GS United Commitment to Excellence

First page 1 Next page Last page

“ Uncle Dave”

Baldev Sidhu (G.S. Gen. Mgr.) is better known as “Uncle Dave” in G.S. circles

Dave Sidhu and John Williams

FOREWORD

Beyond the winning Dave and these unspoken people of great reputation have succeeded in forming a soccer family and the concept has given GS a competitive edge. They brought in John Williams as Head Coach of the Club for the new millennium and he has been the glue that keeps the teams together. Williams acquisition has paid huge dividends in expanding GS soccer family to the extent where the club currently has eight (8) teams.

"Stars Soccer Review (SSR) fifth special edition magazine is on G.S. (Gursikh Sabha) United Soccer Club and it is called “A Winning Tradition”. The club has been winning since its inception in 1990 to a banner year in 2018. It is a tribute to the leadership of General Manager Baldev Sidhu better known as Dave and respectfully called “Uncle Dave” in GS circles.

The continued success of GS for the better part of 30 years is a tribute to Dave and a casts of friends and former GS players like Bill Singh, Nep Sidhu, Ranbir Sidhu, Sam Sehota, Avtar Gill, Bhola Chahal, Ranjit Dhaliwal and Tony Bance. While they prefer to stay behind the scenes they are the ones who have provided the club with not just what is requested but what they think is needed for proper representation.

Page 3

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 4

GS United was created when Dave and his friends and family got together to socialize and play for the fun of the game.

Realizing their abilities and the potential to be a collective force they formed a club and entered into competition after affiliating with the Scarborough Soccer Association (SSA). Baldev “Dave” Sidhu was designated as the leader and spokes person for the club but it should be noted that the unspoken heroes of GS United have been the club’s best kept secret. “They have given unconditional love and support to GS United. Without them GS will not be the same club.” said Dave. Known to be a mild mannered gentleman who also keeps a low profile Dave can be found in the stands or in the distant around the team benches on game days where the mere knowledge of his presence can quell any unwarranted behaviour before it occurs.

G.S. United CEO and General Manager Dave Sidhu lifts the National Championship trophy the team won in 2005

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 5

2005 SUCCESS CHANGED CLUB OBJECTIVE The experience of losing is the best incentive for winning. This may have been what motivated GS United when the club fell on some hard times after a mediocre season in 2004.

GS finished the season in third in the Ontario Soccer League (OSL) and was presented with the Most Discipline Team award for their efforts. It was a reality check for the players who had grown accustom to designating people to carry home the numerous trophies at the end of season award banquets. It is also worth mentioning that the club had won the same Discipline Award the previous two seasons and while it showed well it was another gut check. GS disappointment of the 2004 season carried over into the 2005 season. The players could not wait to get back to their winning ways as they found different ways to defeat opponents. It was a banner year in terms of achievement as GS won most of the major trophies in the OSL and put the icing on the cake by winning the Canadian National Championship. The little club from Scarborough, Ontario, rose to national prominence after just five seasons in the Ontario Soccer League (OSL) and it changed the focus from the Ontario Cup to winning the National Championships.

Tom Kouzmanis displays his Ontario Cup and National Gold medals. He scored the lone goal for GS to win O-Cup

Page 6

www.ssrmagazine.com

NATIONAL VICTORY CELEBRATION ‘05

Members of GS organization celebrating the National Championship in 2005

www.ssrmagazine.com (Left-Right) Shawn Long, Lester Bruno, Chris Handsor and Gary Bryan.

Page 7

Page 8

www.ssrmagazine.com

GS United dominated leagues at every level. Ironically, in those seasons they found ways to lose in the Ontario Cup competition. However, there was something about the 2005 season that was different to the previous seasons. GS was on the verge of blowing a 2-0 lead in front of home fans and weathered a late surge to defeat Bramlea Celtic 2-1. Concerns of the team performance was a hot topic since the game was played as part of Caribbean Stars Sports and Family Day at Birchmount Stadium in Scarborough. The next Cup game was on July 28th against St Anthony’s. The game was played at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga as the first semi final of a double header. GS needed penalty kicks to win the scoreless game.

GS United team against Bramlea Celtic at Birchmount Stadium

Coach Williams instructing GS team against Ottawa St Anthony’s

Ottawa St Anthony’s (red) defensive coverage was superb in the semi final game against GS United

Tony Marshal tight aerial coverage against Ottawa

GS United winning penalty kick in their semi final match against St Anthony’s

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 9

GS United team celebrate after penalty kick win against Ottawa in Ontario Cup semi final

Coach Williams is usually good at assessments, but in the semi-final match against St Anthony’s his team seemed to have overlooked their opponent in anticipation of a show- down with Woodbridge Azzurri which was the Cup favorite and playing their semifinal game right after the GS-St Anthony’s game.

