Welcome To Creswell FC

CRESWELL F FC C The Official Creswell FC Magazine

RED DAWG EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Former Atlanta Silverback

www.creswellfc.com Vol. 1 No. 1 November 2009

MARTYN LANCASTER

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK * The Gaffer 's View * Last Season Review * Images-Frozen-In-Time * Match Reviews

Sponsor Partners

CONTENTS ISSUE 1

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb 4

Images Frozen In Time Choice photos from the month, displayed here.

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The Gaffer's View Q & A and Editorials from the head man, manager, Andrew Adams.

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EXCLUSIVE: Red Dawg Legends Inteview Martyn Lancaster

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New Kids on the Block The Story of Creswell FC

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Match Reports Brief Summaries from the previous month's action

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Coming Next Month Features expected for the next issue of Creswell FC Magazine

Red Dawgs Driving for Honors

IMAGES FROZEN IN TIME

Micah Payton and company did just enough to advance past Bafana Dos of "Division 3 White" to the second round of the Perrin Cup. After full-time ended at 1-1, The Red Dawgs went on to win this tight encounter on spot kicks, 4-2. This was just another example of the character the club has shown since showing up in Division 1 this season. Creswell has had to earn respect since "special" promotion from Division 3 to Division 1.

Ending October at the top of the table and advancing in the Perrin Cup will go a long way to getting that respect. But more is wanted by the Red Dawgs than respect. There is a strong will to win and a push for honors.

These are exciting times for Creswell FC and it's only the begining.

Images-Frozen-In-Time Photography http://www.images-frozen-in-time.com

The Gaffer's View Creswell FC Red Dawgs enter a exciting new era this season and the start has turned heads in the league. Manager Andy Adams sits down with the Magazine staff to discuss Creswell's rise from UGA and the outlook for this season and beyond.

Inside Creswell Football Club

This new regular feature in the Red Dawgs new fanzine will allow fans to get a glimps of things behind the scenes of an ambitious amateur football team.

I walked around Creswell hall where I ran into Rajiv Rattray, Nicholas Corley & Micah Payton.

We all lived in Creswell Hall (a 9 story freshman dorm building at UGA).

Each month, I will pose a few questions to Creswell FC manager, Andy Adams, to get his thoughts on all things Creswell.

I originally played at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta and,by coincidence, we played against Rajiv (North Springs High School) and Micah and Nick (both played at McIntosh High School). I recognized all three of them and the quality of their play. We had the idea to build a new team and we went and searched through our entire

If any who read this article have a particular question for the gaffer, e-mail them to us at: admin@creswellfc.com. We'll pick the best ones to ask Andy and publish them here.

For now, we are going to publish excerpts from remarks from the gaffer from earlier in the season. Enjoy.... ============ Creswell FC has it's origins from the University of Georgia when we were all freshman in 2002. I really wanted to get an intramural soccer team together.

dorm building of everyone we knew who could be used in the new team. We knew Chris Poyo (Pope High School, Dekalb Player of the year) a lethal striker, so we asked him to join us. Also joining us from our dorm was Benjamin Reed (Milton High School).

We continued to recruit and add more players from our dorm building and just one or two others from around campus including Scotty Voigt (Parkview High School). A new team was now born. We began a debate over a club name and decided on

Creswell FC since the strong majority of our team lived in Creswell Hall at UGA. It was just amazing that we had all of the right pieces in place and jelled so extremely well.

Looking back, I could not have

There is a new attitude going into the season.

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Last year's Championship run in Division 3 was record setting

handpicked a better roster of players across campus. Creswell FC only lost one regular season outdoor and indoor games combined our entire 4 seasons. Between junior and senior seasons we won 33 straight games, winning two indoor championships (sophomore and junior years and also winning the outdoor championship our senior year).

Since we have so many UGA players, we decided to wear red and white as our jersey colors. We decided to keep the Creswell FC team name, too! It was a natural progression to apply our team ethic to something bigger. That was what brought us to the ADASL's 3rd division. We played hard in our first season with great results. We won division 3 which qualified us for promotion to division 2 of which we are preparing for the upcoming season. [editor's note: since this interview, it was confirmed that Creswell FC will play in division one of the ADASL. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = =

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[EDITOR NOTES] Now that the season is a little over a month into the action, Andy has express his satisfaction at the positve mark the team seems to be making in it's second year in the Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League or (ADASL) and it's first year in division One. For those that didn't know, Creswell FC won Division Three in it's first season, narrowly out distancing Stars SC by the last game of the season for the title.

Creswell ended up being the team to step up to take on the challenge thus skipping play in division Two to be promoted directly to division One. Extrodinary circumstances that have been rewarded with early success at the time of this magazine's publishing which finds Creswell FC in first lace in that division.

Only time will tale if this fairy tale will continue, but if early results are considered, this is no fluke.

The ADASL provides great sporting entertainment for fans. The league boast a European structure of play including promotion and relagation between divisions, a paralell cup competition called the Perrin Cup which is similar to the concept of the English F.A. Cup for those familiar with that competition.

Another incintive for fans of this beautiful game is that all ADASL matches provide FREE ADMISSION to league and cup games and all games, home and away are in the Atlanta Metro area. This gives encourgement for traveling suppport much like they have in Europe.

We would encourage all to come out and support your local ADASL team to add to the exciting play on the field. Supporting soccer at this level in the area can only have a positive effect on coverage of the beautiful game and bring respect to this area as a soccer town. Thank you all for your continued support.

Pre-season results were a boost to the season

This qualified Creswell to play in division two the following year. However, one of the division one teams, Fake Madrid, decided to pull out of the league leaving division one with an open spot.

That place was offered first to the relegated team Ouzo FCB. However, that team declined to stay in division one which left the oppourtunity to a team in Division Two to step up to the plate.

http://www.creswellfc.com 9

Sponsor Partners

RED DAWG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

Martyn Martyn Lancaster Lancaster With the loss of Silverbacks, back in 2008, Atlanta lost the only pro soccer team in the city. With that, Silverbacks players instantly became free agents. One of the fan's favorites, who found himself in this situation, was rock solid defender Martyn Lancaster.

Since that time, Martyn has spent a year each with Queen of the South in Scotland and Ljungskile SK in Sweden before retuning to the USA to check into an oppourtunity with the MLS this year.

Following is an interview with Martyn just weeks before the folding of the Silverbacks back in 2008. This interview was originally done as a souvenir to his loyal service to Atlanta and a send off to his new club, "Queen of the South".

Interview by Andre Bomar

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copyright 2009 by Images Frozen In Time Photography

Legends

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

The English Minister of Defense

Martyn Lancaster

Martyn, Thanks for sitting down with us. How have you been doing since the end of the season?

You are more than welcome to come out here anytime. I have been doing very well, thanks.

I know there is disappointment after missing the playoffs this season after such a promissing start. What do you think were some of the factors in season that contributed to missing the playoffs?

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Well, we actually started the season very well. But a number of things undermined the season. Terrible injuries to our frontline hurt our attack which was one of the best in the league when we started out. Then as the season went on, our ownership decided to sell off some of the best talent on the team.

The subsequent poor results really illustrated the change in direction that happened midway through the season.

I guess now we now know the bad economy influenced the Silverbacks to sell off some of our key players. What do you think of how things played out?

Photograph courtesy of Elaine Carrol

Yeah, Obviously disappointed. The previous year, we made it to the USL-1 championship game so we had every thought that we would be able to at least match that result. But as the season went on, injuries started to creep in and many key players started getting transferred. Lots of things started to work against us. We even began to wonder if our ownership wanted to win.

What do you think needs to happen to turn things around for next season?

decent though our away record was very poor. I feel that if we can get that support again and maintain a settled side, we can rebound and make some things happen next season.

Well, we in Westside 109 feel the same way.

We always tried to lift the side especially when things were tough. Hearing this from you will give us more determination to continue support.

We really do appreciate the support!

We did bring in some capable players, but they will need time to set in. The base we have is very good.

So staying together and getting the support we need from management and the fans will be key.

You say also the "fans". How have the fans been for you this past season?

Oh, they were brilliant really. Even as things started to go against us, the fan support was a major reason that our home record remained

Martyn, many of the fans know you as a tough defender that plays with determination, but we don't know much about your early career. Growing up, what club did you support?

I was born in Wigan England of greater Manchester. As a fan, I followed Manchester United. I was particualrly an admirer of Gary Palister and Steve Bruce. They were a rock at the back. Also Paul Parker who played right back in the early 90s.

Photograph courtesy of Elaine Carrol

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Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

I also was impressed by the play of Eric Cantona. He was a real special player for United.

What about you? As a youth player how did you start out?

I started out playing as a right winger? At that time I didn't consider myself as a defender at all, I liked to get forward and run at players. In fact, I didn't even like to head the ball. I was a bit of a "Nancy" when it came to playing with a tough style.

Oh, so you started out as a bit of a "pretty boy" did you?

Oh yeah! (LAGUHS) I played for the glamour of attacking football. But later, I began to be put in more defensive rolls and a coach who watched me play as an apprentice when I was 15 16 years old told me he thought I would make a good center back. And I began playing mainly at the back at that early time.

Photograph courtesy of Elaine Carrol 16

Where were you an apprentice?

At Chester City. That is where I really started to play more as a defender. I was moved to play mainly as a right back before being put in the middle of defence.

Chester City were in the 3rd division at that time. I became a pro there at the age of 17. Kevin Ratcliff was the coach that actually signed me on as a pro. I'll show you some stuff from the scrap book from that time... (editor: I did not realize that Ratcliff was a famous defender for Everton in the 80s ignorance born from living in the wrong country as it concerns football). (we spent some time looking over the scrap book which was a special treat for me) What was next after that?

After the spell at Chester City, I played with Leigh RMI (Railway Mechanics Institute) and also spent some time at Northwich Victoria

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Martyn's wife Misti. A major and positive influence in his life.

and Southport. I even had a trail with Aston Villa back in 1999, but things did not work out due to a change in management and direction there. To be honest, I sort of lost my way a bit during this time and spent a bit of time out of football.

they were a part time club. They were one of about 4 clubs at the time that were part time.

Very different today as all the teams in that league are full professional.

Was there a reason why you faltered in football?

But being part time, they only trained twice a week. They didn't have the resources to train every day like I was use to and this really was the begining of some bad habits for me.

Not any one thing really, I just got caught up in some things that were not to my advantage. But as luck would have it, this led to the circumstances that brought me to the USA.

The extra free time was not well spent I suspect?

Really? How so?

Well, while I was at Chester, I played for 8 different managers. It was tough because each manager brought in a different way to play andwanted to bring in their own players as part of their new strategy for the team. Although I was captain at Leigh, they were

Exactly! I sort of lost my way as I said earlier. I became distracted and gypsied around a bit during this time, but this does lead to the story of me coming to the States.

Yeah, what happened there?

Well, I am working in a Bar at a golf club while playing for Southport and I meet this guy, Barry Wellings, who asked me if I would be interested in coaching in America. I said "sure, that would be fine."

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Photograph courtesy of Elaine Carrol

But honestly, I just kind of blew it off and I half thought he was kidding.

Well, some months later, I get this call in the middle of the night and it's Barry telling me there was a position ready for me in North Carolina Darlington High School.

He had tickets for my flight and everything. And I thought, well, why not? I could do some coaching at the school and then just come back in time for the season. (This call came during the summer offseason). So I go over with no real thougth of staying and that is where I met my wife, Misty, who was at the school doing a tennis camp. She was a tennis instructor and we really hit it off immediately. One thing let to another and I deceided to stay in US. The benefit for me was that I was away from my distractions and I was getting to know this 18

lovely lady and it was really working out for me.

But at this point you are not playing football.

What led you back to playing?

Well, while I was coaching, I began to really miss playing and it was at this time that another coach encouraged me to go to one of the open tryouts that the Atlanta Silverbacks was having. So I went there and met coach Smith and had a try out.

How did that turn out?

Actually not too well. In that league, the team was limited to the number of Internatinoals that can be on a roster. Coach Smith really wanted to sign Felipe Quintero from Mexico to be in goal.

With the other Internationals he already had,

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

there was no room to include me, so I didn't make it on the team that time around.

Wow, I never knew that, but how did you come to get on the team then?

Well, there was another team in North Carolina called the Wilmington Hammerheads and it was coached by a guy from my same area back in England. So I gave them a call on the off chance that they had a position open and they did. I went for a trial and impressed them and was signed on permanent contract.

Wilmington was in a lower division than Atlanta, but it was a great town for football because there was no competing sport for the team to go up against.

It was great, we were very well know in the city and we were treated like starts really. We actaully drew nearly 4500 to 5000 fans per game which was actually better than Atlanta.

The funny thing is, we did get an oppourtunity

to play against Atlanta in the US Open cup. [editor: This is sort of like the English F.A Cup where teams from different divisions got a chance to play against each other in a knock out tournement] So here I am playing against the team that had rejected me and we beat them. After the game, Coach Smith came to me and asked if I could come to Atlanta again to look at the possibility of me playing for them. I agreed and went into talks with them and we agreed terms and I became a Atlanta Silverback.

That is quite a story. So in essesnce, you played your way up to a bigger division. I think that says a lot about the type of player you are.

Yeah, well, I like to play at the highest level possible. I'm enjoying Atlanta and I hope to continue to be a good influence for the team.

Photograph courtesy of Elaine Carrol 20

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Martyn Martyn standing standing in in front front of of his his Atlanta Atlanta Home.

Home. Martyn Martyn was was very very gracious gracious and and gave gave us us as as much much time time as as we we wanted. wanted. His His openess openess and and strong strong on on the the field field work work ethic ethic were were some some of of the the reasons reasons he he had had such such

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Martyn Martyn took took time time to to show show us us some some of of the the highlights highlights from from his his early early career career from from some some of of the the scrap scrap books books he he had had on-hand. on-hand.

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Well Martyn, we are certainly glad to have you here in Atlanta and we will need you if we are going to push for honors next season.

When your playing days are over, do you have any plans for after your career.

I have no firm plans at the moment, but I would like to stay with football in some form. I have a UEFA "B" license to coach and I am a certified massage therapist. So I am developing skills that will be useful for me in a variety of fields.

That all sounds really good. With that license to coach, you should have an oppourtunity to get involved with coaching even before your playing days are over. Sort of a playercoach. Any thoughts about that?

I don't want to rule anything out of course. And that probably would appeal to me down the line. Right now I want to keep improving and continue to look to play at the highest level possible.

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Martyn I want to thank you for your time. Is there anything else you would like the fans to know before we call it a day?

I just want to thank the fans for their support and to let them know that it does mean a lot to us on the field to get their support. We hope you will continue to come out and support us and we will perform to the best of our ability for all of you.

Thanks for your time Martyn and we hope to be able to sit down with you again once things get going again for next season.

Thank you very much!

Martyn Martyn again again signing signing autographs autographs for for the the fans fans after after our our international international club club friendly friendly with with Argentine Argentine giants giants Independiente.

Independiente. Again Again swapping swapping of of shirts shirts shows shows the the mutual mutual respect respect between between the the players players on on the the field. field.

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK! Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

THE STORY OF CRESWELL F.C.

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

A team With A New Attitude Creswell FC played near flawless football in their inaugural season in the ADASL. A close nit and skillful team now look forward to making a similar impression in the 1st division of the ADASL for the 2009-2010 season.

Creswell FC took the unusual route to Division 1 through the defection of another team. There is great confidence in the team due to the close-nit nature of the club and fan support. There is a desire from the management and players to play and excel at the highest levels possible.

Key to a successful 1st division campaign will be Creswell's ability to keep their core team together. With this team, Creswell managed a 161-1 record along with a league leading 85 goals and goals-per-game-average of 4.72. Incredible stats for a single season unequalled by any team in any of the divisions of the ADASL.

Pushed all the way in the 3rd division by Stars SC, this season bringw with it new challenges and oppourtunities for success. Along with this desire is a drive to earn respect in this league from other teams and fans. This is something that can only be earned on the field of play and Creswell FC are focused on this aspect.

Please stay tuned on the official Creswell FC website and this new team fanzine throughout the season. We will be bringing you a variety of features to help you get to know the Creswell FC team and the ADASL League as a whole. It will be our joy to bring you this exciting and beautiful sport to you for everyone to get invovled.

If there are any questions, comments or feedback, please send them to admin@creswellfc.com. Thank you and enjoy the football!

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MATCH REPORTS

OCTOBER 2009 Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Pre-Season Friendly

STING GOLD

3

CRESWELL FC

7

23 AUGUST 2009 KICK-OFF: 11AM KOPMAN SOCCER FIELD AT WEBER SCHOOL

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb A New Look Creswell FC Start Things Off On A Positive Note Against Sting Gold

While showing a lot of off-season rust, Creswell FC and Sting Gold played a lively match where Creswell FC came out on top 7 - 3. Honestly, according to both managers, the final score was not the priority. Being the first friendly of the season after a summer layoff, the main goal for both sides was to get back into competitive shape.

That being said, the Creswell FC management was pleased with the attitude of it's players who showed seriousness about their play in preparation to an assault on division 2 of the ADASL this season.

The new home field for Sting Gold is a beautiful and manicured pitch named Kopman Soccer Field. Sting will be playing a few home matches there and it looks to be one of the best venues for ADASL matches this season.

Plenty of parking and beautiful field conditions.

For Full Match Report, please go to the team website here: http://www.creswellfc.com/news/August2009/aug _23b.html

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Pre-Season Friendly

STARS SC

0

CRESWELL FC

4

27 SEPTEMBER 2009 KICK-OFF: 4PM STARS COMPLEX

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Creswell Ended Pre-Season Preparations In strong, Confident Form At Stars On a breezy September afternoon, at the Stars Complex in Alpharetta Georgia, Creswell FC made up for 2 weekends of game inactivity with a spirited display against Stars SC, winning the match by the score of 4-0. This was the last friendly of the preseason program and it was vital to get the scrimmage in to help prepare for the season which began in earnest the following Sunday in Decatur Stadium.

The game today featured a somewhat make-shift rosters for both squads as the right balance was being tested at this late 30

time of the pre-season. Many new faces were on display as the final roster spots were being secured.

The newness of this arrangement was evident in the early disjointed play on the pitch.

The Creswell Goals came from stand-in Jordi, Nick Corley, Steve Jensen with a brace to end with a strong showing. For the Full Match report, please go to the team Website here: http://www.creswellfc.com/news/Sept2009/se p_27.html

League Match

CRESWELL FC

0

STING GOLD

2

4 OCTOBER 2009 KICK-OFF: 1PM DECATUR STADIUM

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Creswell Received A Rude Welcome In The First Game Of The Season Creswell played Sting Gold for the 2nd time in 2 months, however, this game counted and the experience of Sting Gold made the difference as they went out 2-0 winners.

There were a few new faces on the field for Creswell FC and the inexperience showed as they failed to get on top in this match. Played at a temporary and unfamiliar field at Decatur Stadium in Decatur, it all proved too much for the Red Dawgs in this opener.

Sting Gold played a disciplined and organized game and took it to Creswell and that made the difference in the game and on the score line. But Creswell would learn from thier first disappointment of the season and make needed changes in personel and in tactics that would go on to benefit them in the coming week's games.

Please go to the team website for the full match report: http://www.creswellfc.com/reports/oct2009/o ct_4_sting_report.html 31

League Match

CRESWELL FC

3

MAJESTIC

2

Nick Corley, Steve Jensen, Aaron Farrelly

11 OCTOBER 2009 KICK-OFF: 5PM GEORGIA SOCCER PARK

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

This Match Was The Best Display So Far In The Season Creswell FC carved out the perfect remedy to the hang-over from last weeks loss by a clinical 3-2 win against Majestic at Georgia Soccer Park on Sunday.

in the 3rd division the previous season. Creswell were back in the familiar settings of Georgia Soccer Park and played with a comfort level of a veteran team.

On a cool, Sunday evening with the sun low in the sky, three goals from Nick Corley, Steven Jensen and Aaron Farrelly respectively, were enough to see off a strong second half rally from Majestic.

Much of the early match was controlled by Creswell as they created a 3-0 lead. However, Majestic's character showed too as they pulled back 2 goals and threatened a third, but time would not be on their side. The match ended 3-2 to Creswell. Read the full match report: http://www.creswellfc.com/reports/oct2009/o ct_11_majestic_report.html

Creswell finally displayed the form that had set records in their championship run 32

League Match

CRESWELL FC

3

NUESOFT FC

1

Chad Burns, Nick Corley, Chad Burns

18 OCTOBER 2009 KICK-OFF: 5PM GEORGIA SOCCER PARK

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb

Another 3 Goals And Another Win As Creswell Fights Off A Stubborn Nuesoft FC Creswell FC continue their successful march in the ADASL first division with a win against Nuesoft FC 3-1 on a sunny, but cold day at Gerogia Soccer Park today.

Creswell fans would have been pleased at a very entertaining and attacking performance from a team that was composed and confident. It also shows that Creswell is displaying the credentials to show that they do belong in the elite division of the ADASL.

Creswell FC and Nuesoft FC are both attacking sides and the early going saw a very high tempo match develop as both teams attempted probing runs to find the breakthrough. As in the Majestic game, Creswell dominated early play and built a 3-0 lead. Nuesoft played hard and did get a consolation goal late on, but the form that Creswell was building was now pushing the team further up the league table. Read the full match report: http://www.creswellfc.com/reports/oct2009/o ct18_nuesoft_report.html 33

League Match

CRESWELL FC

3

DASANI

1

Rajiv Rattray, Eric Matlaga, Chris Poyo

25 OCTOBER 2009 KICK-OFF: 5PM GEORGIA SOCCER PARK

Photograph courtesy of Khrishna Cobb Eric Matlaga Heads in Creswell's Second

Creswell ended the last game of October with another win. Goals from, Rajiv Rattray, Eric Matlaga and Chris Poyo gave Creswell 3 goals for the 3rd consecutive match.

Dasani put a lot of pressure on Creswell early in this encounter, however, Creswell whethered that storm and put their own pressure in the match to get the advantage.

Dasani took the early lead in the match only to be pegged back from a wonderful team goal ending with Rattrays tap in from 6 yards out.

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After coming out from the half in a 1-1 tie, Creswell's depth made the difference as tired legs from Dasani were finally worn down and 2 more goals came from first Matlaga from a strong headed goal in the 6 yard box, then a minute later, Poyo closed out the scoring with another clever goal to confirm Creswell's win going into the league break for the Perrin Cup the following week.

Please go to the official team website for the full match report.: http://www.creswellfc.com/reports/oct2009/oct2 5_dasani_report.html

Coming Next Red Dawg Issue...

Former Atlanta Silverback Captain Marval,

Rodrigo Rios

Creswell Player Profiles: Dirk Jansson Creswell Magazine will talk to CoCaptain, Dirk Jansson on his views on the Red Dawgs and the goals for the team.

The Gaffer's View, (Q and A) More Player Profiles Match Reports The Perrin Cup!!! and Much More

Look for a new copy of the magazine to appear the first week of each month. We welcome your feedback!

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http://www.creswellfc.com