ATHLETICS STRIKER Giulio Baldassarra tries to create some offence in the Premier division semi-final against Richmond Hill Madrid on Friday night. Photo/MIKE MALONEY The 2009 outdoor season wrapped up this past weekend for the Orangeville Athletic Premier soccer Club.

Sponsored by Allto Construction, the Athletic club surprised many, finishing third overall in what was to be a rebuilding year for the club.

The Athletic missed the league title by 3 points or one loss too many, boasting a league record of 12 - 2 - 4 and a record 38 points in total, their highest point accumulation since 2002.

In the championship race the Athletic lost out in the semi-finals against Richmond Hill Madrid, a team Orangeville had beaten both times they meet during the regular season by scores of 4-1 and 2-1.

This game however, the Athletic fell behind quickly 1-0 off a penalty kick in the opening five minutes of the game only to be followed by anther screened goal in quick succession off a free kick from just outside the 18 yard box.

Regardless of the efforts of the Athletic to score with numerous near misses, balls off the cross bar and off end-posts, no recovery was forthcoming and the Athletic went down in their first defeat at the hands of Madrid following three more Madrid goals in the second half.

What began as a rebuilding year with new players and some younger players - some of whom had never played at the premier level, quickly turned into a contending year with the Athletic constantly vying for first place in the league, week after week.

With the steadfast work of the keeper David Price coupled with the defensive efforts of Joey Martins, Andy Linder, Neil Russell, Mark Little, Jon Volpe and Matt Paine, and quarteredbacked by experienced central defensive players Peter Kirchberger and Craig Howie, the Athletic were able to keep the scoring attempts to a minimum constantly shutting down the opposition rushes throughout the season.

The midfield line-up included the experienced central mid players Tyler Robbins and Gavin Hill, and wingers James Cuthbertson and Mich Panet-Raymond, joined with Dave Fuller, Curtis Scobie, and Bryan (BJ) Shipway, constantly kept the movement of the ball in a balanced framework.

Topping off the formation were the experienced strikers Giulio Baldassarra and Chris Vandenhoef complemented by the efforts of newcomer Bryan Brown.

Overall, results for 2009 exceeded expectations of the coach Dave Lewars and manager Keith Robbins, both of whom were in a revamping mode.

One factor attributed to the success of the team during the season were the practice sessions led by international coach and trainer, Steve Payne.

Looking forward to 2010, the Athletic will be going indoor for the off-season, with as many players as available and continuing to hone skills and ballwork throughout the year.