Our History – MISSISSAUGA CROATIA SOCCER CLUB

The Early Days

The roots of Mississauga Croatiex Soccer Club go back to 1976.

In that year the small Croatian community in the recently created City of Mississauga resolved to create a soccer club that would allow Croatian-Canadian youth to play soccer in the city of Mississauga. The sport of soccer has a special place in the hearts of Croatians regardless whether they were born in Canada or immigrated to Canada.

The first President of the Club was John Biondich. Through the dedicated efforts of John Biondich, Mile Uremovic, Mike Kolobaric and Hinko Sifer the club began its existence

In 1977 Mississauga Croatia fielded its first team – under the name Metros-Croatia Mississauga – in an effort to celebrate and support the efforts of the Toronto Metros Croatia team that represented the City of Toronto in the North American Soccer League (NASL). In fact Toronto Metros Croatia won the North American Soccer League championship the year before (see link to the Sports Illustrated Article)

Thus the Club’s original and current logo and colours (red, white and blue) reflected the early allegiance to Toronto Metros Croatia.

The first team to wear Mississauga Croatia colours was a boy’s team under 10 years of age and included the following players

J. Biondic F. Gusic N. Crnic A. Vuletic F. Bojcic

A.Sifer J. Ribic N. Broz O. Dommico F. Ljubanovic

M. Kulis J. Broz V. Zuvic R. Biondic

The team was coached by Mr. Hinko Sifer.

Mississauga Croatia was one of the first soccer clubs in Mississauga and became a member of the Peel Halton Soccer Association and the Ontario Soccer Association in 1977. The club entered teams in the Peel Halton Soccer League as “Mississauga Croatia”. By 1979 the Peel Halton Soccer League demanded that Mississauga Croatia refrain from using the name “Croatia” and to stop using “Croatian symbols”. In response the club choose to keep its name and colours and moved to the York and Metro leagues.

Sadly the Club eventually bowed to the pressure of the soccer authorities and was forced to change its name and logos to “CSC Mississauga “in 1980. The term “CSC” stood for “Croatian Soccer Club”. In the hearts and minds of all of the members of the Club and the players who wore the Clubs colours they continued to refer to the Club as “Mississauga Croatia”. In 2005 the Peel Halton Soccer Association graciously allowed for the Club to return to its rightful name “Mississauga Croatia” after a concerted effort by Anton Jelic and Michael Jezerinac to allow for the use of our historical name and in light of the fact other ethnic names were in use at the time. The name we continue to proudly use today.

Even though the Club proudly represented the City of Mississauga in the beginning, there were no city fields made available to the Club. Undaunted the Club was able to secure a property that was donated by a generous benefactor Pavle Horvat. Thus the club initially played their games on a property in the Burnhamthorpe /Erindale Station Road area in Mississauga. At the time, there were a handful of Rep teams, with no requirement yet for a House League. That would come later. Despite the small numbers, these Rep teams did very well, winning championships and tournaments, as well as competing with the bigger clubs in Southern Ontario, for the Ontario Cup. In particular the team coached by Hinko Sifer makes it to the Ontario Cup semifinals in1982. The 1966 Boys team coached by Tom Zlodre also made it to the Ontario Cup Semi finals in 1982.

Other influential people in the early days of the club that deserve mention were Tom Zlodre, Marijan Bilic, Mr. Herceg, Mike Uremovic , Zvonko Jezerinac and Joe Peretic. These men were able to translate their love of soccer into an opportunity to pass along the ideals of the beautiful game to the children in Mississauga. Fair play and attractive soccer were the hallmarks of their legacy.

Membership in the Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and the USA

Soon after the Club began to operate it also became a member of the Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and USA. The Club continues to maintain membership in this organization till today.

Mississauga Croatia had a Senior Men’s soccer team that participated in the annual Croatian National Soccer Federation Labour day tournament for years. Unfortunately the Senior Men’s team ceased functioning in 2007. In 2011 at the 48th Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and the USA for the first time Croatian Women’s teams were allowed to play in the Senior tournament in Hamilton. Mississauga Croatia was represented at that event by the 1994-95 Mississauga Croatia Girls team that had toured Croatia in 2010 and they played other women’s teams from Hamilton, Ottawa and Chicago.

