. Tell him to lay off all opponents. Tell him if he gets another card he's history. Tell him all of the above and watch him react. Boychyn was on fire last night. He went into that ever-so-familiar gallop of his all night long up and down the flank. He took magnificent cracks at the net that made all onlookers gaze in awe. Boych pushed his weight around and had his way for 90 minutes. One can always tell when Boych is on his game by the amount of stoppages there are due to traumatized players from Jere's hard tackles. Did I mention 2 goals usually means our farm boy's at it as well. Boych scored both markers last night as he lead the 88's to a 2-0 win on the road. So next time Boych sits on the fence with cards and nerves and what-ifs...just tell the Boychyn brawn...to bring it on. He upped the ante twice which collected him his team-leading third, "Man of the Match."

Ontario Cup

July 10 04           Game 1           vs Vaughan Azzurri

Knapp

Knappy has settled in just fine at mid. Knappy plays the middle as if he has always belonged there. He now has time to create and travel with the football. Andy roamed all over the middle during this game and opened up the pitch for his strikers. He delivered numerous through-balls and maintained a steady defensive style at the same time. Andy  looks very comfortbale as a midfielder and if he keeps up his awesome play of late then we will all be better off. Andrew's excellent marking and ball skills earned him this game's, Man of the Match."

Ontario Cup

July 10 04           Game 2           vs North London

Jukic

   He's been doing this stuff all season long. It does not matter if it's a League, Cup or Tournament. He's been giving it and leaving it all on the pitch game in and game out. This game was no exception as Christopher gave everything he had and then some. Jukes played an awesome game at the back running down every ball and playing the football back up to his mids and strikers. Jukes was this game's, "Man of the Match."

Ontario Cup

July 11 04           Game 3           vs St. Catharines

Jukic

   I'm running out of adjectives. Jukes is certainly one of the early MVP's in the campaign. He just does not have any other gears but one. He did it again this game against St. Catharines. Jukes played his heart out in horribly hot temperatures with very little bench. It was a short bench with short tempers as the hot sun and ailing injuries made life unbearable for all 88's over the course of the weekend. However, through all the pain and discomfort, Jukes kept firing on all cylinders never letting his 88's down. Jukic was probably the weekend but certainly this game's, "Man of the Match."

Ontario Cup

July 11 04           Game 4           vs Windsor

Harris

Coach was just inserting 88's wherever he could by the end of the weekend. It was probably the worst nightmare a coach could have to come up against. It was a real test of nerves and will power by the end of Sunday. Kyle was one of those 88's that went wherever Vince put him. Kyle held down the back left corner in vintage fashion. Harris played some tastey back four footy in the final game. He held down the back line as well as delivering many crosses and through balls. Harris was the fourth and final game's, Man of the Match."

July 13 04            CSL Cup, 2nd Round            vs Clairlea

Harris

   He just collected his team-leading 4th MOTM nod. Not much to really report except he keeps leading the team with his passes and his teamwork. Harris leads by example with his excellent physical prowess and his consistent leadership game in and game out. On this night Kyle opened up the pitch and found his attackers on every occassion. Many of you don't see this but every night after his shower he has anywhere from 5-10 pinch and scratch marks all over his back from opponents clutching and grabbing. He just keeps putting up with it year after year and still has never collected a single yellow in his entire career. His work ethics and excellent sense of staying calm under pressure has earned him the leadership role on this squad. Kyle was this game's, "Man of the Match."

Minni, Schwan's USA 2004

July 19 04           Game 1           vs Mid Rivers, Missouri

Bonazza

   We went down 1-0 in the second half and then Squeegy took over. Squeeg carried the team for the remainder of the game and gave an extraordinary second effort in the losing cause. Eric went in extra hard and came out with the football after all his tackles and jockeys. Squeeg executed a stunning volley which would have leveled things up at ones but the Missouri keeps made an astonishing save. It was a monstrous effort from our south-paw that would earn him his first, "Man of the Match."

July 20 04      Game 2      vs Top Gun, Minnesota

Phillips

   It was Spiderman's 8th clean clean sheet on the season and his GAA just crept back down to an even 1.00. Spidey played enormous football as he shut down the home team locals. Spide made another mighty game-saver and orchestrated his "D" with his commands and signals. Spidey had a championship game and back-boned his Canadian brothers to their first ever Schwan's win. Stephen was this game's, "Man of the Match."

