OSATv TouchLine 114 DaSilva, Montalto

OSATv TouchLine host, Anthony Totera, interviews Andrew DaSilva -- former Team Ontario member of the 2005 Canada Games Champions and current captain of the Canadian Soccer League's Brampton Lions, on his fond memories playing under Team Ontario coach, Patrick Tobo, the Lions' current season and the special and inspirational relationship between the team and Michael Montalto, the Brampton Lions' honorary Equipment Manager. A 10-year childhood cancer survivor, Michael comments on his love of soccer, the powerful role the team has played in his on-going battle and the importance of never giving up. Pat Montalto echoes the emotional impact of the special chemistry between the Lions and his son, and how it gives Michael the strength of purpose to fulfill his role on the team and to live his passion for the game.




The team first entered the league as the Metro Lions in 2002, playing at Birchmount Stadium in Scarborough for three years. On March 30, 2005 it was announced the Metro lions were purchased by Oakville Soccer Club, and Oakville Premier Soccer Academy relocated to Oakville for the 2005 CPSL season, and the franchise was renamed to the Oakville Blue Devils. Former Toronto Lynx head coach, and president of the Premier Soccer Academy Duncan Wilde was appointed manager. Wilde brought in the likes of former USL players which included Darren Baxter, Aaron Steele, Shawn Faria, Igor Prostan, and CSL veterans Phil Ionadi, Sa Brahima Traore, and Marko Bedenikovic. He was able to led the Blue Devils in capturing their first Rogers Cup victory.

After the 2005 season Wilde resigned from his head coaching position, in order to manage to the Toronto Lynx again. During the 2006 season former team captain Phil Ionadi was appointed the new manager. He led them in clinching the National Conference, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, losing 2--1 to the Windsor Border Stars.

In 2007 because of the Club's administration was totally committed to the development of soccer, the Blue Devils relocated back to Scarborough and were renamed the Canadian Lions.

On March 13, 2008 the Lions were relocated to Brampton for the 2008 season, prompting another name change to Brampton Lions but still maintaining the team's name, logo, history and statistics. The Lions announced their coaching staff on March 30, signing Armando Costa as manager. On April 10 the team held a press conference announcing their management team, hiring the likes of former Hitmen captain Phil Ionadi as the Director of Business Operations, Barry Goldlist as the Vice President, Bill Dixon as the CFO, and Costa as the Director of Soccer Operations and Manager. On March 29, 2009 the Brampton Lions announced the affiliation with Dixie Soccer Club where Dixie SC will serve as the reserve side for the Lions while playing in the CSL Reserve Division.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• ontario
• soccer
• association
• osatv
• touchline
• totera
• dasilva
• montalto
• brampton
• lions
• csl
• cancer
• survivor