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 HISTORY |
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HISTORY
After lining up an experienced coach and an athletically skilled roster, RCE was ready to commence its path towards destiny in the spring of 1999. However, just prior to the first game, Sergio assumed coaching responsibilities in addition to being the manager and substitute.
That inaugural year saw RCE field a defensively minded, attacking side which finished second place in Division 9, gaining promotion to Division 8. While no silverware was collected for a second place finish, RCE performed above all expectations, accomplishing all the objectives of its first five year plan in only its first year.
One of the greatest moments that year, occurred in the Knights Soccer Tournament, organized by Mohamed Aly of The Soccer Boutique (West Edmonton Mall). Playing against teams in Edmonton's and Calgary's top divisions, RCE finished the round-robin tournament with 2 losses and 1 tie. The tie game found RCE down 3-0, before an amazingly brilliant comeback was orchestrated by Domenico Centrella and Alex Koumarelas at midfield, Demetri Koumarelas at striker, and goalkeeper Bobby Birdi holding the fort, even after being run into and injuring his right shoulder. The game exemplified RCE's passion and tenacity, refusal to give up, and most importantly, HEART.
In the indoor season of 1999 - 2000, RCE played in Division 5B, ending up sixth place in a ten team division. While RCE found indoor soccer to be fun and challenging, RCE's first commitment continues to be towards outdoor soccer, as the former's small field design with surrounding boards encourage a much more physical style of game rather than the 'beautiful game' aspired to by millions world-wide.
In preparing for the 2000 outdoor season, RCE had the opportunity to purchase the Edmonton Sting club which was playing in Division 5. After much thought, it was decided that a two team system would be beneficial to RCE as it would provide an opportunity to experiment with different systems, tactics and players.
Towards the end of the summer, RCE fielded one 7 person entry for the annual Giovanni Caboto 5-a side tournament. RCE played well, had fun, and displayed some outstanding individual skills.
While the 2000 Outdoor, season did not prove successful for either team on the field, all the players continually demonstrated their commitment and heart game in, game out. This above all, was the defining characteristic RCE carried on into a highly anticipated 2000 - 2001 Indoor season.
The 2000-2001 Indoor Season was fairly successful, with the team improving its performance from the previous Indoor season under the guidance of coach Duarte Viveiros.
Our defense, led by Tony Cordeiro allowed less goals in, while our forwards played great together and improved our goal scoring as well, with Alex Koumarelas netting an Indoor record 26 goals.
In the Division 5B All-Star Game played on Sunday, January 7,2000, Team A Goalkeeper Tony Cordeiro recorded a shutout as his side beat Team B by a score of 5-0. Tony Cordeiro, Demetri Koumarelas and Alex Koumarelas all played great and represented River City extremely well.
At the end, we finished 5th place in a very close division, and began the Outdoor season with high hopes.
For the 2001 season, RCE fielded only one team in division 4 whose objective was to improve its level of play while maintaining its place in division 4. The division 5 team was transfered to Rui Teixeira, who operated the team under the RCE umbrella to allow for player movement and to ensure both teams were playing to their full potential.
The beginning of 2001 also witnessed the official inauguration of the River City Logo. Beautifully designed by Alex Koumarelas based on some of Sergio's sketches, the logo was given its graphic edge by John Barata. Not only does it look great, but it also demonstrates the level of commitment our players have for this team.
At the halfway mark of the season, RCE participated in the annual Crown & Anchor tournament, in which of the 3 group games, River City was unable to secure any points, playing against teams of equal and higher divisions.
The highlight of the tournament was a 1-0 loss to Lazio, a talented team from the respected St. Albert league, whose only goal came from a long range shot which fooled River City's number three goalie, Eddie Viveiros, making an outstanding debut for this year.
At the end of the 2001 Outdoor Season though, the Division 4 team was unfortunately relegated to Division 5, while the Division 5 team managed by Rui Teixeira maintained their position in that division.
River City fought for first place in the 2001 - 2002 Indoor Season up until the second last game with some very memorable matches. Unfortunately, that momentum was not kept up as a change of employment kept Sergio from spending as much time as he wished with the Club for the 2002 Outdoor Season and the 2002 - 2003 Indoor Season.
At the end of the 2002 - 2003 Indoor Season, with impending fatherhood for Sergio, it was decided to take the Summer off, reevaluate the program and plan for the future, including some new style Tournaments. The team made a valiant effort in the 2003 - 2004 Indoor Season under Domenico's management, but unfortunately were relegated to Divison 6. With a divorce and extenuating personal circumstances, Segio did not register River City for the 2004 Outdoor Season or the 2004-2005 Indoor Season, but instead became coach for Club Deportivo Estudiantes.
RCE managed to stay alive though and with a merger with CD Estudiantes, formed FC Cascadia Morning which finished 3rd in Outdoor 2005 in Division 3A. The 2005/2006 indoor season provided an opportunity to keep the guys fit through the winter months and look at potential recruits. Sadly, the experiment came to an end prior to the commencement of the 2007 Outdoor season as Sergio Teixeira once again became sole owner of the club.
While River City Edmonton has not been able to gain promotion, the talent level and dedication in the team continues to grow and the future looks very promising.
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