The semi-final win on penalty kicks was a wakeup call for GS Coach John Williams who had won the same Cup multiple times as a player with Scarborough Azzurri Coach Williams is one who gives precise directives and was mystified by his team performance in the early rounds of the 2005 campaign. Together with his friend and Assistant Coach Chris Handsor they came up with a strategy that helped the defensive coverage and still

GS Utd halftime huddle against Ottawa St Anthony’s

allowed the team to absorb pressure without limiting the offensive flow GS United players take a drink at halftime in semi final game against St Anthony’s

ww.ssrmagazine.com

Page 10

www.ssrmagazine.com

Woodbridge Azzurri and PCC Supersonics lineups before Ontario Cup semi final 2005

Woodbridge did advance from their semi final and the stage was set for GS to come up against Woodbridge Azzurri in

the final. GS was the underdog and Coach Williams was faced with tough defensive match ups. Former GS forward Peter Firebrace was coming off a spectacular performance in his semi final match and was the Man of the Match after scoring two goals in Woodbridge defeat of PCC Supersonic 3-0. The dilemma was how to limit the effectiveness of the leading goal scorer and MVP Gladstone “Scratchy” Richards without giving Peter free reign. The 2005 Ontario Cup final was one of the most highly anticipated in the history of the Cup finals in quite some time. Woodbridge did not just have a formidable forward line they had a solid team with a decent midfield and solid defense led by Rene Martin who was also a former GS player. The feeling going into the final was that Coach Williams had to pick his poison against Woodbridge Azzurri.

Peter Firebrace, Gladstone Richards and Rene Martin

The 2005 final was played on Sunday September 18th and Coach Williams did exactly what the doctor ordered. The wide open Ontario Cup championship final everyone expected with Peter Firebrace and “Scratchy” Richards continually terrorizing GS defenders never materialized. It was a survival of the fittest affair which eventually favored GS United. The fact that GS was the underdog for the final worked well for Coach Williams and the team. They had underperformed in games they were favored and were convinced that if they stuck to their game plan they had the best chance of winning the championship final.

Woodbridge Azzurri before Ontario Cup semi-finalist at the Hershey Centre, Mississauga Woodbridge Azzurri before their semi final match against PCC Supersonics in Ontario Cup

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 11

Referees wait for teams before start of second half of Ontario Cup final at Soccer Centre

The Ontario Cup final kicked off under a slightly overcast sky with occasional sunshine. That could easily be the assessment of GS United performance on Championship Sunday. Woodbridge players seemed a bit uneasy before the game and it may have had to do with the fact that their MVP and most goals scorer was not in the starting lineup.

GS had a completely different story to tell after kickoff and it had nothing to do with Gladstone “Scratchy” Richards sitting on the Woodbridge Azzurri’s bench for the opening whistle of the 2005 Ontario Cup final but more to do with the adjustments that wil be needed for when he did entered the game.

Crowd at Ontario Cup Championship Final 2005

Page 12

www.ssrmagazine.com

Ontario Cup final turned into a close marking affair with situational substitutions that stifled Woodbridge (blue)

Peter Firebrace getting off a left footed shot early in Cup Final in spite of the close marking of GS defenders

Peter Firebrace (in net) holding off a G.S. United defender in the 2005 Ontario Cup final at the Soccer Centre

Firebrace dangerous offensive exploits were limited to the early part of the match. The tide changed in GS favor as the game progressed GS weathered the storm. The anticipated matchup with “Scratchy against GS defense was anti- climactic. He was sub in just before half as Coleman’s defensive duty. www.ssrmagazine.com

The 2005 Ontario Cup final turned out to be a chess match with each team familiar with each other’s tendencies. Strengths were nullified and weaknesses supported. Close marking was the order of the day and it seemed like Woodbridge was the more confused team moving forward.

With “Scratchy” Richards out of the starting lineup it was Firebrace who continued his fine form in the opening minutes of the final. He had the first shot of the game which glanced off GS upright. “Fire” was relishing the matchups against his former teammates and was having the better of the battle early. However, the danger disipated.

Page 13

GS on their back foot for most of the first half of the 2005 Ontario Cup final but they weathered the storm

Scratchy Richards (24) entered the game before the half but by then GS had solidify its defensive coverage

Woodbridge coaches were looking for answers at halftime in a scoreless game. The question his players wanted to ask was the reason their teammate and leading scorer Gladstone “Scratchy Richards did not start.

Page 14

www.ssrmagazine.com

GS Coach John Williams (khaki cap) knew the problem was defensive coverage and addressed it in no un- certain terms in his huddle at halftime with GM Dave Sidhu (cap) and Asst. Chris Handsor (hat) present.

Page 15 www.ssrmagazine.com GS took control of the run of play in the 2nd half of the 2005 Ontario Cup final. (Above) GS midfielder Sultan Haitham dissects Woodbridge defense at the edge of the 18-yard box while Tom Kouzmanis opens up.

Substitutions became a big part of the chess match with close marking in effect. Woodbridge had defeated GS in league play a couple of weeks earlier and came into the final with a huge advantage in terms of championship experience. The club had won the Ontario cup before and even former GS players Rene Martin and Peter Firebrace had won the Cup with Woodbridge Azzurri and Scarborough Azzurri respectively. However, while are still debates to the reason Woodbridge Coach did not start him you have to give GS all the credit. Scratchy was a part of their preparation so it was just a physiological blow because he did play while only for limited minutes through no fault of the coach. GS United back four of Tony Marshall, Courtney Brown, Ron Belfon, and Jermaine Coleman were compact and plugged all holes by sending potential danger to the out- side and away from their net. The battle quickly moved to the middle of the field and GS offense with the Kouzmanis brothers of Tom and Gus commanded special attention. Set pieces were seemed the way to score a goal but both defenses were also up for the task.

