1998 Canadian Professional Soccer League season

Canadian Professional Soccer League May 31 – September 30 (regular season) October 4 – October 14 (playoffs) St. Catharines Wolves Toronto Olympians Regular Season title Gus Kouzmanis (Toronto Olympians) Dino Perri Toronto Olympians 12-0 York Region Shooters (September 27, 1998) Toronto Croatia 0-10 Toronto Olympians (August 19, 1998) 56 Toronto Olympians 12-0 York Region Shooters (September 27, 1998) 270 CNSL 1997 1999 The 1998 Canadian Professional Soccer League season was the inaugural season under the Canadian Professional Soccer League name. The season began on May 31, 1998, and concluded on October 14, 1998, with the St. Catharines Wolves defeating the Toronto Olympians in 4-2 victory in a penalty shootout to claim the first CPSL Championship held at Centennial Park Stadium in Toronto, Ontario.http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl39.htm A perfect ending Rogers Alison www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com St. Catharines Standard 2017-04-09 Though Toronto was denied the treble they still managed to go undefeated the entire regular season, and dominate the league with the best offensive and defensive record. The CPSL was created by an alliance forged by the Ontario Soccer Association with the Canadian National Soccer League in order to implement the Image of the Game Report to provide a suitable professional soccer structure in Ontario and potentially throughout the country for the development of players and to serve as a preliminary league for the North American top tier leagues. During the initial stages of the formation of the league it faced certain difficulties as the schedule was finalized just two weeks prior kickoff. The scheduling problem revolved mainly around the status of Toronto Italia as it disagreed with the league's policy and territory rights.http://canadakicks.com/news/news501.htm Italia Pulls Out Bailey David 1999-10-07 Canada Kicks -- News Story https://web.archive.org/web/19991007033658/http://canadakicks.com/news/news501.htm 1999-10-07 bot: unknown 2017-04-09 Though they applied for membership it was challenged by Toronto Croatia over alleged debts being owned to them from the 1995 CNSL season. After refusing to pay the debt Italia withdrew and were refunded of its membership application fee, as a result the CPSL lost one of the country's most prestige clubs.http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl45.htm CPSL's Faltering First Steps Bailey David www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com Canada Kicks 2017-04-09 In addition the league received sponsorship from Adidas, Labatt, and Coffee Time.http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl06.htm CPSL Ready To Go Bailey David www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com Canada Kicks 2017-04-09http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl04.htm CPSL Press Conference Tuesday May 12, 1998 Glover Robin www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com 2017-04-09 Overview Origins and foundation (1993–98) After the demise of the Canadian Soccer League in 1992 Canada was without a Division I national professional league. The Canadian soccer landscape was fractured into several different foreign and regional senior leagues.Stinson Dan December 14, 1993 Blizzard owner will need sponsors with deep pockets D10 Vancouver Sun When the CSL ceased operations three of their clubs the Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto Blizzard, and Montreal Supra joined the American Professional Soccer League, which at the time was constituted as the highest tier league in the Canadian soccer structure.http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1993-01-08/sports/9301020379_1_strikers-rowdies-toronto-blizzard Toronto Joins Apsl BROUSSEAU Dave tribunedigital-sunsentinel 2017-04-09 en 2015-01-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20150124030419/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1993-01-08/sports/9301020379_1_strikers-rowdies-toronto-blizzard dead While the remaining clubs with the exception of London Lasers joined the National Soccer League the country's oldest and only exclusively Canadian professional league.http://www.ottawafury.com/ottawa_soccer_history History of Soccer in Ottawa, Canada & the World 2012-02-07 2017-04-09 bot: unknown https://web.archive.org/web/20120207100031/http://www.ottawafury.com/ottawa_soccer_history 