1991 Canadian Soccer League season

Last updated

Canadian Soccer League
Season1991
Dates
  • May 26 – September 8
    (regular season)
  • September 11 – October 6
    (playoffs)
Champions Vancouver 86ers
Regular season leader Vancouver 86ers
Matches played112
Goals scored342 (3.05 per match)
Top goalscorer Domenic Mobilio (25)
Best goalkeeper Paolo Ceccarelli (1.05 GAA)
← 1990
1992 →

The 1991 Canadian Soccer League season was the fifth season of play for the Canadian Soccer League, a Division 1 men's soccer league in the Canadian soccer pyramid.

Contents

Format and changes from previous season

Prior to the 1991 season, the league placed four franchises under suspension – Ottawa Intrepid, Edmonton Brick Men, Victoria Vistas, and London Lasers – due to financial difficulties. [1] Ultimately, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Victoria folded, while London requested a one-year leave of absence. [1] To avoid similar problems that the now defunct NASL had in its final year of operation, the league approved a $175,000 salary cap per team to further limit costs. [1]

In addition, CSL commissioner Dale Barnes retired in January after directing the league since its inception, with Hamilton Steelers owner, Mario DiBartolomeo, taking over the responsibilities on a temporary basis. [1] The league also approved a travel equalization plan that dramatically reduced costs for Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Nova Scotia. [1]

The Nova Scotia Clippers joined the league as an expansion franchise. [2] In addition, the Kitchener Spirit changed their name to the Kitchener Kickers following an ownership change. [3]

The league shifted to a single eight-team division, after previously operating two East and West geographical divisions since its inception, resulting in team's playing a balanced schedule for the first time in league history, playing each other clubs four times, twice at home and twice on the road. [1] The point system was also updated along with FIFA's change to 3–1–0 (win–draw–loss). [1] With the shift to a single division, the league reverted to six teams qualifying for the playoffs, with the top two finishers during the season receiving a bye to the semi-finals. The playoff format remained the same as the previous year.

Summary

The regular season once again belonged to the Vancouver 86ers, who were only the second team to win 20 regular season games. In the playoffs, Vancouver won their fourth consecutive league title, defeating the Toronto Blizzard in the finals.

Regular season

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification
1 Vancouver 86ers (C)2820446931+3864Playoff semifinals
2 Toronto Blizzard 2814685733+2448
3 North York Rockets 2813965036+1448Playoff quarterfinals
4 Hamilton Steelers 28144104238+446
5 Montreal Supra 28117104138+340
6 Nova Scotia Clippers 2877142953−2428
7 Kitchener Kickers 2847172856−2819
8 Winnipeg Fury 2846182657−3118
Source: Canadian Soccer History Archives 1991 CSL Stats
(C) Playoff Champion and qualification for the 1992 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

Playoffs

The playoffs were conducted with a total points system. Teams earned two points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. The team with the most points following the two-game series advanced. If the teams were tied on points, they played a 30-minute mini-game for a bonus point, followed by a penalty shootout if the mini-game remained tied.

Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
1 Vancouver 86ers1 2 3 PTS
4 Hamilton Steelers (a.e.t.)0 4 (1)2+1 PTS4 Hamilton Steelers 1 1 1 PTS
5 Montreal Supra 3 0 (0) 2 PTS1 Vancouver 86ers5
2 Toronto Blizzard 3
2 Toronto Blizzard (a.e.t.) 2 1 (1) 2+1 PTS
3 North York Rockets4 5 4 PTS3 North York Rockets 0 2 (0)2 PTS
6 Nova Scotia Clippers 0 1 0 PTS

Quarterfinal

September 11, 1991 Montreal Supra 3–0 Hamilton Steelers Montreal, Quebec
Frank Aliaga Soccerball shade.svg17'
Needham Soccerball shade.svg74'
Pierre-Richard Thomas Soccerball shade.svg90'		[ [4] Report]Stadium: Claude Robilliard Stadium
Attendance: 1423
September 15, 1991 Hamilton Steelers 5–0 (a.e.t.) Montreal Supra Hamilton, Ontario
Jason Gibbons Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg
Ianiero Soccerball shade.svg
Morris Soccerball shade.svg
Aunger Soccerball shade.svg		[ [5] [6] Report]Stadium: Brian Timmis Stadium
Attendance: 2154

Hamilton Steelers won the series in extra time, after the series was tied 2-2 on points.

September 15, 1991 North York Rockets 5–1 Nova Scotia Clippers North York, Ontario
Majcher Soccerball shade.svg, Soccerball shade.svg
Golen Soccerball shade.svg
Commisso Soccerball shade.svg
Radzinski Soccerball shade.svg77'		[ [8] Report]Dwight Hornibrook Soccerball shade.svg56'Stadium: Esther Shiner Stadium
Attendance: 1605

North York Rockets won the series 4-0 on points.

Semifinal

September 22, 1991 Hamilton Steelers 1–1 Vancouver 86ers Hamilton, Ontario
Ianiero Soccerball shade.svg13'[ [9] Report] Nocita Soccerball shade.svg77' (o.g.)Stadium: Brian Timmis Stadium
Attendance: 4100

Vancouver 86ers won the series 3-1 on points.

September 22, 1991 North York Rockets 0–2 Toronto Blizzard North York, Ontario
[ [11] Report] Mitchell Soccerball shade.svg25'
Eck Soccerball shade.svg34'		Stadium: Esther Shiner Stadium
Attendance: 2650
Referee: Bob Sawtell
September 29, 1991 Toronto Blizzard 2–2 (a.e.t.) North York Rockets Etobicoke, Ontario
Mitchell Soccerball shade.svg3'
Peschisolido Soccerball shade.svg116'		[ [12] Report] Gastis Soccerball shade.svg35'
Berdusco Soccerball shade.svg65'		Stadium: Centennial Park Stadium
Attendance: 2627
Referee: Luigi Mellino

Toronto Blizzard won the series in extra time, after the series was tied 2-2 on points.

Final

October 6, 1991 Vancouver 86ers 5–3 Toronto Blizzard Vancouver, British Columbia
17:00 McKinty Soccerball shade.svg~1'
Norman Soccerball shade.svg3', ?'
Catliff Soccerball shade.svg48'
Mobilio Soccerball shade.svg60' (pen.)		[ Report Star [13] ]
[ Report Sun [14] ]		 Eck Soccerball shade.svg26'
DiFlorio Soccerball shade.svg~61'
Hooper Soccerball shade.svg?'		Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5692
Referee: Gord Arrowsmith

Statistics

Top scorers

RankPlayerClubGoals
1 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Domenic Mobilio Vancouver 86ers 25
2 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Eddy Berdusco North York Rockets 14
3 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg John Berti Winnipeg Fury 12
4 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Geoff Aunger Hamilton Steelers 10
Flag of the United States.svg Ted Eck Toronto Blizzard
Flag of Poland.svg Marek Grabowski North York Rockets
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Dale Mitchell Toronto Blizzard
8 Flag of the United States.svg John Kerr Hamilton Steelers 9
9 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Alex Bunbury Montreal Supra 7
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Gino DiFlorio Toronto Blizzard
Flag of England.svg Justin Fashanu Toronto Blizzard
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Doug Muirhead Toronto Blizzard
Reference: [1]

Top goaltenders

RankPlayerClubGAA
1 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paolo Ceccarelli North York Rangers 1.053
2 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Pat Onstad Toronto Blizzard 1.062
3 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paul Dolan Vancouver 86ers 1.063
4 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Dino Perri Hamilton Steelers 1.300
5 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Pat Harrington Montreal Supra 1.320
Reference: [1]

Honours

The following awards and nominations were awarded for the 1991 season. [1]

Awards

AwardPlayerTeam
Most Valuable Player Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Domenic Mobilio Vancouver 86ers
Rookie of the Year Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Scott Munson Kitchener Kickers
Top Newcomer Flag of Poland.svg Marek Grabowski North York Rangers
Top Goaltender Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paolo Ceccarelli North York Rangers
Fair Play Award Hamilton Steelers

League All-Stars

PlayerPosition
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paolo Ceccarelli (North York Rockets) Goalkeeper
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Peter Sarantopoulos (North York Rockets) Defender
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Mark Watson (Hamilton Steelers) Defender
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Steve MacDonald (Vancouver 86ers) Defender
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Norman Odinga (Vancouver 86ers) Defender
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Carl Valentine (Vancouver 86ers) Midfielder
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Dale Mitchell (Toronto Blizzard) Midfielder
Flag of Fiji.svg Ivor Evans (Vancouver 86ers) Midfielder
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Eddy Berdusco (North York Rockets) Forward
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Domenic Mobilio (Vancouver 86ers) Forward
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Grant Needham (Montreal Supra) Forward