Tom Kouzmanis fires the winning shot as Woodbridge Azzurri defender fails to block

Woodbridge helpless goalkeeper watches Tom Kouzmanis shot enters net

. The scoreless game went into overtime with FIFA’s “Golden Goal” rule in effect and with it, sudden death for the team conceding the first goal. GS Coach John Williams won the tactical battle with timely substitutions compared to some questionable changes by Woodbridge coach. No sooner as he sub “Scratchy” into the game he took Firebrace off a short time later.

Scratchy’s frustration showed when he retaliated and was red carded together with the player who fouled him. That is when the pendulum swung fully in GS’s favor. It set the stage for Tom Kouzmanis to unleash a left footed shot into the far post. The goal gave GS United a 1-0 win and the Ontario Cup championship 2005.

Woodbridge Azzurri defender dejectedly retrieves ball as GS players celebrate their first Ontario Cup Gold

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 16

ww .ssrmagazine.com

Members of GS Coaching staff ran onto the field after Tom Kouzmanis scored sudden death goal for the win

Dignitaries John Knox and Bill Spiers give GS medals and send off to Nationals

GS Coaches John Williams and Chris Handsor got our game balls GS United won the lion’s share of the OSL individual awards in 2005. Captain Emil Calixtero was voted MVP, Courtney Camp- bell carrying home the Best Goal- keeper award and John Wil- liams voted Coach of the Year for his second in (3) three years. The 2005 landmark was that GS United became the first Ontario teams to have won the Nationals in 16 years and just the 11th time for Ontario since the tournament started in 1902.

Woodbridge Azzurri players receives silver medals from John Knox

Coach John Williams. Assistant coach Chris Handsor, Lester Bruno and Wayne Morgan

Page 17 www.ssrmagazine.com GS United players receives Ontario Cup Gold medals from John Knox

GS Emil Calixterio (C) and Dave Sidhu (Mgr.) lifts the 2005 Ontario Cup after defeating Woodbridge Azzurri at the Soccer Centre on a Golden Goal scored by Tom Kouzmanis in overtime. It was just the first of many.

G.S. United with Ontario Cup after defeating Woodbridge Azzurri In over time in the final

Page 18

www.ssrmagazine.com

MEMORABLE ONTARIO CUP CELEBRATION

J. Williams, C.Handsor, L. Bruno & W. Morgan

GS United players celebrate O-cup victory after match

Binning and Morgan pose with Ontario Cup

GS celebrate with friends and family inside Coffee time

GS United won the Ontario Cup in 2005 because of team focus. The club had put togetherness winning seasons before and still fell short failing to recognize that the Ontario Cup is a knockout tournament and the club which sustains its intensity throughout usually survives. Their elimination of 2002 was a bitter pill for the GS United camp to swallow with arguably the most talented roster in its history. The BIG difference in 2005 was the team was focus on the job at hand. They stuck together when they weren't playing well and saved the best for last. Congratulations is in order because there is nothing like the first.

GS celebrate with friends and family inside Coffee time

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 19

Page 20

www.ssrmagazine.com

Five years after winning their first Ontario Cup championship the core of that GS team entered the Men's Over-35 Masters Division and won the Ontario championship. Representing all of Ontario in Halifax, Nova Scotia, GS Masters defeated Cannonniers Longueuil of Quebec 3-0 to win the 2010 version of the Over-35 Eastern Masters Championship

The reality is that GS Vets had not gotten over the memories of winning their first Ontario Cup in 2005 and remained friends and part of GS soccer family. They have a strong passion for playing the game they love. Therefore, it came as no surprise when they took another run at the Ontario Cup. .

Dave Sidhu and John Williams had done it again. The friendship formed within the GS soccer family stayed with the players. At this veteran stage the club brought in younger players and so the veterans could lead by example. They included he twin brothers of John and James Lewis with some of the foundational players who started with the club and established the winning tradition.

GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2007 —————————————————————————————————————————————- OSL Provincial East ——— Goalkeeper of the Year -—— Brian Bowes, G.S. United ——— Courtney Campbell ———— Marko Paunkoski G.S. United —————————————————————————————————————————————— GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2008 Provincial East Coach of the Year ————— John Williams G.S. United MVP ——————- Courtney Brown G.S. United Central Region East MVP ——————- Marko Paunkoski G.S. United G.S. United ——————————————————————————————————————————————- GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2009 OSL Provincial East Goalkeeper of the Year —————- Tommaso Bianchi G.S. United OSL Provincial East Rookie of the Year ——————— Jordan Webb G.S. United OSL Provincial East MVP of the Year ———————— Sergio Marchant G.S. United OSL Playoff Champions GS United Alf Beese Cup Winners , Coupe Quebec-Ontario Cup

Page 21

www.ssrmagazine.com

Toronto Celtic F.C. Wwon the 2011 Ontario Cup after defeating G.S. United 5-4 on penalty kicks and booked their tickets to Club National championship in Brossard, Québec. GS United has an early lead in the penalty shootout, before Celtic goalkeeper Fabrice Kabongo came up with huge stops to save the day “I just though we’re here tonight, let’s do it now,” and If we get it done, we will always remember each other’s faces and this night.” said Kabongo It was certainly an unforgettable night for both teams. Celtic played a physical brand based on their advantage in size while GS utilized their speed and creativity for the entire 90 minutes. Unfortunately it seemed like GS forwards needed more than the required time after having they at least 70% of the time of possession with nothing to show. The fact that GS did not win the game handily in regulation time was a mystery but give Celtic credit.