2012-02-07 After the addition of the Winnipeg Fury it changed its name to the Canadian National Soccer League. Though the CNSL was primarily based in Ontario it operated as a private league for several years after a heated dispute with the Ontario Soccer Association.http://www.cpsl.org/releases/2000/2000nov23.htm 2000 - Nov. 23 - Players, teams clamouring to be a part of Soccer League 2001-05-30 2017-06-03 bot: unknown https://web.archive.org/web/20010530101129/http://www.cpsl.org/releases/2000/2000nov23.htm 2001-05-30 While other provinces operated with a top senior amateur league Ontario had its own senior league, but was without a sanctioned professional league for its amateur players as the CNSL was considered an outlaw league by the OSA. As a result the OSA completed a study named the Image of the Game in 1995/1996, which led to the plans of launching the Ontario Professional Soccer League as a Division III league in the Canadian soccer league system.http://canadakicks.com/archives/news158.htm Ontario's Own Ault Bill 1999-11-03 Canada Kicks https://web.archive.org/web/19991103220517/http://canadakicks.com/archives/news158.htm 1999-11-03 bot: unknown 2017-04-08 http://www.cpsl.org/aboutcpsl.htm About the CPSL 2001-04-19 2017-04-08 bot: unknown https://web.archive.org/web/20010419002517/http://www.cpsl.org/aboutcpsl.htm 2001-04-19 As the OSA failed to bring their project to fruition they settled their differences with the CNSL and formed an alliance to launch the Canadian Professional Soccer League beginning with an Ontario division.http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl01.htm Canada to kick off pro league in May. Da Costa Norman Toronto Star The CPSL would serve as the link between the provincial senior leagues to the USL A-League/USISL clubs, and provide opportunities for the development of youth players and referees.http://www.canadakicks.com/1997/NEWS380.HTM National Dream Ault Bill 1999-10-23 Canada Kicks https://web.archive.org/web/19991023040250/http://www.canadakicks.com/1997/NEWS380.HTM 1999-10-23 bot: unknown 2017-04-08 http://cpsl.org/league_info.asp CPSL - Canadian Professional Soccer League 2004-06-06 2017-04-08 bot: unknown https://web.archive.org/web/20040606051952/http://cpsl.org/league_info.asp 2004-06-06 The intention of the league was to form regional divisions under the CPSL banner with each divisional champion competing in a playoff format for the championship. Michael Di Biase the CNSL president would serve as the commissioner, and OSA administrator Bill Spiers was named the league's chairman.http://www.canadakicks.com/news/news378.htm CPSL Reincarnated - The OSA joins forces with renegade league to get new league rolling. Hendren Paul 1999-02-19 Canada Kicks https://web.archive.org/web/19990219143201/http://www.canadakicks.com/news/news378.htm 1999-02-19 bot: unknown 2017-04-08 The founding members included four CNSL clubs London City, North York Astros, St. Catharines Wolves, Toronto Croatia, and four of the OPSL teams Glen Shields, Mississauga Eagles, Toronto Olympians, and York Region Shooters.http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl02.htm Italia Back In? Bailey David www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com Canada Kicks 2017-04-08 While the remaining CNSL teams like Toronto Italia, Toronto Supra, and Kosovo Albanians failed in successfully applying for membership.http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl03.htm Italia Out Let's Get On With It Bailey David Canada Kicks Organization Regulations The Canadian Professional Soccer League was formed as a result of merger between the OSA stillborn Ontario Professional Soccer League with the Canadian National Soccer League. The original purpose of the alliance was to provide young players an opportunity to embark on a professional career. Originally operated in Ontario with the intention of expanding nationally with a similar provincial setup. Some of these regulations included: Rosters must have 5 U-20 Canadian players per club. Starting 11 must include a minimum of 2 U-20 players. Minimum of a Coaching C License Teams Team City Stadium Manager Glen Shields Vaughan, Ontario (Thornhill) Dufferin District Field Ron Harrisonhttp://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl16.htm North York Astros vs Glen Shields Sun Devils Glover Robin June 28, 1998 www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com 2019-07-13 London City London, Ontario (Westmount) Cove