The CSL kicks off its season as a private league with two divisions on Friday, May 23 following a number of pre-season exhibition encounters played during the past month. The next scheduled exhibition is at Earlscourt Park in Toronto’s west end where North York Astros take on Toronto Croatia on Sunday, May 17, a 5 pm kickoff.
The Astros have been busy during the off season and it will all show up in entertainment value at their home games. For the home opener on Sunday, May 25 (at Esther Shiner Stadium vs Serbian White Eagles at 3.30 pm) there will be an opening mini game, a Challenge Cup competition at half-time, vendors stalls, shows and entertainment for an attractive and busy afternoon.
The Toronto Croatia first team experienced an unusual dry year in 2013 and were out of the championship final after finishing third in the standings, but the club’s second squad made up for any loss of glamour with an outstanding first year, winning the Second Division, then going on to make a gallant attempt at the Second Division championship, losing 2-0 to Waterloo B in the final.
Toronto Croatia are so encouraged by the success of its reserve team that it has decided to invest even more in the development side of the club, arranging overseas affiliations with Orijent Rijeka Academy in Croatia and the Ferenc Puskas Football Academy in Hungary. Second team GM Igor Beram explains that players showing promise in Canada will be considered for an overseas trial.
Toronto Croatia home games are slated for the Hershey Centre this year and the first team opener is set for Saturday, May 24 against Burlington SC, a 7 pm kickoff, with the reserve team opener the night before on Friday, May 23, also against Burlington and a 7 pm kickoff.