Celtic & G.S. Lineup before 2011 Ontario Cup

Celtic team with the 2011 Ontario Cup

Toronto Celtiic celebraties after defeating GS in the final of 2011 Ontario Cup Championship final

Page 22

www.ssrmagazine.com

Somewhere in the second half of regulation time it became crystal clear to Celtic that their only chance of winning was to take GS United the full distance. The game was played at a high intensity, with the hard tackles that are expected in a championship final. At times. it seemed like GS advantage in play was lost due to the overwhelming number of Celtic supporters who were loud and a tremendous asset as the 12th man.

G.S. team which won Hellenics tournament in Chicago, USA

The story of the game for GS was a case of squandered scoring opportunities that including a break away. Toronto Celtic on the other hand played within the law of averages. They attacked sparingly and reserved their energy for defending the barrage of attacks from GS United.

When GS Coach made changes he got more of the same and the close but no cigar scenario became a detriment when penalty kicks determined the winner

GS found out the hard way that the dreaded penalty kicks works better for the underdog when the favored team fail to get the job done. Celtic goal- keeper was in sync. He made huge save all game and had the philological advantage in the penalty kicks. GS lost on kicks, but the pride shown after the loss was admirable. They came away with their heads held high knowing they gave their best and it was not their night . They were confident that they were going to bounce back and they did. The 2011 season ranks as one of the best seasons in the history of the club. The team finished as Playoff and Cup Champions in addition to winning the Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and MVP.

OSL Rep. Grace Noell presents GS Coach D. Gomez (L) and (Asst) G. Bryan with 2018 Provincial Elite Winners trophy

GS delegate picking up trophies at 2008 OSL Banquet, (L-R) Avtar Gill, Anton Skerritt (in background) Dave Sidhu and John Williams

Page 23

www.ssrmagazine.com

G.S. Winners Under Coach John Williams John Williams has oversteered GS teams through multiple transitions. He accepted the job as Head Coach of the men’s in 2001 and is currently the Head Coach of the entire club which currently has 8 teams. His ability as a player is beyond question and so is his record of winning championship at both the amateur and semi-professional level. He won the national champion- ship as a player, player/coach and as Coach of G.S. Men’s and Women’s teams. He compliments the magnetic characteristics of the club by using his array of contacts to assist in recruiting and the developing of players.

GS Women’s Coach John Williams at the 2013 Nationals

GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2010

Leading Goal Scorer Damien Pottinger

G.S. United

—————————————————————————— Goalkeeper of the Year Marko Paunkosk GS United George Trikkas ——————————————————————————- MVP of the Year Damien Pottinger G.S. United —————————————————————————— Alf Beese Cup Winners G.S United —————————————————————————— GS UNITED OSL AWARD WINNERS 2011 Champions ———————————————————————————— OSL Provincial East Goalkeeper of the Year Dave Ragno ————————————————————————————— OSL Provincial East Rookie of the Year Jerome Baker ————————————————————————————— OSL Provincial East MVP Jonathan Westmass ————————————————————————————— OSL Provincial Coach of the Year George Trikkas ————————————————————————————— OSL Playoff Champions, Cup Champions, ———————————————————————————— GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2012 Provincial East Coach of the Year John Williams ————————————————————————————— Provincial East Most Valuable Player Courtney Brown —————————————————————————————- Provincial East Goalkeeper of the Year Alim Karim, Theo Zagar Marko Paunkoski ————————————————————————————— Cntr Region East Most Valuable Player Marko Paunkoski ————————————————————————————— Alf Beese Cup Winner ———————————————————————————— Coupe Quebec-Ontario Cup Winner GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2013 ———————————————————————————— Cntr Region East Goalkeeper of the Year Kevin Christie GS United ———————————————————————————— U-21 Prov. Rookie of the Year Jordan Webb G.S United ————————————————————————————- U-21 Prov. East Cup Champions G.S. Power OSL Central Region East

Danielle Blair receives 2018 National Shield

Deanne Rose with 2015 Olympic Bronze Medal

Deanne Rose Most Goals Award 2015 at National Championship

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 24

GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2014

Provincial Elite Leading Goal Scorer -——— Damien Pottinger Provincial Elite Goalkeeper of the Year --———— Malcolm Shaw

Ctrl Region U-21 Goalkeeper of the Year ————— Craig Mackenzie Ctrl Region U-21 Leading Goal Scorer —————- Brian Wright Ctrl Region U-21 Most Valuable Player ––——— Brian Wright

GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2015

Provincial Elite Leading Goal Scorer —————- Damien Pottinger Ctrl Region U-21 Most Valuable Player ————–— Brian Wright

John Williams

GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2017

MJ District East Runner-up ——-————— GS United Provincial Elite Runner-up ——-—————- GS United Provincial Elite Leading Scorer ——-————— Osman Hussein