July 21 04   Game 3   vs Hermantown Havoc, Minnesota

Bathe

   Greggors has just recently come back from an ailing turf-toe injury. Bathe has come back with a vengeance. He has been on fire for the entire Minni tournament. Today's game was just another example of a player taking the bull by the horns. Greg played hard for every shift. Greggors put in a strong game today helping himself to shots and eventually scoring a huge equalizer at the 0:15 minute mark of the second. Greggors gave his all on this day which is why he was, "Man of the Match." 

July 22 04   Quarter-Finals   vs Blaine Selects, Minnesota

Bathe

   There were a few outstanding 88's over the course of the Schwan's week but no one shined more than Greggors did. Greg was strong and consistent in every game throughout the competition. He was certainly the Schwan's MVP for this Canadian team. In the fourth and final game Greggors ran himself into the ground flanking the right side and supporting his 88's all the time. Greggors scored the only Darlington goal and is was possibly one of the best volleys he has scored in quite some time. Greggors was solid and carried every 88 over the course of the week in Minni which is why he was the "Man" in back to back game's that we call, "Man of the Match."

July 29 04       League Game 11       vs Scarborough Blizzard

Bolton

   My phone rang Thursday afternoon and it was around the 3pm time period because within the next hour or so it would be my sit-down time when I start going over the game sheet and paperwork for our 9pm kick-off. 3 call-ups and pre-game headaches meant injured 88's missing in action including one Thaddeus Bolton. So, back to that phone call. It was Thade making sure I put his name down on the starting roster sheet. Good thing he called me because the last time I heard about Thade he was leaving the hospital in Minni on crutches. He's the last person I was going to put into the game scenario. He was a downed 88 not ready for suite-up the last time I checked. Well, all I can say now is I wish he hobbled and limped around before every League Game as he was outstanding on this night. Thade left everything and then some on the pitch. He played his heart out for 90 plus minutes last night. Thade controlled the middle of the pitch sending through balls and attractive passes into his strikers and across to his mids. Thade had an awesome game on this night earning him, "Man of the Match."

Aug 05 04                League Game 12                vs York Jets

Powell

     Geoffrey was Geoffrey tonight. Powell did his thing just like he does every game in and game out and every so often I make sure I just jot down another "MOTM" shout-out for him. Sometimes we take this kid for granted but on this night I found myself situated away from the player's bench over on the east side of the field where Geoff played up and down the right flank in front of me for the first half. It was a first half of passionate Powell that caught my attention as Geoff was solid on "D" causing fits for the Jet strikers and mids. Geoff was steady at the back and also figured in on the equalizer with a mad bit of up-front striking where the speedster turned a lovelyWeigel cross into gold. Powell scored making it 3-3 and that pretty much solidified his run at this game's, "Man of the Match."

Aug 09 05                CSL Cup, 3rd Round                vs Olympic Flame

Miller

   It's as if I was in some kind of time-warp or something. Lately Scotty's stats and play resemble that of years gone by back in the day when most of you weren't around but he was our leader in almost every department. Scotty has been on fire since rejoining his brothers in the middle and his sensational crosses and left and right foot finish has been exceptional over the last couple of games. Scotty figured in on the board again tonight...this time scoring one and setting up another. Miller easily could have collected 4 or 5 assists if our finishers were bang on. Scotty brought everyone up to his level and made all his mids look awesome. Scotty lead the way in this CSL Cup game and it reminds us all of days gone by when he went into battle carrying everyone on his back. Scotty's outstanding performance awarded the new-found mid his second, "Man of the Match."

Aug 12 04           League Game 13           vs Newmarket

Harris

   He leads the team with an astonishing five "MOTM" honours. Tonight Harris took the bull by the horns and carried the team on his back. He just couldn't pull the handle on a near miss and fell short on a couple of other close calls. Kyle crossed and dipped in balls from the right side all night long but once again zero "88" finish made his crosses and switches meaningless. Harris worked hard on the right flank and went back and helped out in a support role as well. It was Kyle's leadership and willingness that earned him yet another, "Man of the Match."

