Markham Soccer Club

USA Cup
U12 and U13 Boys Win the USA Cup
Two MSC teams have made Club history by winning the USA Cup, one of the world's largest and most prestigious tournaments. The U12 boys coached by Rob Gillies won their final 8-2 over an American team, United FC from Wisconsin while the U13 boys coached by Dino Cramarossa won their final 2-1 over Real Madrid - Mexico. More

U13 Boys Win the Robbie
The Markham Soccer Club U13 Boys coached by Dino Cramarossa demonstrated again that they are a first-class team by winning the recent Robbie Tournament. In the final, they defeated their arch-rivals, the Ajax Eagles. It's been a long wait for the MSC. Club teams have won many other tournaments, including the Ontario Cup, but prior to this year, the best result in the Robbie was as the runner-up.

In regular league play, the U13 Boys are in first place in the top Central Soccer League division with a 5 point lead over Ajax. Right behind them, the U12 Boys coached by Rob Gillies are in third place in the top U12 division.

MSC Adds Goalkeeper Coach to Tech Team
Bianchi The Markham Soccer Club is pleased to announce that Thomas Bianchi will be joining the Club's Technical Team as the Goalkeeper Coach. Thomas will be working with MSC's Rep, All-Star and House League Coaches and Goalkeepers to further develop the quality of the goalkeeping in the Club.

Thomas is currently the goalkeeper coach at Centennial College. He previously held similar positions at Irvine Strikers Soccer Club (Irvine California), Glen Shields Soccer Club and Aliso Niguel High School (Aliso Niguel California). He was a keeper at Vanguard University of Southern California where he started 67 games and amassed 24 career shutouts. In 2004, he was the team captain, the Golden State Athletic Conference Champion and he ranked 11th in the US. Thomas earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Vanguard University.

Thomas was the youngest-ever Canadian Professional Soccer League (CPSL) Rookie of the Year and won the (CPSL) title with the Toronto Olympians in 1999. He was a two-time Ontario Soccer League (OSL) U-21 Goalkeeper of the Year, winning it with two different teams: the only keeper who has ever done that. In 2006, he was drafted by the California Cougars of the MISL.

“We are very happy Thomas has decided to come to Markham and work with our young keepers. I have known Tommy for a few years now and consider him one of the best young keeper coaches in Ontario. He is a very technical coach and has a terrific ability to bond with players and get the best out of them.” (Sanford Carabin, MSC Head Coach)

Robert Giacomi Signs With KBK in Norway
Former MSC Lightning star keeper Robert Giacomi has signed a 2 year deal with the KBK Club in Norway. Robert will move right into the number 1 keeper spot at the club.

Robert played his youth soccer with MSC and he was a key member of the Club's OYSL team coached by Don McColl and Bryan Bufton. He was also a member of the Canadian National Youth Teams. After leaving Markham, Robert spent 2 years with Glasgow Rangers in their youth and reserve system. Last year, he played at Beveren in Belgium's First Division.

Robert was a member of the Canadian National Team that participated in last years Gold Cup and he was recently picked for the Canadian U23 team.

Chris Shea - YRSA Life Member
Chris Shea was honoured recently by YRSA President Bill Condy who named Chris as York Region Soccer Association's 8th Life Member.

Shown here (centre) accepting his plaque from other YRSA Life Members (l to r) Tony Casole; Benny Steenhorst; Lynne McGarrigle and Vince Tersigni. Chris just recently resigned from the York Region Board after serving more than a decade as their Vice President. Condy noted that out of York Region's eight Life Members, 3 were from the Markham Soccer Club. The third member, of course, is Tom McGarrigle who was not present for the photo. Congratulations Chris on a very well deserved honour.

Lynne McGarrigle - Hero of the Game
October 19, 2007

Lynne McGarrigle was nominated BMO Community Hero of the
Game at the Toronto Maple Leafs game at the Air Canada Centre. Lynne has been with the Markham Soccer Club since 1980. Since that time Lynne has seen the Club quadruple in size, growing to upwards of 3800 members and over 400 volunteers. When Lynne and her husband Tom McGarrigle heard these stats announced at the Leafs game, she declared “Well it’s no wonder I’m so tired”! Lynne has been a leader in the soccer community and is not only BMO’s hero, but a Markham Soccer Club hero as well. Thank you Lynne McGarrigle, from the depths of our hearts! Thank you, and congratulations on recognition that is well deserved and a long time coming!

Tom McGarrigle - Hero of the Game
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At the TFC game on June 22nd, Tom McGarrigle was honored as the "Hero of the Game". In the picture, Tom poses with TFC player Jim Brennan.

MSC Annual General Meeting
Markham Soccer Club held it's 37th Annual General Meeting on November 15th, 2007 in the Club Board Room at the Mount Joy Community Centre. Two new Directors were elected to the Board - Wayne Cheng is the new Director of Micro Outdoor Youth House Leage; and George Keroglidis is the Director of Youth Competitive - Administration. Congratulations to both and thanks to the outgoing Directors Aldo Barovier and Tammy Zambrano. Honoured as Coach of the Year was Paul Campbell. Paul has been a very valuable member of the club's coaching roster for many years, often coaching multiple teams in a season. Paul has coached both youth and adult teams. Also honoured as Volunteer of the Year was Carol Phillips. Carol is currently Manager of the U18 Lightning Girls team playing in the OYSL. In addition to her duties as a manager, Carol has volunteered in many other areas of the club including the organization of the Lightning Awards Banquet every year. A presentation was made to Tom McGarrigle for having successfully completed the Technical Support Project. Club President Chris Shea inducted Tom as the Club's first Life Member. Tom has been a part of the club since 1980 and has served the club in many capacities as a coach; board member; Vice President and currently as Head Coach Emeritus. Volunteers are a vital part of the club's success and we congratulate Carol, Paul and Tom. Anyone interested in volunteering should call Lynne McGarrigle at the Club Office, 905 472 2869

The MSC has a strong team of Technical Directors under Head Coach Sanford Carabin. This team continues to grow to keep pace with the growth of the Club and the development of the MSC programs. With 8 Technical Staff positions (including the Head Coach), the Club has what is probably the largest commitment to technical development of any soccer club of its size in the Province of Ontario. This Team has many, many years of experience in coaching competitive teams and providing programs. Many of them have professional or semi-pro playing experience in their background. The Club is commited to development and making Markham coaches and players among the best in the Province.“We are very happy Thomas has decided to come to Markham and work with our young keepers. I have known Tommy for a few years now and consider him one of the best young keeper coaches in Ontario. He is a very technical coach and has a terrific ability to bond with players and get the best out of them.” (Sanford Carabin, MSC Head Coach)