Mississauga Croatia is scheduled to host the Annual Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and the USA for Men, Women and Veterans in 2030.

The Club has also had the honour of hosting the junior tournament of the Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and the USA on at least 3 occasions. These tournaments attract junior age soccer players from many different cities of North American.

The first time the Club played hosted the Junior Tournament was in 1986 when our Club fielded 13 teams for the tournament. That happened to be the 11^th annual junior tournament.

Then again our Club was asked to play host in 2010 for the 33^rd Annual Junior Tournament. Our Tournament organizer was Kristina Drlje. The tournament attracted 48 teams from across North America, 5 of which were not Croatian. Our own club fielded 10 teams – 7 boys teams and 3 girls teams ranging in age from U8 to U17.

Mississauga Croatia hosted the 39th Annual Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and the USA for Junior Teams in 2016. The event was a 2 day tournament at the Norval Croatian Centre that attracted 61 teams and over a 1000 players. The 2016 tournament organizing committee was led by Mike Jezerinac and included Tony Pavelic, Anthony Mrse, Dean Smiciklas, Sami Al-Azawi, Nick Draskovic and Mike Tominac. The tournament was sanctioned by the Ontario Soccer Association and Peel Halton Soccer Assocation. Mississauga Croatia fielded the following 11 teams in the tournament:

2008 Boys – Coach Ivica Labrovic – Asst. Coach Johnny Marasovic – Manager Tom Kotarac
2007 Boys – Coach Marko Gotovac – Asst. Coach Tom Radman – Manager Irene Pavelic
2006 Boys – Coach Ivica Milkovic – Asst. Coach Ivan Golac – Manager Marijan Giljanovic
2005 Boys – Coach Gordan Glavan – Asst. Coach Danny Bandula – Manager Josip Jerkovic
2004 Boys – Coach John Cubelic – Asst. Coach Joe Fedel – Manager Ksenija Kukec
2000 Boys – Coach Zdravko Cvitak – Asst. Coach Nick Bursic – Manager Anthony Mrse
1999 Boys – Coach Hrvoje Kanisek – Asst. Coach Michael Toteda – Manager Carmen Kanisek
2007 Girls – Coach Jadranko Butkovic – Asst. Coaches Jure Ropar & Rob Stakorac – Manager Heidi Kanceljak and Asst. Manager Mara Ropar
2005 Girls – Coach Tony Pavelic – Asst. Coach Rick Baric – Manager Steve Hranilovic and Asst. Manager Sanja Bandula
2003 Girls – Coach Dave Tonkovic – Asst. Coach Ivan Busija – Manager Helen Vukovic and Asst. Manager Rober Kanceljak
2001 Girls – Coach Dean Smiciklas – Asst. Coach Jure Ropar

Mississauga Croatia Senior Men’s Team

During the history of the Club, there were years when Mississauga Croatia did not have a Senior Men’s Soccer team. As a result the Club focused mostly on Youth soccer.

Prior to 2013, the last Mississauga Croatia Men’s team ceased to operate in 2007. The Manager for that Men’s team was Drazen Vuckovic.

After a 6 year hiatus in 2013 Mississauga Croatia resurrected our Men’s team program . The last Men’s team to take the field was in 2007. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Tomislav Friscic (Manager) and Vlatko Zuvic (Coach) the Mississauga Croatia Men’s team once again began play in the Peel Halton Men’s Soccer League. Many of the players of the resurrected men’s team were former Mississauga Croatia players. This team participated in the Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and USA tournament in Chicago. They included the following:

Tomislav Friscic – Luka Leko – Jure Mandic – Jonny Marinovic – Anthony Marinovic – Alen Mijackovic – Toni Pavela – Nikica Pavic – Hrvoje Pavic – Mark Petrusa – Anthony Piplica – Anton Simanic – Kristijan Skoko – Ivan Snjaric – Pasquale Solimine – Mark Spehar – Ivan Strk – Mate Vuksevic – Luka Zuvic – Boze Pruzina

In 2014 Mississauga Croatia Executive appointed Tony Fletin as the Coach of the team and Tomislav Friscic remained Team Manager. The team played in the Peel Halton Soccer League Open Male Premier Division. This team participated in the Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and USA tournament in Norval hosted by Streetsville Dalmacija in 2014 and managed to score a 1-0 victory over New York Croatia.