Hayden Fitzpatrick

GS UNITED OSL AWARDS WINNERS 2018

OSL MJ East Coach of the Year -———–-- George Finnie MJ District East Champion —-——— GS Vet Provincial Elite Coach of the Year ---——— Darryl Gomez Provincial Elite Keeper of the Year -———— Jordan Provincial Elite Most Valuable Player ––——— Brandon Chue Provincial Elite Division Winners —-———— G.S. United

J . Williams & A. Skerritt

OSL Provincial Elite 2018

Team

GP W T

L GF GA +/- Pts

Ron Belfon

Gary Bryan

Darryl Gomez

GS United

18 13 2 3 42 12 30 41

Woodbridge

18 12 1 5 40 21 19 37

Caledon FC

18 10 3 5 32 21 11 33

4 18 9 3 6 39 38 1 30 5 Vaughan Azzurri 18 8 5 5 34 27 7 29 6 Hamilton Sparta 18 8 2 8 37 37 0 26 7 Richmond Hill 18 7 4 7 28 33 -5 25 Panathinaikos

Durham Celtic

18 6 2 10 31 25 6 20

JJD Sports

9 18 5 1 12 25 43 -18 16 10 HNNK Dalmacija 18 0 1 17 5 56 -51 1

G.S. United delegation at 2008 OSL Banquet

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 25

Excerpts from Baldev “Dave” Sidhu Interview

We for personal and professional achievements The players that do strive to the highest levels get recognized by the College and University recruiters due to the GS United name being out there on the circuit. Since some of the past play- ers have become coaches at some of the prestigious schools, we can recommend players due to the trust in our assessment.” Dave added GS prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures. At the end of the 2018 season the club was said to have at last 48 different nationalities with- in their 8-team membership. It is a testament to the entire GS organization full appreciation and acceptance of all people. ““We will always be receptive to good human beings in our organization” said Dave provide tools

Dave Sidhu has a personal relationship with practically all the GS players and they are aware of all the sacrifices he has made for them in the interest of the club. It is one of the reasons the players give 100% of their effort. It is amazing how he juggles the running of his company business and represents the interest of G.S. United Board of Directors with such success. At one time when a great number of GS players were on scholarships there was a perception that it was the objective of the club but Dave begged to differ. “ Our mandate is not to gain scholarships…...

G.S. United General Manager Baldev Sidhu

We have always had skill in our teams, that was a given, but the addition of players brings us more dedication and cultivated ultimate and utmost respect for each other” said Dave Sidhu

G.S UNITED ORIGINALS

J.C. lifts 2018 Ontario Cup with teammates after a 4-3 penalty kicks win at the Civic Stadium in Oshawa

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 26

GS United formed an Under 21 team in 2013 to add to its Men’s OSL Provincial East and Central Region teams. The club always had a large number of young players but in their wisdom Dave Sidhu and John Williams decided that the time was right to have players come up through the GS soccer system. The U-21 team is called GS Power and true to their name they powered through their opponents to win the Ontario Cup championship. With it s expansion GS has attracted a vast number of Caribbean players who find the club to be a good fit because all their needs are met. All they have to do is concentrate on playing and the club takes care of everything else. GS has been a home for a Caribbean players for quite some time and has contributed positively to the Caribbean Community and society in general. Its cultural makeup is a true reflection of the Canadian Multicultural Society.

If you want to be accepted in GS It helps if you have some soccer talent, but of greater importance is your ability to treat all people like human beings and with respect. While the club has a winning tradition from the recreational level in Scarborough to its current status at the top of the Ontario Soccer League (OSL) 2018 standings, it is the success within the concept of a soccer family that keeps the club on an upward trajectory. The club has incorporated U-21 in both women and men’s divisions and has summoned their Veteran members into action. These Vets have stayed together to play the game with the club they love. It cannot be overstated that GS United and its Board of Directors have done an exceptional job. They have all members of the soccer family engaged and setting new milestone in terms of accomplishments

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 27

Page 28

www.ssrmagazine.com

SUCCESSFUL G.S. TEAMS OVER THE YEARS

Page 29

www.ssrmagazine.com

Jonathan Wesmaas, Sultan Haitam, Ron Belfon, J.C. and Courtney Brown with 2018 Eastern Reginal Mas-

The Tradition Continues GS club entered a team into the OSL Multi-Jurisdictional (MJ) Division called GS Vets. The veteran’s objective was to gain fitness in the MJ League to be ready for the Over-35 Masters Division of the Ontario Cup competition they entered. As it turned out GS Vets won the MJ league against younger teams and were more than ready for their opponents in the Ontario Cup both mentally and physically.

2018 OSLMJ East Standings

Team

L GF GA +/-

Pts

GS Vets

Ajax FC

Whitby Iroquois

York Jets

Ajax Union

Artemisium

45 -11

7 Scarborough Rangers

-1

East York United

36 -15

Premier FC

3 10

50 -34

Page 30

www.ssrmagazine.com

He has been a part of the GS soccer family as a youngster and throughout his magnificent professional career he stayed abreast with the happenings at GS through Dave Sidhu. He played for GS around the time he played with Malvern Youth Soccer Club and was part of the infamous 3Ds of Adrian Dantley, Darryl Gomez and Dwayne De Rosario.

