Q3-Q1: Looking Back & Looking Forward

They did it once again, the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions repeat as World 90 Canadian League Champions! They closed off a wonderful season in exciting fashion as usual, winning their final game of the season 6-0 over the Saint Patricks to clinch the title in the final game of the season. If you think it could not have been closer than the previous year when the Royal Lions won the title by a 1-point margin over FC Leo July you would have been wrong. At the end of the season they finished tied with prestigious football club SSP with 91 points. The FCW Lions however won the tie-breaker which came down to +/-. They boasted the best +/- in the league of +114, easily beating that of SSP who had a +90.

In the process of capturing the title, the Royal Lions also set a club record scoring 151 goals this past season, many of them coming from Loic Eglisfield. At season's end, Eglisfield tied Davonte Bridge of the Boondock Saints for the Golden Boot award with 32 goals.

"To repeat as champions is special. I'm paid the big bucks to go out there and score, and I try to do that every opportunity I get. To be tied for the goal lead at the end of the season shows I've just been doing my job. The Golden Boot is a nice award to receive, however another Championship is really what is special here. It feels great, once again" said Eglisfield.

Eglisfield was also re-signed mid season despite fans being unsure whether or not manager Tuté Fruy would have the resources to resign him. It is clear now that he did have enough resources, as Eglisfield will be back for three more years.

The top three scorers at the end of the season were:
Loic Eglisfeld - 32
Curtis Gelbart - 17
James Walton - 17

Another high scorer to note was Trevion Collins who picked up 16 goals in just 18 matches. "I felt like my old self," said the 38 year old Collins. "I managed to be effective every time I stepped out on the pitch, and the second Championship feels just as good as the first". Collins was contemplating retirement after this season, but even after two Championships in a row Collins stated "there is still a job for me to do on this team. I still have a strong role to fill, and have shown I can do it effectively. With free agency, and funds at a stand still, I believe I am still needed, and would like to continue to provide leadership and captaincy to this team".

From players who played up to their great potential such as Martha, and Cabese, to players who had standout seasons such as James Walton, the mood was exuberant. "I think it is just as special (as the first time)," said young goalkeeper Martha. "We have the same group of guys here. Teams change a lot of the years, but we have finally come to a point where we want to maintain this same group of guys. We're a championship team, and everyone gets along. We want to be a part of this team, and a part of this group of guys. It's great".

Season 11 Results:

World 90 Canada - 29-4-5, +114, Champions

The team looks exactly the same as it prepares for season 12. No moves were made in the off-season, and no players were let go either. Perhaps this "same group of guys" can bring a third title in a row to Winnipeg. An important date to put on your calender is 9/19, the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions season opener against Barriaera F.C.C. The Royal Lion's home opener is a day later on 9/20 versus Yukon Yeti FC.

Q2: So Far, So Good

It is still early in the season, but after fourteen games, the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions have managed to be the team on top of the Canadian League once again. The standings this year however are much tighter. The top eight teams in the league are only separated by eight points, a very small margin. The FCW Lions (11-2-1) are the team atop that eight point gap, ahead of second place by four points.

"It really speaks to the importance of perfection, and consistency," said Martha who has backstopped the team to a league low of seven goals conceded. "You make one mistake, on one play, that may be the difference between a couple of rankings in the standings. Near perfection is needed."

The FCW Lions have not been perfect, but they have played well, boasting the best +/- in the league. With 53 goals for (tied for 1st), and only 7 goals against (1st), the team is a +46. The next best rating is +35 held by fourth place FC Bigfoot.

"Plus-minus is a tough statistic to grasp for some. A team could finish perfect at 38-0-0 and be a +38. It's nice to be ahead in that category, but the only category we care about finishing at the top of is points," said defender Dumets who has four goals this season.

The top three scorers at Q2 are:
Loïc Cabese - 8
Trevion Collins -8
Loic Eglisfeld - 7

Many thought this would be Captain Collins last year before retirement, however an all-star performance has the captain looking like his old self.

