Winter Seasons Conclude Prematurely due to COVID-19
As the 2019-20 season winded down for Pacific Dragon 40 and 50, it concluded abruptly for the Pacific Dragon Open team. PD Open had two games remaining in their regular season schedule before an announcement from the league was made to suspend the remainder of the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Announcement from Canada Soccer:
“Given the extraordinary nature of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and after close dialogue with our membership and public health authorities, Canada Soccer has taken the necessary decision to suspend all domestic soccer activity as well as National Team programming to ensure the well being of all involved.” – Steven Reed, Canada Soccer President
Announcement from BC Soccer:
“Over the last 24 hours there have been even more heightened concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as of March 13, 2020, with this growing and unprecedented uncertainty surrounding this health pandemic, and in accordance with Canada Soccer’s direction, BC Soccer is directing all members and affiliated clubs to suspend all sanctioned soccer activities in the province until further notice.”
This is an unfortunate circumstance for all teams involved, but the health and safety of the players, coaches, and others involved should be of utmost priority.
This winter season brought many highlight moments for the Pacific Dragon organization:
Pacific Dragon Open
PD Open showed massive improvement in the top division in Richmond, going 6-11-2 for 20 points placing 5th overall. This was the best record at the top division in club history. The team showed a lot of growing pains throughout the season, which means there’s still room for improvement to become one of the top teams in Richmond.
Couple of major highlights:
3-2 win over All Blacks in the Challenge Cup Quarter Finals
2-1 comeback win over first place team AC Richmond, who were undefeated at that time
Jordan had this to say on the PD Open season: “Despite not meeting the initial goal for this season to reach the top 4 in the standings, our organization can hold our heads high because this was by far not a failure of a season. We witnessed a team that went from being a bottom tier team playing in the top division to becoming a competitive one that can play at the top level. We had chances to beat the best, and we have beaten the best (AC Richmond). There were some crucial games that we should’ve had better results on, but we can’t keep looking back regretting, we move forward and learn from our mistakes. We continue to attract players to join our team which will be a positive feature for us in the future as we add to our arsenal. Pacific Dragon FC will continue to strive for excellence as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Pacific Dragon 40
PD 40 had a dominating performance this winter season, winning the league by 13 points over the second place team in the BCCSF Over 40s Division. The team boasts a strong and balanced core of experienced and skilled players that carried the team to the championship with a 11-0-1 record and +32 goal differential.
Pacific Dragon 40 also won the Telus Golden Rat New Years Cup 2020 taking the double for the season.
“We’re too good for BCCSF and need a new challenge. RASA here we come.” – Sami
Pacific Dragon 50
PD 50 concluded the winter season with a respectable 4-4-6 record for 16 points to finish 4th in the BCCSF Over 50s division. The team now gets a break and looks forward to the next season when play resumes.
”我很高興看到 ！我們(PD)在2019年Winter League裏面，三個組別(Open,40’s&50’s)分別都有好嘅成績！首先open除了成績比較上個季度好之外，是我看到最大進步的一季，整體士氣高昂，操練又勤奮，大家在球場上個種拼搏精神很一至(夠集中)，足球就是這樣的，整個體系發輝很重要。年青人繼續向你的理想前進，我哋支持你！40 組別在這季成績彪炳，每場比賽都發揮得很平均，有些因數是今季注入咗新血，有兩個是年青力壯的新血添，令到這季發揮得更加穩定！當然最重要是原有球員的努力，不得不讚賞???！整體踢出來很有觀賞價值！各位40隊友將你哋嘅美好的回憶繼續延續下去！至於50組別是開心組別，成績方面都算不錯，仲留到響上線，有成績又開心的一季，不錯！希望大家下個季度繼續有好成績” – Carlo, member of PD 50.
(Translation: “I am glad to see! In the 2019 Winter Leagues, all three teams (Open, 40s and 50s) had great results. First of all, with PD Open, last season was a good start and this season, I saw a massive improvement. The team had great morale, hard work and commitment in training. Everyone had a hard working spirit and focused on the soccer field. This is what soccer is about, having the commitment and development of the system is important. The young guns continue to advance towards your goals next season, I will support you! For Over 40s, you had an amazing achievement this season, every game was played to your best. The team injected two new blood players and they made an impact on the team! Of course, the most important aspect of the players was their hard work, most appreciate it ???! The overall season was very memorable and to all the over 40s, keep up the great work! And finally to the Over 50s, the happy group. The results were good, in the upper half of the standings. Great season and a happy season! Hope next season we can continue the great results!” – Carlo)