Road Stadium Harry Gausshttp://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl23.htm North York Astros vs London City Glover Robin August 2, 1998 www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com 2019-07-13 Mississauga Eagles P.S.C. Mississauga, Ontario (Malton) Wildwood Park Josef Komlodihttp://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl13.htm Toronto Croatia vs Mississauga Eagles Glover Robin June 17, 1998 www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com Rocket Robin's Soccer in Toronto 2019-07-01 North York Astros Toronto, Ontario (North York) Esther Shiner Stadium Jorge Armuahttp://www.northyorkastros.ca:80/page.php?page_id=13527 https://web.archive.org/web/20090601082652/http://www.northyorkastros.ca/page.php?page_id=13527 dead 2009-06-01 North York Astros Soccer Club Powered by Goalline Sports Administration Software 2009-06-01 2017-08-02 St. Catharines Wolves St. Catharines, Ontario (Vansickle) Club Roma Stadium Dino Perri Toronto Croatia Toronto, Ontario (Etobicoke) Centennial Park Stadium Rudolf Belin Toronto Olympians Toronto, Ontario (Scarborough) Birchmount Stadium David Gee York Region Shooters Aurora, Ontario (Aurora Village) Highland Park Sam Fotihttp://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl29.htm North York Astros vs York Region Shooters Glover Robin August 23, 1998 www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com 2019-07-13 Canada Southern Ontario 400 center Location of CPSL teams outside of Toronto for the 1998 CPSL season.10px Canada Southern Ontario 43.816111 -79.424444 Vaughan right Blue pog.svg Canada Southern Ontario 42.9837 -81.2497 London bottom Blue pog.svg Canada Southern Ontario 43.703333 -79.647778 Mississauga left Blue pog.svg Canada Southern Ontario 43.183333 -79.233333 St. Catharines left Blue pog.svg Canada Southern Ontario 44 -79.466667 Aurora top Blue pog.svg Canada Southern Ontario 43.64 -79.42 TORONTO right Red pog.svg Canada Toronto 400 center Location of CPSL teams in Toronto for the 1998 CPSL season.10px Canada Toronto 43.694 -79.265 Toronto Olympians right Blue pog.svg Canada Toronto 43.65 -79.58 Toronto Croatia top Blue pog.svg Canada Toronto 43.775556 -79.446667 North York Astros right Blue pog.svg Canada Toronto 43.816111 -79.424444 Glen Shields left Blue pog.svg Final standings main WDL 5 Q TRO Toronto Olympians STC St. Catharines Wolves GLN Glen Shields NYA North York Astros YRS York Region Shooters LON London City MEP Mississauga Eagles P.S.C. TRC Toronto Croatia 13 1 0 73 6 C 8 3 3 31 26 O 6 3 5 26 27 6 1 7 34 30 5 2 7 30 44 4 3 7 27 42 3 1 10 29 44 2 4 8 20 51 green1 Playoffs Q Q Q Q 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored. September 30, 1998 rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com Rogers Cup playoffs Bracket Semifinals Final 15px 260px 1 Toronto Olympians 5 2 7 4 North York Astros 1 0 1 2 St. Catharines Wolves 1 4 5 3 Glen Shields 1 0 1 1 Toronto Olympians     2 (2) 4 St. Catharines Wolves     2 (4) Semifinals October 4, 1998 7:30 ET North York Astros 1–5 (Report) Toronto Olympians Alejandro Martinez 86 Holmes 4 Berdusco 27 58 John Matas 41 Kouzmanis 76 Esther Shiner Stadium Toronto, Ontario 100 Glenn Sharkey (Ontario) October 4, 1998 8:00 ET Glen Shields 2–1 (Report) St. Catharines Wolves Ionadi 20 Angelo Donia 2 74 Peter Firebrace 77 Tony Carbonara 86 Dufferin District Field Thornhill, Ontario 80 Steve Mortimer (Ontario) Toronto Olympians advanced to the semi-final as a result of a 2-0 forfeit. October 7, 1998 8:00 ET Toronto Olympians 2–0 North York Astros Birchmount Stadium Toronto, Ontario October 12, 1998 8:15 ET St. Catharines Wolves 4–0 [Wallace Jim 13 October 1998 Arghittu lifts Wolves into finals: Home victory overcomes 2-1 defeat in first game of two-game playoff C3 St. Catharines Standard] Glen Shields Arghittu 8, 24, 36 Gary McGuchan 89 Club Roma Stadium St. Catharines, Ontario Mike Cvetanovich CPSL Championship October 14 8:15 ET Toronto Olympians 2–2 Report Berdusco 58, 84 Keith Moore 2 Gary McGuchan 88 St. Catharines Wolves Centennial Park Stadium Toronto, Ontario 80 Kouzmanis Berdusco Lopez Ian Cardey 2 – 4 Keith Moore Joe Carbonara Arghittu Gary McGutchan Ianiero Gordon Arrowsmith (Ontario) GK 1CAN Brian Bowes RB 18CAN Dino LopezCB 4 CAN Ian Cardeyhttps://winthropeagles.com/hof.aspx?hof=62 Ian Cardey (2015) - Hall of Fame Winthrop University Athletics en 2020-01-19LB 5Tony MarshallRM 6CAN Peyvand Mossavat 59CM 20 Danny Ziannis CM 7China