"We'll obviously see how the year goes, and I'll make a decision in the off-season. Retirement is the last thing on my mind, and I do still consider myself a goal scorer. I'm not seeing the field as much as in the past, but every time I step on I want to be a game changer. I want to set an example of how to play, I'm the leader of this team," stated Trevion Collins.

We hope to see you cheering on the Royal Lions for what could be another championship run at the MTS Centre for the FCW Lions next game on 8/11 Vs #14 Hamilton Hawks (2-6-6).

New Jerseys Unveiled

Yesterday, the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions released what will be their new set of jerseys for season 11. Both Eglisfield, and Cabese were there to sport the new look, and sign autographs for many eager fans. Here are how the new jerseys (left) compare to the old jerseys (right).
L-R (New-Old)

"I think it's exciting," said Eglisfield. "It is something to get the fans more involved. It's a sleek new look, maybe it will make me more aerodynamic! With that said, we still want to win another championship. We might look good on the field with these new kits, but we need to continue to play good".

"It's good for the fans I agree," Cabese added. "It is another reason to celebrate this team, and to get behind them for what should be another exciting season".

One excited fan who wished to remain anonymous commented on the jersey by saying "I am glad they didn't make any drastic changes to the jerseys. It keeps the same traditional look, the familiar look, and modernizes it slightly. It's a very nice upgrade. It keeps the look we all liked, and adds to it".

The auctions were also a success, raising large amounts of money for charity. The overall reception of the FCW Lion's new look seemed to be positive and only a day later, record numbers of jerseys are flying off the shelves. Be sure to pick up yours before the home opener!

Q1: Season 11 Preview; New Jerseys, Same Team

Coming off a Canadian Championship in season 10, the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions management have decided to keep the team more or less the same as last year. Only three free agent signings were made, all of who will strengthen the depth of a strong Lions roster.

Here is the list of free agent signings by the FCW Lions this off-season:

31 year old - Lassana Douillard (Canada) GK - $196,000 p/y 1-year
30 year old - Dossevi Leeds (Canada) D - $256,000 p/y 1-year
29 year old - Layton Pichot (Canada) D - $126,000 p/y 1-year

Both Leeds and Pichot will see playing time off the bench, and will help to strengthen the depth at the defense position. Douillard will be the backup goalkeeper to Martha, and although he knows he will not be acquiring a lot of playing time, he could not pass up the opportunity to play for a championship caliber squad.

"Martha is one of the most talented young keepers I have seen play the game. At 31 years old, I have opted to choose a substitute role in order to be a mentor to a fantastic talent. In reality, it might be him who teaches me a few things though" Douillard said with a laugh. "I know I will not receive much playing time, I knew that coming in, but I could not pass up the opportunity to play with such talent, and have a chance at a championship ring".

In other news, long time backup goalkeeper Phil Digby was released, and announced his retirement shortly after. He started 131 games making 419 saves over eight seasons with the FCW Lions. "It was a good run, I love the city of Winnipeg, and loved the team. I feel the talent of the league has outgrown me, and at age 33, am ready to move onto other things" said Digby.

Many players were available for comment, including James Walton, who has won a Canadian Championship two years in a row. First with Leo July, now with the Royal Lions.

"I think we have all had a good off season. Training has started up and everybody seems to be in shape. In this day and age, teams are ever changing. It is nice to see the same faces back again this year. It helps the chemistry, and I know from the past two years, teams do in fact need chemistry to bring home the title" - James Walton

Captain Trevion Collins who turned 37 years old last week agreed. "We all had fun celebrating the championship, but now it is back to work. It's nice to see familiar faces, this is a good team, there was no reason to make major changes. I can't wait for the season to begin, I feel we can challenge for another title. If the race is as tight as last season, it should be exciting" said Collins.