The experience from the MJ league turned out better than anticipated although winning the division was not a big deal to the players because it comes with promotion and GS Vets are not interested in moving up. Their interest is in playing in the Ontario Cup competition. Dwayne DeRosario joining the team was of great help.

Darryl was also a member of the GS Masters team. Together the 2Ds in Dwayne and Darryl they mesmerizing the opposition and helped GS Masters win the 2018 Ontario Cup to advance to the nationals and represent the Province of Ontario in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Date

Comp

Opponent

Res

Goal Scorers

1054

May 10

GFC

Markham Lightning East York United

Win

3 Damien Pottinger 3, Sergio Marchant, Dane Roberts

687

May 27

MJE

Win

Damien

Pottinger

Paolo

Denicola

Damien Hoyte

694

Jun 3

MJE

Ajax FC

Win

1 Darryl Gomez, Damien Pottinger, Sergio Marchant

699

Jun 10

MJE

Artemisium

Win

Sergio Marchant 2, Leslie Fitzpatrick

702

Jun 17

MJE

Ajax Union

Win

2 Leslie Fitzpatrick, Dane Roberts, Ron Belfon

710

Jun 29

MJE

Premier FC

Loss

Damien Hoyte, Ron Belfon

711

Jul 8

MJE

Scarborough Rangers Artemisium

Win

1 Damien Pottinger, Jahel Gushway, Paolo Denicola, Daniel Gushway 2 Damien Pottinger, Jahel Gushway, Sergio Marchant 2

758

Jul 15

MJE

Win

720

Jul 20

MJE

York Jets

Win

Jahel Gushway, Dane Roberts

724

Jul 25

MJE

Ajax Union

Win

3 Jahel Gushway 3, Sultan Haitam 2, Damien Pottinger 2 Jahel Gushway, Sergio Marchant, Paolo Denicola, Richard Kirwan

728

Jul 29

MJE

East York United

Win

733

Aug 12

MJE

Whitby Iroquois

Tie

Arturo Alava

739

Aug 19

MJE

Premier FC

Tie

None

749

Sep 9

MJE

Scarborough Rangers

Tie

Sultan Haitam, Sergio Marchant

1124

Sep 11

GFC

Whitby Iroquois York Jets Whitby Iroquois Ajax FC

Loss

Anthony Captain

754

Sep 16

MJE

Win

Damien Pottinger 2, Daniel Gushway

756

Sep 30

MJE

Win

3 Daniel Gushway, Jahel Gushway 2, Damien Pottinger 2, Ron Belfon 2 3 Jahel Gushway 3, Sergio Marchant, Ron Belfon, Daniel Gushway 2

746

Oct 17

MJE

Win

Page 31

www.ssrmagazine.com

Photos credit to Ontario Soccer Association

J.C. (center) lifts 2018 Masters Ontario Cup with teammates after 4-3 penalty kick’s win at Civic Stadium

Scarborough's G.S. United won the 2018 Men's Masters Championship after defeating Mississauga's AC Soccer 4-3 on penalty kicks at the Civic Stadium in Oshawa. GS took a comfortable 2-0 halftime lead but could not put the resilient Mississauga team away. Darnien Pottinger opened the scoring in the 15th minute before former Canadian and Toronto FC forward Dwayne De Rosario scored in the 35th minute to extend GS lead into the break. The third goal in any 2-0 game is usually very important and GS failed to capitalize before AC Soccer Diavoli made use of their scoring opportunity when Jaime Edgar scored to bring his team back in contention 2-1. The intensity of the game went sky high. The price for scoring a goal went even higher with these veteran players fully aware of what the next goal meant. Mississauga tip the scale for yet another time as Alejandro Mantero equalized in the 75– minute to give his team momentum.

Page 32

www.ssrmagazine.com

Photos credit to Ontario Soccer Association

J.C. receives 2018 Ontario Masters trophy from OSA President Ron Smale at the Civic Stadium in Oshawa

The run of play remained close with the score tied until the final whistle of regulation time. Extra time did little to break the deadlock and the winner had to be decided by the dreaded penalty kicks. In theory Mississauga AC had the momentum. They came back to tie the game after falling behind 2-0. However, hats off to GS Masters and the experience of players like Dwayne De Rosario and Darryl Gomez who had seen this type of situations countless times before. They knew why it was called the dreaded penalty kicks and momentum aside; it was their time to show mental and physical toughness with a precise execution.

The call for penalty kicks was a momentum breaker for Mississauga and a welcome break for GS Masters to refocus on getting the jump in the upcoming penalties. G.S. Masters came out on the better end of a 4-3 result to win the 2018 Ontario Cup Masters Championship. The admirable thing about GS and its players is that they are humble. In spite of a heavy dosage of winning they form friendships within those rivalries. It is one of many reasons that GS United Club is considered to be a class organization.