In 2015 the Mississauga Croatia Men’s team continued to be coached by Tony Fletin. The Managers were Tomislav Friscic and Luka Leko. This team continued to include a number of young players that developed in the Mississauga Croatia Youth system while attracting talent from other Croatian clubs in the area. The team continued to improve the quality of their soccer and had a successful 2015 Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and USA tournament in Chicago by tying both Windsor Croatia and New York Croatia but losing to Sudbury Adria. The members of the 2015 team were as follows:

Mark Cvitkovic – Marko Lucic – Matt Saric – Matt Cvitkovic – Toni Trogancic – Luka Drlje – Adam Capobianco – Michael Sostaric – Antonio Ajhert – Alen Mijackovic – Ivan Ribaric – Hrvoje Pavic – Robbie Mijackovic – Ivan Pavic – Arthur Kulik – Kreso Mitar – Kristian Skoko – Ivan Snjaric – Tommy Penavic – Zvonimir Mijalevic – Tommy Kolakovic – Mark Petrusa – Davor Rozic – Anthony Marinovic – Steven Baresic – Johnny Marinovic – Tonci Misic

In 2016 the Mississauga Croatia Men’s team continued to attract new talent and grew to 35 members. Once again they played in the Peel Halton Soccer League Open Male Premier Division and played in the 53rd Croatian National Soccer Federation tournament in Kitchener in a group that included Cleveland Croatia ( lost 3-0), New York Croatia( tied 0-0), Sudbury Adria( lost 2-1) and Connecticut Croatia ( tied 0-0). The highlight of the 2016 season was the team’s capturing of the Peel Halton District League Men’s Division 2016 Cup Championship. The members of the 2016 team were as follows:

Toni Fletin ( Coach) – Tomislav Friscic ( Manager) – Luka Leko ( Assistant Coach) – Matt Cvitkovic – Mark Cvitkovic – Arian Rayegani – Josip Vrbos – Tommy Kolakovic – Nicolas Matesa – Zvonimir Mijaljevic – Mark Petrusa – Daniel Espinosa – Matt Saric – Luka Knezovic – Marko Lucic – Alen Mijackovic – Robbie Mijackovic – Adam Capobianco – Hrvoje Pavic – Ivan Pavic – Luka Drlje – Ivan Ribaric – Dan Han – Arthur Kulik – Krunoslav Andric – Krso Mitar – Goran Mijic – Marko Mijic – Steve Baresic – Toni Misic – Derian Adamski – Dario Jezerinac – Kristijan Skoko – Anthony Marinovic

In 2017 the Mississauga Croatia Men’s team had another successful season. Once again they played in the Peel Halton Soccer League Open Male Premier Division and won their second Peel Halton District League Men;s Division Cup in 2017. The team fundraised with the 1 st annual Mississauga Croatia Golf tournament at the Royal Ontario Golf Course in Oakville. The funds helped the team travel to Chicago for 54 th Croatian National Soccer Federation tournament in Milwaukee. In this tournament the team had its greatest success to date by beating New York Polet (1-0), Kitchener Hrvat ( 2-0) while losing to Connecticut Croatia (3-0) and then finally to Streetsville Dalmacija in the wildcard game (5-0). The members of the team were as follows:

Coach – Toni Fleten – Manager Tomislav Friscic – Assistant Coach Luka Leko – Players – Ivan Pavic – Antoni Petrovic – Marko Mijic – Tony Misic – Zvonimir Mijaljevic – Pasquale Solimine – Stephen Barisic – Kresimir Mijaljevic – Kresimir Pavic – Ricardo Babic – Matthew Cvitkovic – Alen Mijackovic, – Mark Cvitokovic – Dario Jezerinac – Ivan Ribaric – Kreso Mitar – Daniel Espinosa – David Han – Hrvoje Pavic – Marko Lucic – Tomislav Kolakovic – Robert Mijackovic – James Han – Luka Drlje – Andrew Pasceri

Mississauga Croatia and Connections to Croatia

Over the years our small Club has had a great many connections with the Croatian Homeland. Through either playing host to visiting Croatian clubs that are touring Canada or by dispatching our Club’s teams to tour Croatia – the name Mississauga Croatia is well known in Croatian Soccer circles in the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina. Notable events include the following:

In 2003 the Mississauga Croatia 1989 Boys toured Croatia and played games
In 2005 and 2006 the Boys U12 team played host to the junior team from Hajduk Split.
In 2009 the Mississauga Croatia Boys 1996 boys toured Croatia/Bosnia Hercegovina and played games in Sinac ( Lika), Karlovac, Split and Ljubuski (Hercegovina)
In 2009 the Mississauga Croatia Boys 1993-94 team toured Croatia and played games in Zagreb, Slavonski Brod, Zadar, Medugorje, Stari Grad on the island of Hvar and in Cavoglave. They also played such top club academy teams as Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split
In 2010 the Mississauga Croatia Girls 1994-95 team toured Croatia and played games in Zagreb ( againsty ZNK Agram), Knin ( against NK Sport-za-sve), Split ( against ZNK Split), Cavoglave and Rijeka 9 against ZNK Jackpot).
In 2012 the Mississauga Croatia Boys 1998 team toured Croatia and played games against the junior teams from Hajduk and Dinamio, in Karlovac and Vukovar
In 2013 the 1999 Boys team travelled to Croatia to play games across Croatia including Zagreb, Osijek, Vukovar and Split
In 2014 the 1997-98 Girls team visited Croatia and played in Zagreb, Sinj ( against ZNK Split) and in Rijeka ( against ZNK Jackpot)
In 2018 the 2001 Girls team is planning on travelling to Croatia for their summer tour.

Mississauga Croatia and our House League program

When the Ontario Soccer Association mandated that a Club could not field Competitive Rep teams without a house league, Mississauga Croatia began what has become a highly successful house league program. Since 1998 Mississauga Croatia has operated a House League Program for young players ages 5 and up in the Father Kamber Croatian Parish Park in Streetsville.

Every Tuesday and Thursday our House League program operates training and house league games allowing parents with more than one child to only have to drive to one location.

The program has been a success as parents can socialize and make use of the facilities of Father Kamber Park while their children enjoy playing soccer.

In 2008 the Mississauga Croatia house league program began to have an interlocking schedule with the Norval Croatia House League program, Thereby allowing the two programs to benefit from more games and interaction. This program ended in 2015.

In 2012 Mississauga Croatia Houseleague program engaged the services of Katie Bond as our Club’s first Technical Director. With her help, our club began to tailor a specific program for young soccer players. This program spawned the first Mississauga Croatia Fall and Winter soccer school. In this program our club focused on developing the skills that young soccer players need to become proficient in the game. The persons deserving credit for the Mississauga Fall and Winter soccer school program were Katie Bond, Ante Pavelic, Zeljko Ropar and Jure Drlje.

In 2013 Mississauga Croatia held its first ever summer camp. This camp was being organized by Ivica Milkovic. The summer camp was subsequently held in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Mississauga Croatia Men’s Over 35 House League program

In 2014 Mississauga Croatia launched our first ever Men’s Over 35 house league. The league saw over 50 men join in the first year. The league played 6 v 6 mini soccer soccer games in the Father Kamber Croatian Park. From the outset of the Men’s House league in 2014, Joe Sostaric took it upon himself to organize the schedule, hire the refs and keep track of the scores and standings. The teams were named after Croatia rivers. In the first year the teams were Kupa ( team captain Mike Jezerinac), Sava ( Team Captain Mike Tominac), Plitvica ( Team Captain Joe Sprajc) and Kupcina ( Team Captain Dean Smiciklas). Team Kupcina was renamed Team Jadro in 2017.

In 2014 the Champions of the league and the Playoffs in the first year of the houseleague were Team Kupa. The members of Team Kupa included the following:

Mike Jezerinac ( Captain) – Nick Draskovic – Emil Mesic – Tony Simic – Maurice Marnika – Anton Jelic – Pero Mlinarevic – Frank Ljubanovich – Dennis Koren – Mark Visic – Steve Zganjer – Johnny Biondich – Alan Nemaric

In 2015 the Mississauga Croatia Men’s over-35 league expanded from 50 players in the first year to 80 players. The League added two new teams – Team Krka (led by Tonci Strkalj) and Team Cetina (led by Mario Mandaric)

Team Cetina won the regular season crown going undefeated. The members of Team Cetina were as follows:

Mario Mandaric ( Captain) – Marijan Vranic – Robert Specic – Nick Tomac – Robert Zovic- Frank Augustin – Davor Medunic – Ivan Mandaric – Allan Schultz – Asen Shkumbov – Tom Radman – Stipe Mandic – Tony Marincic.