23 year old Boudewijn Martha now has both a league championship, and a world championship in just five years with the Lions. "I play football because it's fun, I enjoy it, and I love the sport. It is more fun when you win however. I challenge myself to play my best every game, and give my team a chance to win week in and week out. We all need to play our best. I need to make the saves, Eggy (Eglisfield) has to score, Cabby (Cabese) has to defend. Everyone else needs to do their job as well. Last year it was a whole team effort to win a championship. This year will be no different" Martha stated.

Rumors swirling around a new set of jerseys for the team were confirmed, and should add to the excitement of the new season. The new jerseys will be unveiled tomorrow in the press grounds of the MTS Centre. Fans are welcome to join the team in the announcement. Loic Eglisfield, and Loïc Cabese will be present to help unveil, and try on the new jerseys. They will be signing autographs, and we will be auctioning off two brand new FCW Lions jerseys signed by the two players. All funds will go to charity.

An important date to put on your calender is 7/27, the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions season opener against Fantasista Futbal Club. The Lions' home opener is on 7/28 against LJ Gang Green, the second place team that finished a single point behind the Royal Lions last year. It is highlighted to be one of the best games all year so get your tickets, the game is almost sold out!

Q2-Q4: The Championship Journey

The FC Winnipeg Royal Lions are Season 10 Canadian League Champions! They began the season 19-1-0 before finally losing, and showed the type of dominant play needed to win a championship all season long . They pumped out wins week after week, but despite posting a 33-2-3 record, with a +/- of +118, clinching the title was no easy feat. Leo July, former champions, forced the Royal Lions to play dominant football each and every day finishing second, only a single point behind. Third place Boondock Saints who finished only four points behind in the standings also fought hard to challenge for the title, beating the FCW Lions 3-2 in the second last game of the season to prevent the Royal Lions from clinching the title a week early.

The dominant season came down to a final game against ninth ranked AS Forza. After easily winning the first meeting 6-1, the Royal Lions may have felt the pressure. They were played close the whole game, and the lone strike by defender Cabese in the 69th minute managed to hold up for the game winner, and championship clincher.

"It is unreal," stated Cabese. "We had confidence going into the final game against AS Forza, but they played us really well. Martha had to make some good saves early on to keep us in it. About my goal, I just ran up to the top of the box and got the ball. I was on one foot so I had to swing my leg around to get a good shot, it managed just to curve by the keeper."

Some might forget however the 33rd game of the season where the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions faced off against Leo July after tying their first match 2-2 earlier in the season. After Searcy received a red card in the 30th minute, and LJ Green took a 1-0 lead five minutes later, the FCW Lions had a large hole to climb out of, against a great team. Gelbart scored in the 71st minute to tie the game, before Lorenco won it on a goal two minutes later. The stadium erupted as the team seemed to do the impossible, and win a game which in the end, won them a championship.

Young goalkeeper Martha, who won a world championship with the FCW Lions at age 18, now has his first league championship at only age 22. He was a big factor in the championship win, conceding only twenty goals all season long. His six save clean sheet in the final game of the season was needed to win 1-0.

"This is amazing. I do not think it has really set in yet. I felt confident all game long, all season long really. This is a great team. I don't know what else to say, it's awesome," said Martha.

The top three scorers at the end of the season are:
Loic Eglisfeld - 26
Curtis Gelbart - 22
Loïc Cabese - 15

The Royal Lions leading scorer Loic Eglisfield sat out the final game due to flu like symptoms, however was celebrating as much as he could after the game. "I still feel sick symptom wise. Yet I have the best feeling in the world at the same time. I knew I had the chance to be called in, but Cabby showed why he's one of the best offensive d-men in the world when he put in that ball."

Manager Tute Fruy thanked all the players individually after the game, and stated "there is nothing to say. The players did it, and earn it, congratulations to all of them. This is simply fantastic".

Although this championship means a lot to all players, perhaps none wanted it more than team captain Trevion Collins. Although Collins was considered to be playing 'off the bench', he still made 21 appearances scoring 8 goals, and started in the final match of the season. He's played in all of the Royal Lions' eight seasons and is finally rewarded.