G.S. MJ Most Goals MJE

GFC Total

Damien POTTINGER 10

Jahel GUSHWAY

Sergio MARCHANT

Daniel GUSHWAY

Ron BELFON

Dane ROBERTS

Paolo DENICOLA

Sultan HAITHAM

Damien HOYTE

Leslie FITZPATRICK 2

Anthony CAPTAIN

Arturo ALAVA

Darryl GOMEZ

Richard KIRWAN

Page 33

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 34

www.ssrmagazine.com

Dwayne De Rosario celebrates goal with teammates at Ontario Masters final at Civic Stadium in Oshawa

After winning the O-35 Provincial championship on penalty kicks GS Masters travelled to Fredericton, New Brunswick and made quick work of the opposition Dwayne De Rosario got into a groove and soccer fans around the globe have seen what he can do when he gets into a rhythm. GS Masters played Group A against Fredericton Dawgs and N-L Holy Cross. They defeated Fredericton 4-1 and Holy Cross 6-0 to win the Eastern Masters Championship. Dwayne De Rosario had a fantastic run at the 2018 Eastern Masters and finished as the tournament leading scorer. “I have won back to back Masters with High Profile team but this GS Masters team was by far the most talented team I’ve played with in Canada” said Hayden “Tiger” Fitzpatrick. “Tiger” played in the Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors 2006 World Cup Germany campaign and for Columbus Crew in the MLS.

Eastern Masters Most Goals 2018

Player

Team

Goals

De Rosario, Dwayne

G.S. Masters

Durdle, Dion

NL-Holy Cross SC

Pottinger, Damien

G.S. Masters

Tatham, Shawn

G.S. Masters

Marchant, Sergio

G.S. Masters

Westmaas, Jonathan

G.S. Masters

Eastern Masters Standings Group A 2018

Gm Grp A

Team

P W T L GF GA +/- PTS

G.S. Masters

Fredericton Dawgs

-3

NL-Holy Cross 2

-6

Page 35

www.ssrmagazine.com

Back Row: (Coach) Baldy Singh Sidhu, Ranjot Singh Sidhu, © Sandeep Singh Jaswal, Jyndera Singh, Richard Perierra, Paul Moore, Roger Moore, Roger Clark, Ruell Gomez, Brent Martin, (Captain) Craig Williams, (Manager) Balwant Singh. Front Row: Khaleeg Rehman, Gus Gusmanis, Mark Russino, Inderjit Singh Shaudri Johnson, (Trainer) Paul Singh Binning, Nirbhai Singh Sidhu, Ian , Ziad Abrach, Missing: Siddarth Nirjwan. GURSIKH SABHA (G.S.) UNITED 1993 Excerpts from Gursikh Newsletter May 1993 G.S. (Gursikh Sabbha) United won the Scarborough Indoor Soccer League (SISL) Second Division. The indoor league comprised of 48-team and divided into four divisions. G.S. finished first in the Second Division with a record of 14 wins, 1 loss and 2 ties and was promoted to the First Division with one of the youngest teams in the league. The club also finished with the best defensive record in the entire league and 3rd in the playoffs When asked about the team incredible success Baldev (Dave) Singh Sidhu said, “This success was brought about by a combination of events. Firstly some changes were made in the management where two of our best young players Paul Binning and Sandeep Jaswal were given the responsibility to train and captain the team. These two individuals who are highly respected by the players and seniors progressive attitude provide motivation and positive vibe to all the players…. Also our team is recognised as one of the most culturally diverse teams in the league. In addition we had a lot of support from the Sadh Sangat at all the games and this really lifts up the player’s spirits. All these things combine have led us to achieve so much in such a short time.”

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 36

The club’s presentation of awards in recognition of the team’s achievement was held on April 16, 1993 with a dinner. Balwant Singh as one of the organizers of the team made the following presentation:

Most Valuable Player - Sandeep Jaswa & Roger Clarke Most Dedicated Player - Paul Binning & Baldev Sidhu

Best Young Player - Inderjit Singh Most supporting player - Shoudri Johnson Top Goal Scorer - Khaleeq Rehman

The club also acknowledged and made mention the name of the remaining members of the team and they were: Tes Minhas, Nirbhai Sidhu, Adam Richman, Rhuel Gomez, Craig Williams, Dwight Smith, Trevor Jones, Ricardo Lee, Cris Fermmanes, Siddarthu Nirjawan, Jaspal Hayer, Balwant Singh.

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 37

G.S. United mixture of youth and veterans played a big role with its indoor program. At first, the club used indoor soccer as preparation for the outdoor season however; with the success of the outdoor team they entered a team into Scarborough Indoor Soccer League (SISL).

Darryl Gomez and Courtney Brown making rings around the opposition

The club had an immediate impact in the SISL. Their style of play was tailor made for the younger players who filled into spaces beautifully. By the mid-nineties GS United had revolutionized the style of play in the SISL. They dispelled the notions that skillful players could not be as effective with a heavy dosage of physical play. The problem for opposing teams against GS was having to defend the open spaces. The continuous play provided by surrounding boards helped improved tactical awareness that eventually provided mismatches. By the mid-nineties GS United won multiple SISL Championships and became the team to beat.

