In The Back.
It was clear that we were at our defensive best when Charly ('Ali, bum-baye') was playing sweeper (more on Charly playing up top later); he was very strong physically and was willing to throw a punch when needed! The impact of his aggressive style cannot be underestimated as it sets the tone for next season's 'Super Clasico' with newly crowned champions Colombia FC. Panchi ('el trucho') added a touch of Alberto Carlos in the back with his attacking defense. If not for his youth the age compliance for Toca 30 with WISL was perfect. Thanks for the support!

Michael played brilliantly - if only for a single half. Let's hope his leg can improve for next season. His speed was obvious. However, games in Germantown remain a question for Michael as he lives close to Baltimore. Sergio and Seba (with their newborns) played like vipers on the sides. Occasionaly Sergio was seen on the side line 'con su mate' recovering from a bruise, but his place on the team is obvious. His brillant touches to the midfield create many chances moving forward. Seba locked the sides down and played well in the middle when Charly went to striker. With three members of the team having the initials SS; our trilogy seems complete.

Toby applied ample endurance in the back and his English manner complimented the Argentine flavor of La Toca well. Who can forget the thrilling quarter-final between England vs Argentina in 1966? Or the matches that followed between these two nations? And who can question Toby's dedication to the team - or his wife's for that matter -- showing up on a stormy night to play on his Wedding Anniversary?

Gordo showed up for the final match and showed why he is so valuable. None of us wear his original red Toca uniforms as well as he -- let's hope we see more of Gorgi in September! Fernando played solid in his brief moment in the back whispering to me "I love the way these guys show me so much respect" as he kicked a few goal kicks the length of the field. The play of 'el charrua' was felt by us all. We can only hope to see more of the brother tandem in the next season.

Los Mediocampistas.
The middle was dominated by longtime La Toca Members ... Paulino, Alex (born the same day as my son 10/14), 'el capitan' Dani and Christian. If not for a season-ending injury to Carlos G the middle was set in the fortunes from the past. Paulo came to play each game and refused to RSVP simply stating "I'll be there. If I'm not coming I'll tell you" He always came. His Brasilian samba kept the middle field dancing. Alex played the attacker in the middle well connecting often when we needed it the most. His headers were reliable and inspirational. It is clear that more will be coming soon. His retirement from La Toca this last season is our blessing as we welcome him into battle with Toca 30.

Dani bagged a ton of goals and assists and played flawlessly as the other attacking middie. His battles in the first few games showed that he was not willing to let the team lay flat. El capital took the team and lifted it when we were struggling - the true sign of a leader.

Christian wrecked his knee in the game leading up to the season (perhaps Charly T was trying to send him a message) and only briefly showed why e might be the most creative player on the team. His intelligence for the ame is astounding and his dribbling and abilty to break down a defense was singular. My memory of Christian shouting for the ball when three guys ere on his made me believe that he had the confidence to take on the whole opposing team - and he might have!

Oscar continued to play stronger and stronger as the season went on. He was there for almost every game and looked solid as a running mate for Christian in the middle. The Colombian connection with David and Javier put us on even ground with Colombia FC. With those three on our team, we had as many Colombian players over the age of 30 as they did. Ja Ja Ja...

David had immaculate ball control and was willing to mix it up when the going got tough. Late arrival Javier added needed relief to our team when we needed the boost. If not for his attendance our wind and record would have gone South. Luis charged up the team letting us all know that we would be making steady progress and victory would be ours if we tried harder. We can only wonder what he was thinking playing for Toca Classic?!?!?

Buck and Mariano were mainstays in the first half of the season. Helping us get off the ground and stay in the fight. Buck was steady on the wing and kept the other players honest with his runs forward. Mariano played every position (sometimes in the same game). Fullback, middie, striker and goalie. Wherever he was needed he came to play. Only academics kept him out of the full season. Although a solid performer in the early going Federico fell to the injury bug after only a few games and missed the glory of our return. Leo too was often seen on the sidelines with his mate watching the action from afar. We welcome him in September to the team.

The Strikers.
Roger showed in three minutes why he is 'The Legend'. He has a lethal strike on a ball and can punish an opponent silly. With Charly returning to attacker, Roger seems a likely running mate. Can the IDB return for more glory? We can only guess.

Jose also had moments of brilliance. With unequaled speed, he too can damage the goal area. The commute and family were a force against glory for us. We can only hope for more from Jose.

Carlos A was seen in the early seson fighting for the ball in glorious fashion. A ninja power piercing the opponent and the goal. He too fell to injuries and only made two appearances (both victories). His smile to me .at the end of the final game said it all. "I can't wait to get back into action".

Finally Bati. Wide shoulders with a track record of unprecedented scoring only to hear from his doctor that his playing days are over! Denial will go a long way to restoring you on the team. If not as a striker as a goalie. My feeling is that once you make it as a Toca Club member there will always be a position for you each and every week. If the doctor says Bati is done on the field, I say let's make room for him in goal. Don't worry my friend you will be with us in September.

La Copa! La Copa! Vamos, La Toca!

Scott