"This is it. This is what we play for. I've been with this team since the start, and it feels sweet. It's still a little unbelievable. I'm the captain, I am supposed to be able to find words, but right now I can't. This and the Season 6 World Championship, there is nothing that compares. There is nothing quite like when hard work pays off. What a year, and what a team to play for".

The FC Winnipeg Royal Lions smashed club records for most goals for (142), least goals conceded (24), and +/- (+ 118), and earned a championship title in dominant, and exciting fashion.

Season 10 Results:

World 90 Canada - 33-2-3, +118, Champions

Stay tuned for a Q1 article which will deliver next season's preview for the team. In the meantime, celebrate the championship! Congrats to the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions for winning the Season 10 Canadian League Championship!

Q1: Season 10 Preview

Following a fantastic Season 9 where the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions finished with their best point total and +/- ever, the Lions made very few changes to the team roster. Four new faces will be seen on the pitch however, as french manager Tuté Fruy managed to sign four solid free agents.

Here is the list of free agent signings by the FCW Lions this off-season:

31 year old - James Walton (Canada) M - $233,000 p/y 2-year
29 year old - Dorsey Searcy (Canada) M - $126,000 p/y 2-year
28 year old - Fabrice Kellett (Canada) D - $126,000 p/y 2-year
32 year old - Charlie Hermach (Canada) M - $101,000 p/y 1-year

With the four free agent signings, the Royal Lions were able to add great depth at midfield, a midfield which should have the ability to both attack and defend with ease. Trevion Collins, who will remain the captain of the team for Season 10 commented on the team's outlook.

"We had a solid team last year, and with a lot of the same guys coming back, I see no reason why we cannot challenge for our first Canadian title again this year," said Collins. "We signed four new players which will have a positive impact on this squad, and enhance our chances of victory. I believe we have enough talent to do it, we just need to work hard every game, and limit mistakes".

Collins will once again be considered a substitute player this season despite remaining team captain. That has not however stopped his production. Last year he was third in scoring on the team with 12 goals, despite playing 'off the bench'.

The Royal Lion's fans and media have often referred to the 'Big Three' as being their biggest shot to win a title. Those three players are all-star defender Loïc Cabese, goal-scoring forward Loic Eglisfield, and young goalkeeping stud Boudewijin Martha. To win a title though, every piece of the puzzle will need to click.

"We need a full team of guys," Martha stated, "and that includes guys off the bench. Collins is a good example of that, everyone can make an impact whether they play thirty-eight games or one game. All three of us (Eglisfield, Cabese, Martha) know we have to lead the team, however we are the first to admit we need the rest of the team to win a championship. There are a lot of guys on this team who do not get the recognition they deserve. We have a lot of good players, not just three, that's why we have a good chance of winning".

James Walton, a free agent signing who won the championship with Leo July last year knows they will be the team to beat again this year. "They really are great. I treasure my four years there but it was time to move on. On the other side of that, I also know how good the FCW Lions are. Luckily I'll have the chance to play for the best once again, just this time it is for a different team".

For the third straight season, the FC Winnipeg Royal Lions will play their season opener @ lets go. The match takes place on 6/2. We expect to see you out at the home opener versus Vancouver Blast FC on 6/3! Few tickets remain!

Q4 Summary

The FC Winnipeg Royal Lions finished season nine with their best point total, and +/- since the club formed. They finished 28-4-6, and managed to finish third in the Canadian League. The owner and staff were pleased with the clubs accomplishments, and look forward to maintaining a strong team for the next season despite having a tight budget.

The top three scorers at the end of the season are:
Loic Eglisfeld - 23
Curtis Gelbart - 22
Trevion Collins - 12

Season 9 Results:

World 90 Canada - 28-4-6, +88, Third Place

World 90 Champions Tournament - 2-2-2, +2, 2nd Group D

Stay tuned for an introduction of the FCW Lion's off season signings, as well as a Q1 & Q2 deluxe article release!