In 2015 the Playoff Champions for the second year in a row were Team Kupa. The members of that team were as follows:

Mike Jezerinac ( Captain) – Frank Ljubanovic – Steve Zganjer – Mark Visic – Pero Mlinarevic – Marko Giljanovic – Emil Mesic – Tony Simic – Nick Draskovic – Alan Nemaric – Anton Jelic – Maurice Marnika – Dennis Koren.

In 2016 Team Cetina won the won the regular season crown once again. Team Cetina was once again led by Captain Mario Mandaric and the rest of the team were Allen Leko – Robert Specic – Nick Tomac – Frank Augustin – Davor Medunic – Ivan Mandaric – Allan Schultz – Asen Shkumbov – Tom Radmoan – Stipe Madic – Robert Badurina.

In the 2016 playoffs Team Cetina met Team Kupa once again in the finals. The winner – for the 3rd year in a row – was Team Kupa led by Captain Mike Jezerinac. The other members of Team Kupa were Nick Draskovic – Emil Mesic – Tony Simic – Maurice Marnika – Anton Jelic – Pero Mlinarevic – Frank Ljubanovich – Dennis Koren – Mark Visic – Steve Zganjer – Johnny Biondich – Alan Nemaric – Ante Ljubicic – Darko Petrovic – Zvonko Ljubanovic

The House League for Men recognized exception performances for players that scored the most goals with the Golden Boot award.:

2014 winner – John Mikan (Team Sava) 21 goals
2015 winners – tied with 14 goals apiece were Robert Specic (Team Cetina) and Stipe Mandic (Team Cetina).
2016 winner – Johnny Marasovic ( Team Krka) 11 goals

The winner of the unsung hero award was the player who best exemplified the spirit of the Men’s House league program. Namely they proved themselves to be players that showed leadership by having qualities like friendship, sportsmanship and camaraderie.

2014 winner – Predrag Ereiz ( Team Kupcina)
2015 winner – Dan Brdar (Team Kupcina)
2016 winner – Rick Baric ( Team Plitvica)

In 2017 Team Cetina dominated the Men’s House League winning both the League and the Cup. The members of the 2017 Cetina team were as follows:

Captain Mario Mandaric – Daniel Bersek – Robert Perkovic – Robert Specic – Nick Tomac – Frank Augustin – Davor Medunic – Ivan Mandaric –Allan Schultz – Asen Shkumbov – Tom Radman – Stipe Mandic – Jure Pavic

The House League for Men recognized exception performances for players that scored the most goals with the Golden Boot award.:

2014 winner – Predrag Ereiz ( Team Kupcina)
2015 winner – Dan Brdar (Team Kupcina)
2016 winner – Rick Baric ( Team Plitvica)
2017 winner – Dean Smiciklas ( Team Jadro)

In 2017 Team Cetina dominated the Men’s House League winning both the League and the Cup. The members of the 2017 Cetina team were as follows:

The House League for Men recognized exception performances for players that scored the most goals with the Golden Boot award.:

2014 winner – Predrag Ereiz ( Team Kupcina)
2015 winner – Dan Brdar (Team Kupcina)
2016 winner – Rick Baric ( Team Plitvica)
2017 winner – Dean Smiciklas ( Team Jadro)

Mississauga Croatia Women’s Over 35 House League program

Following the successful launch of our Over 35 Men’s House league, in 2016 Mississauga Croatia launched the first ever Women’s Over 35 house league that played every Friday night in the Father Kamber Park in Streetsville. In the inaugural season we saw 16 women join that formed 2 teams. They were as follows:

Team Ljubicasti – Sylvia Bandula – Mislava Baric – Heidi Kanceljak – Sanja Bandula – Kathy Labrovic – Irene Pavelic – Tracey Ross Marinika – Jaka Trutina

Team Crveni – Manda Balaban – Karolina Allilovic – Helen Vukovic – Cara Butkovic – Linda Jurkovic -Mara Ropar – Gordana Zlomislic – Sue Milos