Gong Lei LM 16New Zealand Daryl Holmes ST 23 CAN Eddy Berdusco ST 11CAN Gus Kouzmanis ST 17John Matas Substitutes:DF 12Louie Oroutzaglou DF 15 Louie Katsavrias MF 2Ron Belfon 59Manager:England David Gee GK 1CAN Dino Perrihttp://hshof.ca/team/dino-perri/ Dino Perri Hamilton Soccer Hall of Fame en-CA 2020-01-19 2020-09-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20200921063154/http://hshof.ca/team/dino-perri/ deadRB 10 Tony CarbonaraCB 4 Albert ReinhartCB 7John McNeilLB 11 CAN John Soziohttps://www.ocaa.com/about/aoty/john-sozio 2000-01 OCAA MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR - JOHN SOZIO Ontario Colleges Athletic Association en 2020-01-19 RM 19 Joe Carbonara CM 13CAN Lucio Ianiero CM 5Keith MooreLM 22Gary McGuchan CF 9CAN Jerry Cipriani 69CF 18 CAN Carlo Arghittu Substitutes:DF 5John Orme 69MF 17Marco Antonio Marino FW 15Luciano Berardocco FW 14Anwar Ahmad Manager:CAN Dino Perri Assistant referees: Glenn Sharkey Zack Kontoulis Season statistics Goals Full article: CSL Golden Boothttp://www.canadakicks.com/CPSL/home.htm Canada Kicks - CPSL Update 1998-12-05 2017-04-09 bot: unknown https://web.archive.org/web/19981205024538/http://www.canadakicks.com/CPSL/home.htm 1998-12-05 Position Player Nationality Club Goals 1 Gus Kouzmanis Canada Toronto Olympians 33 2 Eddy Berdusco Canada Toronto Olympians 19 3 Gong Lei China Toronto Olympians 17 4 Gary McGuchan Canada St. Catharines Wolves 15 5 Ivan Jurisic Serbia North York Astros 12 6 Carlo Arghittu Canada St. Catharines Wolves 12 Hat-tricks PlayerClubAgainstResultDateFRY Ivan JurisicNorth York AstrosLondon City7–0 (H)dmy 1998 8 2Gus KouzmanisToronto OlympiansToronto Croatia10–0 (A)dmy 1998 8 19John MatasToronto OlympiansToronto Croatia10–0 (A)dmy 1998 8 19Peter FirebraceGlen Shields Sun DevilsYork Region Shooters4–3 (H)dmy 1998 9 20CAN Jerry CiprianiSt. Catharines WolvesToronto Croatia4–3 (A)dmy 1998 9 23Gus KouzmanisToronto OlympiansYork Region Shooters12–0 (H)dmy 1998 8 27 CPSL Executive Committee The 1998 CPSL Executive Committee. Position Name NationalityChairman Bill Spiers ENG English Commissioner Michael Di Biase CAN CanadianCommittee Member Peter Li Preti CAN CanadianCommittee Member Walter Kircher CAN CanadianCommittee Member Brian Avey CAN Canadian Individual awards The CPSL presented their inaugural team awards on December 18, 1998 at the Soccer Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario.http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl47.htm Canada Kicks -- News Story: CPSL Awards Night Bailey David www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com https://web.archive.org/web/20150709112755/http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl47.htm 2015-07-09 dead 2017-06-01 The majority of the awards were taken by the former CNSL teams with North York Astros, St. Catharines Wolves, and London City receiving four awards. While the Toronto Olympians with London City won the most awards with two wins. After leading the Olympians to an undefeated regular season David Gee was named the Coach of the Year. The regular season champions had Gus Kouzmanis the 1996 CNSL Rookie of the Year win the Golden Boot.http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/cnsla091.htm CNSL 75th Anniversary Annual Awards Gala. Glover Robin www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com 2017-06-01 For the third straight season London City managed to produce another Rookie of the Year with Tom Bianchi, and win the Fair Play award for being the most disciplined team.. The remainder of the awards went to North York, and St. Catharines with former CNSL veterans Dino Perri, and Rene Martin taking home the Goalkeeper and MVP awards. The league also gave recognition to the best official by introducing the Referee of the Year award with Bill Teeuwen being its first recipient. Award Player (Club) CPSL Most Valuable Player Rene Martin (North York Astros) CPSL Golden Boot Gus Kouzmanis (Toronto Olympians) CPSL Goalkeeper of the Year Award Dino Perri (St. Catharines Wolves) CPSL Rookie of the Year Award Tom Bianchi (London City) CPSL Coach of the Year Award David Gee (Toronto Olympians) CPSL Referee of the Year Award Bill Teeuwen CPSL Fair Play Award London City References External links Rocket Robin's Home Page of the 1998 CSL Season --Season preview Rocket Robin's Home Page of the 1998 CSL Season RSSSF CPSL page 1998 Category:1998 in domestic association football leagues Canadian Professional Soccer League