Manders’ team gunning for CSL final
Bermuda international Taurean Manders and his York Region Shooters are just one game away from the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) Championship final.Manders, who signed for Shooters at the start of the season, fell at the final hurdle last season when his previous club Capital FC lost 1-0 to Toronto Croatia in the 2011 showpiece.Tomorrow Manders and Shooters travel to Montreal Impact Academy in the CSL semi-finals, having defeated Windsor Stars 1-0.Manders, who has been used as a utility player this term, is adamant Shooters have the quality to reach, and win, the final.“I wouldn’t say I’m any more determined than I was last year to win the Canadian Soccer League,” said Manders.“Winning in the first year would have been a good feeling, but knowing I’m again part of a team that could potentially win makes me just as determined to go one step further this time around.“There are three other good teams left so it won’t be easy by any means, but it definitely can be done.”In some respects Manders has become a victim of his own versatility for Shooters this season with the 5ft 7ins midfielder even filling in as an emergency centre half on more than one occasion.However, the selfless utility man insists he more than happy to perform any role required from him and is reasonably happy with his form for Shooters.“This season has been a bit more up and down than last year,” said the former North Village player.“It’s a different team, a different style, a different coach and just being moved around in positions makes it hard to get good rhythm.“I still feel I have been pretty consistent, and I feel I make a contribution to any team I play for.“Nowadays it’s useful to be able to play and adapt to different positions and I’m happy to get the job done wherever I play.”Defending champions Toronto Croatia face Serbian White Eagles in the other semi-final.