The Most Valuable Players for the teams in 2016 were Mara Ropar( Crveni) and Mislava Baric ( Ljubicasti)

The Golden Boot award for the most goals went to Karolina Alilovic (Crveni)

In 2017 there were 12 women who registered in trhe Women’s Over 35 house league and they played all season. The members of the house league were as follows:

Karolina Alilovic – Manda Balaban – Sylvia Bandula – Sanja Bandula – Linda Jurkovic – Darlene Kozelj – Kathy Labrovic – Suzana Milos – Tracy Ross Marnika – Helen Vukovic – Gordana Zlomislic

In 2017 the winner of the golden boot was Karolina Allilovic with 9 goals.

Mississauga Croatia and Girls / Women’s Soccer

When Mississauga Croatia was started in 1977, girls’ soccer was very much in its infancy. Thus the Club was really focused on boys and men’s soccer. That changed in 1990 when the first Girls team was formed under the guidance of Milan Krijan. This team combined Croatian Canadian Girls together for the first time in Mississauga and they played in the South Region Soccer League. The team ultimately survived for 2 years. In 2007 many of the veterans of this first Mississauga Croatia Girls team came back together and reformed as the first Mississauga Croatia women’s team. They played two seasons in the Ontario Women’s Soccer League before ceasing operations in 2009.

Subsequently the House League program had healthy numbers of young girls joining but it was in 2006 that Mississauga Croatia fielded another girl’s competitive team. The 1994-95 Girls team was formed under the guidance of Mike Tominac, Zeljko Sabljak and Mike Kolakovic. This team began play in the Peel Halton Select League and then in the South Region Soccer League. Ultimately it was the first Girls team from Canada to tour Croatia in 2010 and then represented the Club in the first ever.

Today the Mississauga Croatia Girls soccer program has blossomed and we have had the following competitive teams formed:

1997-98 Mississauga Croatia Girls under the direction of Dean Smiciklas, Bruce Barac and Predrag Ereiz
1999-2000 Mississauga Croatia Girls under the direction of Nick Draskovic, Pero Mlinarevic, Danile Jaksic, Dubravka Karljevic and Tonci Strkalj
2000-20001 Mississauga Croatia Girls under the direction of Dean Smiciklas and Damir Cvitan
2003-2004 Mississauga Croatia Girls under the direction of Dave Tonkovic, Ivan Busija and Josip Mesi
2005 Mississauga Croatia Girls under the direction of Tony ( Ante) Pavelic, Steve Hranilovic and Rick Baric
2007 Mississauga Croatia Girls under the direction of Jadranko Butkovic, Jure Ropar, Rob Stakorac, Heidi Kanceljak and Mara Ropar

In 2014 Mississauga Croatia re-launched a women’s team that once again competed in the Ontario Women’s Soccer League. This team was made up of many former Mississauga Croatia women who played in the club’s girl’s program. They included the following:

Angela Lucic – Martina Mogus – Martina Kolakovic – Maja Sabljak – Martina Trlin – Kristina Mesic – Jelena Banjavcic – Ana Tominac, – Vedrana Banjavcic – Julia Beljo – . Rachel Bronzovich – Jasmine Burji – Danka Miljak – Marina Orkic – Martina Perkovic – Veronika Salumun – Ivana Spehar – Melissa Smith – Rose Tominac – Nika Tomljenovic – Zeljko Sabljak ( coach) – Mike Tominac ( Assistant Coach) – John Siciklas ( Manager)

In 2015 the second year of the Mississauga Croatia Women’s team saw Predrag Ereiz take over as coach and Joe Sostaric as assistant coach. The new Manager of the team was Dean Smiciklas. The team added players who were both younger and older and continued to compete in the Ontario Women’s Soccer League and the Hershey Centre Indoor league. The members of the team were as follows:

Nicole Smiciklas – Vedrana Banjavcic – Antonia Borojevic – Marina Bukarica – Anita Bukarica – Stephanie DaSilva – Andra Dubravac – Ivona Ereiz – Gemma Greenland – Sophie Hari – Chesley Kudrasovs – Angela Lucic – Kathy Lulic – Sam McCourt – Katarina Mijaljevic – Maria Milic – Adriana Lisjenovic – Veronika Salamun – Nicole Smiciklas – Stefanie Sostaric – Sanja Strk – Ana Tominac – Rose Tominac – Ivana Zelich

In 2016 the Mississauga Croatia Women’s team once again was led by Predrag Ereiz, Joe Sostaric and Dean Smiciklas. The team was once again registered in the Ontario Women’s Soccer League MJDL South. 2016 proved to be the most successful year to date of the Mississauga Croatia Women’s team as they finished fourth with a record of 8 wins, 2 ties and 6 losses. Team goalie Ivana Zelich recorded 5 shutouts. The leading goal scorers were Ivona Ereiz ( 12 goals) and Andrea Dubravac ( 10 goals). The members of the team were as follows:

Ivana Zelich – Andrea Dubravac – Ivona Ereiz – Ana Tominac – Angela Lucic – Stefanie Sostaric – Vanessa Benic – Jennifer Fox – Gemma Greenland – Chesley Kudrasovs – Kathy Lulic – Angela Mamic – Samatha McCourt – Leanne Menchella – Angela Mlinarevic -Antonija Pavic – Nancy Rojas – Veronika Salamun – Diana Silva – Sanja Strk – Angeline Vanegmond – Anne Marie Violo

In 2017 the Mississauga Croatia Women’s team once again was led by Predrag Ereiz, Joe Sostaric and Dean Smiciklas. The team was once again registered in the Ontario Women’s Soccer League but this time in the Senior Open Age division. The members of the team were as follows:

Ivana Zelich – Vedrana Banjavcic – Nicole Banjavcic – Samatha McCourt – Ivona Ereiz – Ana Tominac – Kate Tominac – Stefanie Sostaric – Vanessa Benic – Martina Perkovic – Michelle Pejakovic – Chesley Kudrasovs – Kathy Lulic – Brandi Martin – Abigayle Labas – Andrea Culjak – – Gemma Greenland – Michelle Gough – Rebecca Bukovcan- Veronika Salamun – Sanja Strk – Angeline Vanegmond – Anne Marie Violo

Mississauga Croatia and our partnership with local Croatian Organizations

One of the greatest challenges for Mississauga Croatia throughout the years has been finding fields to play.

After playing at a number of different soccer fields in the1980’s, eventually all Mississauga Croatia Rep teams began calling the fields at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Norval and the Karlovac Club in Milton, home. Furthermore, with the advent of a House League requirement by the OSA, a House League was formed, playing out of Father Kamber Park, in Streetsville.

Mississauga Croatia is also a proud member of the Croatian Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Father Kamber Community Committee and helps support other Croatian Canadian organizations.

In addition Mississauga Croatia has proudly assisted the General Consul of the Republic of Croatia when called upon to organize community events like the Picnic on June 5 2016 to raise funds for the Vukovar Water Tower.

Mississauga Croatia and our Club House

In 2008 Mississauga Croatia finally found a home. Since its inception the Mississauga Croatia Club relied on the goodwill of its members and other Croatian organizations whenever a meeting needed to be held. Our executive would meet at each other’s homes, the Croatian Martyrs Church or the Toronto Croatia Clubhouse. Under the direction of then President Michael Jezerinac, the Mississauga Croatia Soccer Club signed a sublease with Tony Halovanic President of CLL Metal Products. Thanks to the support and generosity of Tony Halovanic, Mississauga Croatia was able to convert part of the site where CLL Metal Products operated into a two room office. Thus our first Club house took shape at:

6535 Millcreek Drive, Unit #82
Mississauga, ON L5N 2N2
(905) 334-3191

Mississauga Croatia our colours and uniforms

As with any Croatian club our colours are based upon the historic Croatian flag – namely red, white and blue.

From the outset our club had competitive teams wearing the red shirts, white shorts and blue socks as our standard kit.

The second kit was either all blue (blue shirts, blue shorts and blue socks) or all white (white shirts, white shorts and white socks)

In 2005 thanks to the work of Anton Jelic and our club supplier at the time International Threadworks ( Lili and Zvonimir “Coko” Filipcic) our Club introduced for the first time a red and white checkered jersey. The supplier at the time was Admiral.

In 2006 thanks to Lili and Zvonimir “Coko” Filipcic our club developed a red and white checkered jersey with Adidas. That is the jersey that has been worn by our players on travelling teams since 2006.