John Williams receiving award

The club entered four divisions and won most of them with the likes of Dwayne DeRosario, Darryl Gomez, Lyndon Hooper and many others who became high profile players. As time elapsed it was customary for GS players to be on University Scholarship’s list with others moving onto Olympic teams such as Alim Karrim and onto the national team like Dwayne De Rosario

GS United also widen its horizon in the Caribbean Community. It

G.S. Lyndon Hooper with medals

GS Dave Sidhu with medals

continued its winning tradition as a regular participant at the professionally run Caribbean Stars Annual Indoor tournament at Mount Joy in Markham where they won several championships starting with the Men’s Open Division and later in the Over-35 Divisions. This was in additional to the many titles the club had already won in the Scarborough Indoor League in both the Men's Open and O-35 Divisions. During the success their players exemplified the true meaning of sportsmanship. It is reflected by the number of Most Discipline awards they won sometimes in mediocre season, when temperaments are usually tested. However, GS United commitment to excellence is not solely on its winning tradition. The humility shown by its players who represented over 48 different nationalities in a marvel. GS ethnic representation continues to increase and it is a true reflection of the Canadian Multicultural Society.

Gus Kouzmanis tracks down loose ball in SISL

GS Dwayne DeRosario (blue) at SISL game

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 38

GS bench between games at Caribbean Stars Annual Indoor Tournament where they were the team to beat.

Page 39

www.ssrmagazine.com

G.S Women’s Program Under Coach John Williams

Coach Williams with Shield

GS Women’s team sealed the deal for Coach Williams when they defeated Durham United 4-3 on penalty kicks to win the 2018 Ontario Cup championship for the sixth consecutive time. G.S. United Women’s team Coach John Williams was presented with the Meritious Achievement Award for leading his team to six (6) consecutive Ontario Cups championships (2013-2018).

Page 40

www.ssrmagazine.com

G.S United Women wins first Ontario Cup in 2013

Ask anyone in GS women’s team circle about Coach John Williams and they will tell you that “Johnny” (as Williams is affectionately called) is the main reason the team has done as well as it has since it was formed from members of Toronto Elite team eight seasons ago. One of the advocates to fully endorsed Johnny’s leadership is Amie Lin the Player/ Manager of the Women’s team. Amie was the catalyst behind the coming together off her team and GS to start the GS women’s program. Toronto Elite amalgamation with GS United club was in 2011 and the rest is history. “The reason why we have done so well throughout the 8 years with GS United is John Williams”’ said Amie. “His passion and love for the game and for the girls is always 100 percent” she said. Coach John Williams was resourceful when he went back to what got him success in 2005. It was about preparation and getting help with ideas to take the team over the hump. 2011 - Windsor Caboto Strikers 2012 - North London Galaxy 2013 - Scarborough GS United 2014 - Scarborough GS United 2015 - Scarborough GS United 2016 - Scarborough GS United 2017 - Scarborough GS United 2018 - Scarborough GS United 2007 - London City Galaxy 2008 - North London Galaxy 2009 - North London Galaxy 2010 - Barrie Spirit 2005 - Oakville Storm 2006 - Ottawa Royals ONTARIO CUP CHAMPIONS

Coach John Williams and Amie Lin in 2013 accepting the fist of the five (5) consecutive Ontario Cup Championship that followed.

His acceptance of help towards the overall defending of the team proved valuable. He exposed his players to other coaching ideas that gave them a better perspective of the opposition and the importance of solid defense with adequate offense. While the defensive play took the team to their first final they scored from a set play they practiced to win the Nationals.

Page 41

www.ssrmagazine.com

GS Women’s team was under immense pressure. Instead of congratulatory comments they were faced with questions about going back to their sixth and if they were going to do anything different to reach the final and get a chance of win the national champi- onship The fact that GS Masters won a Re- ginal championship months earlier did not help the women’s case. Coach Williams was also under pressure. He must have known that coaches have been removed from

GS Win 6-Straight Ontario Cup The final of the 2018 Women’s Ontario Cup saw a determined Durham United team fully prepared to upset the highly favoured and defending champion GS United Women’s team. It was game by which upsets are written, however, it must be said that GS had won the previous five Ontario Cup championships and was determined to have another opportunity to win what has been a very elusive National championship. The game was played at the Ontario Soccer Cen- tre in Vaughan where both teams had scoring chances that neither was able to convert into goals. The second half was more of the same as each side failed to get the better of the other de- fense and when either did they found the goal- keepers were up to the task. To say the goalkeepers were huge in the Ontario Cup final will be an understatement. The scoreless game went directly into penalty kicks after regulation time. GS had practiced kicking penalties and their goalkeeper was as cool as a cucumber after her Captain missed the first of the penalty kicks and came up with the big save that enabled her team to book their passage to the 2018 National Championship. It was their first win on penalty kicks in their six Ontario Cup Women’s final successes. The stress of winning on penalty kicks left the team numb and was about to take the long and winding road again. .

Captain Blair with Ontario Cup from OSA President Ron Smale

their job after successful seasons. However, to his credit he was not afraid to take on the challenge and adapt to change. He welcomed advice and criticism from internal and external sources. The success of GS United Women’s team at the 2018 Nationals was truly a collective effort. The players did their part and the experience of Coach William and his coaching staff of Mark Gibbs, Peyvand Mossavat ,

Photos credit to Ontario Soccer Association

GS players congratulate goalkeeper on PK win in final

Danielle Blair eludes defender

Page 42

www.ssrmagazine.com

Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker