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Irvine City were formed 2 weeks before the start of the 2003 season of the Coast Soccer League. The team was a mix of some of the reserves of a competitive Irvine United team and the remainder of the very unsuccessful Lucky Lager FC. Lucky Lager had only avoided defeat in 5 league or cup games in 2 seasons in the CSL. Irvine United had its hopes set on winning the 1st division and promotion, so they were continually tweaking their squad to try and maximize its potential. Without the foresight of Irvine United boss Al Barkhorder we would not have had the chance to form Irvine City, so for that we are grateful. The 2 teams, City and United were affiliated with each other which meant we trained together, scrimmaged together and were able to share 2 players any given week. This enabled both teams to fields 11 players each week. At the midseason point both City and United grew distant in both ideals and in the standings. United were flying in the league and were sitting at the top of the table, City were struggling near the foot of the league. Then it happened... the post Christmas surge, City started to put good performances together and climbed to mid-table. A hard-fought unexpected 1-1 draw against their cross-town rivals United set up a magical cup run which culminated in Friendship Cup semi final appearance. It was on this run that Irvine City knocked off 2 Major Division teams and ended up only 2 places below a United team that was a shadow of itself. After the CSL season ended Irvine City and Irvine United parted ways and end the affiliation that brought both teams positives and negatives. In the 2003/2004 season Irvine City also won the CSL fair play award after receiving only 2 yellow cards the whole season. The Summer of 2004 saw the City boys play in the City of Irvine Summer league were they finished a creditable 5th and were the only team to take a point off the champs, OpenCheck. The 2004/2005 CSL season brings with it a chance for Irvine City to leap forward and contend for a respectable finish in the league. As with all challenges we will aim high and hope to achieve our goals. |