Season 4

After a one year sabbatical, the MRCC FC blog is up and running again.

Second Place Finish

Although the result was not what we would have liked, we ended the game and the season with our heads held high, and rightly so. Our weakened team (absences and injuries) was no match for Sutherland on the night, even though, with a couple of favourable breaks early in the second half, the game could have swung in our favour . Sutherland were worthy winners, but we were winners too in our unflagging effort (esp Jonathan, our worthy Man-Of-The-Match), our non-retaliation to a lot of fouls later in the game, and the absence of whining, complaining or excuse-making. As in every game throughout the season, we (Mike, Jim and I) were proud of you all.-RD

3-0 Win. Next Stop-The Finals!

What a great performance last evening - the best we have played all season, I think. We are just really proud of you. You executed the new line-up and overall game plan perfectly, and totally deserved the win. Well-taken goals from Jonathan and Andy, and a lot of near misses that could have doubled the score. Stuart was deservedly Man-Of-The-Match, but I could build a case for any one of you (including our excellent subs) winning that award based on each person's contribution to the team performance. It was a combination of 100% effort, soccer skills, and mutual support and encouragement, that gave us the result. Congratulations. Let's take all of these elements into the final on Saturday evening.

We are peaking at the right time, and need to approach the final knowing that we can beat Sutherland if we do it right, but it won't be easy. Morale is high, and there is a great spirit between us all (maybe that should read Spirit!). Stay fit, stay focused, and stay tuned. God bless, Roger.

First Playoff Victory

5-3 and into the semi-finals! Awesome win last evening, guys. Congratulations to all. After a somewhat shaky, and definitely below par, first half, you showed great character and got it back together in the second half - you defended well, took back control of the midfield, and scored some beautiful goals. Our subs made a significant contribution to the win. And congratulations, Andy - well-deserved man of the match. - RD

Soccer Recognition Sunday

Well we had a good representation at church on Father's Day which also happened to be Soccer Recognition Sunday. It was good to see the sea of blue sitting together with their families. It was also great to see Chris B, and Cory there. Not to mention that most of the worship team happened to be wearing blue. And we definitely won't mention the guy wearing the Germany uniform.

As for the team-voted awards...
Most Valuable Player: Cory
Most Improved Player: Marvin
The Most Team Spirit Award: Jonathan H

Congratulations guys. And our team was also featured in an article in the Maple Ridge Times on the weekend. That's a lot of recognition. See you all at the play-offs.

Blowout in Burnaby

Great win last evening - full marks to you all. Everyone made a significant contribution to the game, and the team spirit, on and off the field, was just awesome. Congratulations, Mark, on your hat-trick (with a little bit of help from Dad!), and special thanks to Stuart for a fine performance in goal (including one brilliant save with his eyes shut!). - RD

Even though we juggled the regular line up quite a bit, we were still able to come together for a 6-0 win! Aside from Mark (who also happened to be Man-Of-The-Match), we got goals from Andy, Kris and Ron (on a penalty kick). Special honours go to Stewart in his first game in goal as the sub to the substitute goalie!

Rainy Night Blues (in our reds)

As I've often said, two of the lessons we can learn from sports is how to win graciously and how to lose graciously. Last evening, despite a tremendous effort in the second half, we came up short. But with our heads held high, because everyone gave 100% (or more!), never quit, and never stooped to bad tackles, whining, or bad-mouthing. It was simply one of those games where the goal(s) just don't happen, despite numerous chances and close calls. We certainly deserved a goal, and a draw would have been a very fair result. Thanks and congratulations to you all, including our subs (those that played, and also those that didn't, who gave great support from the sidelines). We are proud of you all. And way to go Cory, Man-Of-The-Match, for a beyond-the-call-of-duty effort despite the pain and discomfort.-RD

Despite the downpour pour our team put in a tremendous effort coming close many times, including hitting the goal post and the cross bar in a 1-0 defeat in our alternate red uniforms.