Aug 15 04   CSL Cup Semi-Finals   vs Scarborough Blizzard

Weigel

   He's going on holiday and will miss back to back upcoming games so I guess he felt he had to leave his mark before he left town. He did all that and then some. Fezz put in a solid game at the back and also used his skill and offensive prowess to chip in up front as well. Just like always Brandon worked his behind off all game and could not do it all himself. Fezz was this Cup game's, "Man of the Match."

Aug 19 04           League Game 14           vs Vaughan Azzurri

Harris

   It could have been the best game he's played all season long and he's been excellent a few times already. Fattori came back and brought everyone up to his level and Harris was no exception as he lead his 88's to a 2-0 victory over Vaughan. Harris was a standout for the complete 90 minutes at right striker. Kyle supported his 88's opening up the pitch up front and coming back and helping his mids. He added a helper on the opening goal and set up many other opportunities. Harris was a force to be reckoned with as he walked his 6th outstanding nod as he was this game's, "Man of the Match."

Aug 24 04       League Game 15       vs Newmarket Cobras

Bolton

   This was the toughest choice I have had to make all season long. We had almost an entire roster that could have walked this honour. Once again Kyle was superb up front. Fattori saved everyone's bacon at the back. Bonazza and Miller were solid in the middle. Mikey's return was once again welcomed. Bathe and Powell were steady for the full 90 while Knappy dazzled and displayed his footwork again. It would be Thade that stood out the most on this night. He controlled the entire middle of the pitch and almost all activity went through Bolton's pathways. Thade shielded and protected the football with heavy traffic on him all night. He had an enormous game feeding his strikers with brilliant through-balls and passes. This is Thade's 4th shout-out for MOTM as he lead his 88's to a huge victory making him this game's, "Man of the Match."

Aug 26 04   League Game 16   vs Toronto Eagles

Bonazza

   He's been very instrumental in the middle of late and on ths night he continued leading the mids to a win. Squeeg has made it virtually impossible to keep him out of the starting eleven. He plays such a sweet game of one and touch footy in the middle. He slows the game down right at the perfect time of the match then picks up the pace and delivers through balls and go-ahead lead passes at the opportune times. Squeegy has been outstanding over the past month proving he is one of the crucial cogs in the "88" middle. Bonazza was this game's, "Man of the Match." 

Sept 02 04     League Game 17     vs Woodbridge

Harris

   I'm going to get someone else to start doing the MOTM write-ups as I am getting a bit of a complex giving Kyle the nod week after week after week. He has been tearing up the pitch of late and on this night he kept his winning ways in tact. Harris dominated up front in his new-found striker mode where he lit up the front lines and on this night he also lit up the board with two goals. Kyle played a solid game of football leading his 88's to a convincing win over the Italian side. Harris scored the opener and finished off his fine performance netting the fourth earning him his seventh, "Man of the Match."  

Sept 09 04     League Game 18     vs NSSC

Greggors

   I almost spit up my tea when I glanced over the Regular Season stats noticing that this individual has never walked the MOTM honour in reg. play this year. He has carried us in tourneys and other venues but never earned the shout-out in League competition. Well, he did it on the closing night of the reg. season. Greggors has been thrown in almost every position on the pitch for a chunk of the season and always plays his spot with effort and conviction. He may moan a bit...and so would I. But he does this without missing a stride. As a matter of fact he picks up a stride here and there and on this night he gave his all again. Greggors came off near the closing moments of the game thinking he was done for the night with a promising swig of water. Well, that water went over his wide shoulders and back onto the pitch at the back he went. He sucked it up last night and played one hell of a game while compromising his situation. Greg ran his heart out last night as he covered almost the entire pitch every time he touched the ball. Greg went into runs and also maintained his footings when in the defensive mode. Bathe was easily this final League Game's, Man of the Match."

Oct 03 04   Tom Dunleavy Cup   vs Burlington

Fattori

   He missed so much of the season. It was truly a shame and our loss. He came back and turned everything around immediately and walking the MOTM honour for the final game of 2004 just pounds home the very reason why he is, and has always been, one of the main cogs in the wheel. Aaron put in a strong game against the Bulldogs from Burlington. Air played steady back-four footy and pushed forward at every opportunity. He never let up once for the 90 minutes and another minute or two and I seriously think he would have scored one or been on the other end of it setting someone up. Fattori was the standout on this day which is why he was the final 2004 game's, "Man of the Match."