Reserves

PlayerPosition
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paul Dolan (Vancouver 86ers) Goalkeeper
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paul James (Toronto Blizzard) Defender
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Tony Nocita (Hamilton Steelers) Defender
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Nick De Santis (Montreal Supra) Midfielder
Flag of the United States.svg Ted Eck (Toronto Blizzard) Forward

Front office

PersonRole
Flag of Italy.svg Fiorigi Pagliuso (North York Rockets) Head coach
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Alan Errington (Vancouver 86ers) Assistant coach
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Bob Lenarduzzi (Vancouver 86ers) General manager

Player of the Month

MonthPlayerClub
June Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Dino Lopez Nova Scotia Clippers
July Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Domenic Mobilio Vancouver 86ers
August Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Domenic Mobilio Vancouver 86ers
Reference: [1]

Player of the Week

WeekPlayerClub
1 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Dino Lopez Nova Scotia Clippers
2 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Dale Mitchell Toronto Blizzard
3 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Pat Harrington Montreal Supra
4 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Doug Muirhead Vancouver 86ers
5 Flag of Fiji.svg Ivor Evans Vancouver 86ers
6 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Lyndon Hooper Toronto Blizzard
7 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Peter Sarantopoulos North York Rockets
8 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paolo Ceccarelli North York Rockets
9 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Norman Odinga Vancouver 86ers
10 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Joseph Majcher North York Rockets
11 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Domenic Mobilio Vancouver 86ers
12 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Geoff Aunger Hamilton Steelers
13 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Alex Bunbury Montreal Supra
14 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Brett Pence Kitchener Kickers
15 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Paul Peschisolido Hamilton Steelers
Reference: [1]

Average home attendances

Pos.TeamGPTotal AttendanceAverage Attendance
1 Vancouver 86ers 1464,1074,579
2 Montreal Supra 1439,1122,794
3 Hamilton Steelers 1435,3692,526
4 Winnipeg Fury 1432,0962,293
5 North York Rockets 1427,8641,990
6 Toronto Blizzard 1425,9451,853
7 Nova Scotia Clippers 1421,0981,507
8 Kitchener Kickers 149,418673
Total Attendance112255,0092,277
Reference: [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "1991 CSL Stats" (PDF). Canadian Soccer League.
  2. ↑ "The Clip Show". Maritime Pro Ball. February 11, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Team-by-team preview of Canadian Soccer League". Vancouver Sun . May 24, 1991. p. 40.
  4. ↑ Phillips, Randy (September 12, 1991). "No-sex policy pays off; Celibate Supra win first playoff game in franchise history". Montreal Gazette . p. D12.
  5. ↑ "Steelers advance to semifinals". The Province . September 16, 1991. p. A39.
  6. ↑ Koep, Bob (September 16, 1991). "Rockets, Steelers advance to semis after CSL wins". Toronto Star . p. D8.
  7. ↑ "Rockets, Supra win CSL playoff openers". Vancouver Sun . September 12, 1991. p. D8.
  8. ↑ Koep, Bob (September 16, 1991). "Rockets, Steelers advance to semis after CSL wins". Toronto Star . p. D8.
  9. ↑ Stinson, Dan (September 23, 1991). "Steelers come close to chipping one out of 86ers". Vancouver Sun .
  10. ↑ Stinson, Dan (September 30, 1991). "Catliff propels 86ers to CSL final". Vancouver Sun . p. D1.
  11. ↑ Koep, Bob (September 23, 1991). "Blizzard cool out Rockets in semifinal". Toronto Star . p. C6.
  12. ↑ Koep, Bob (September 30, 1991). "Blizzard ousts Rockets to reach soccer final". Toronto Star . p. C6.
  13. ↑ "Blizzard blown away by 86ers". Toronto Star . October 7, 1991. p. C9.
  14. ↑ Stinson, Dan (October 7, 1991). "86ers make mark among dynasties". Vancouver Sun . p. D1.
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