Brantford Galaxy, which launched a team in the Canadian Soccer League in 2010 to win the CSL championship in its first season, then took time off in 2012 “to re-group”, will return to professional soccer in 2015.
It was an unexpected inaugural season championship victory in 2010, a 3-0 defeat of Hamilton Croatia following a regular season struggle to make the playoffs. Galaxy were crowned champions following a successful playoff run which came at the end of the team’s regular season nine wins in a 24-game schedule, finishing seventh in the 13-team First Division.
But the southwestern Ontario side played attractive soccer and games were well-attended with strong community support, including from local government. There was a mission to have local soccer under one umbrella.
Brantford Galaxy used three head coaches during the three-year stint – Lazo Dzepina, Ron Davidson and Tomo Dancetovic. The highly regarded Dzepina was head coach during the championship success, then moved to SC Waterloo and guided that team to a CSL Championship victory, also.
“We are excited at the thought of returning to pro soccer and look forward to our kickoff in the CSL next May,” said Andrew Pilkington, a staunch supporter of the Brantford team and sports in the community.
The CSL board also confirmed a full membership status for Milton SC following a successful 2014 as a playing member in the CSL Second Division. Two additional clubs have applied to join the CSL to kickoff in 2015 and their applications are still under consideration.
The CSL is considering a structure of three divisions for its 2015 regular season and a cup competition is also under consideration in addition to the end-of-season playoffs leading to the CSL Championship.
York Region Shooters are the current CSL champions following a penalty kick victory over Toronto Croatia at Esther Shiner Stadium last October 26.