Since 2006 Mississauga Croatia has used Adidas exclusively. Mississauga Croatia and Adidas have been working together to ensure that the Mississauga Croatia teams are well dressed and properly represent the City of Mississauga and the Croatian Community in Mississauga and surrounding area.

In 2013 the club designed a new “Blue” Jersey with the help of Adidas and our Mississauga Croatia rep, select and festival teams began wearing that new jersey blue jersey in 2014. The Jersey was designed by the Mississauga Croatia Executive that served in 2012-2013.

In 2018 the club designed a new “Black” jersey that was designed largely by the 2018 Mississauga Croatia Men’s team. It was worn as a pilot program in 2018.

Mississauga Croatia Achievements on the Playing Field

Mississauga Croatia is a small club but over the years Mississauga Croatia teams have achieved great success on the soccer field. Here is a small summary of some of the achievements:

League Achievements

2007 South Region Elite Division Champions Boys U17 -Mississauga Croatia Boys 1991
2010 Hamilton and District Multi-Jurisdictional Club League Champions Girls U14 – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1998-99
2013 1st place in SRSL 2^nd Division – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1997-98
2014 Champions of Hershey Sports Zone – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1999
2014 Champions of Hershey Sports Zone – Mississauga Croatia Boys 1999
2014 SRSL Premier League Champions – Mississauga Croatia Boys 1999

Cup Achievements

2008 SRSL League Cup Finalists – Boys Under 12 – Mississauga Croatia Boys 1996
2010 Peel Halton Select League Cup Finalists – Girls U13 –Mississauga Croatia Girls 1997-98
2011 Hamilton and District Multi-Jurisdictional Club League Cup Champions Girls U14 – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1998-99
2014 SRSL League Cup Champions – Mississauga Croatia 1999 Boys
2016 Peel Halton District League Men’s Division Cup Championship – Men’s team
2017 Peel Halton District League Men’s Division Cup Championship – Men’s team

Tournament Achievements

2008 Tournament Champions – 2008 North Mississauga All Star-Select Tournament – Girls U14 Division – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1994-95
2008 Tournament Finalists – 2008 Burlington Youth Soccer Club Tournament selects – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1994-95
2008Tournament Finalists – 2008 Mississauga Falcons All Star-Select Tournament – Girls U10 Division – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1999-2000 team
2009 Tournament Champions – 2009 CNSF Youth Tournament in Milwaukee – Boys U11 – Mississauga Croatia Boys 1998
2009 Tournament Champions – 2009 Georgetown Invitational Tournament –Girls U10 – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1999-2000
2009 Tournament Finalists – 2009 Poultry Fest Invitational Tournament in West Lincoln – Girls U10 – Mississauga Croatia Girls 1999-2000
2013 Tournament Champions –CNSF Youth Tournament in Norval –Mississauga Croatia Boys 2005
2013 Tournament Champions – CNSF Youth Tournament in Norval –Mississauga Croatia Girls 2005
2013 Tournament Champions – CNSF Youth Tournament in Norval –Mississauga Croatia Girls 2001
2013 Tournament Champions – CNSF Youth Tournament in Norval –Mississauga Croatia Girls 1999
2013 Tournament Champions – CNSF Youth Tournament in Norval –Mississauga Croatia Boys 1997
2014 Ontario Cup Finalists Tier II U15 – Mississauga Croatia Boys 1999
2016 Tournament Champions – CNSF Youth Tournament hosted by Mississauga Croatia–Mississauga Croatia Boys 1999

Notable Teams in Mississauga Croatia History

In the early years of the club there were two (2) teams that reached the Ontario Cup Semi-finals. The team coached by Hinko Sifer made it to the Ontario Cup semifinals in1982. The 1966 Boys team coached by Tom Zlodre also made it to the Ontario Cup Semi finals in 1982.

In 1983 the Toronto Croatia Soccer Club borrowed the name of our club Mississauga Croatia and participated in the Canadian Professional Soccer League (CPSL) as Mississauga Croatia. The League was an attempt to have a National Professional soccer league in Canada and had teams in Hamilton (Hamilton Steelers), Montreal (Inter-Montreal), Toronto ( Toronto Nationals), Edmonton ( Edmonton Eagles) and Calgary ( Calgary Mustangs). Unfortunately the CPSL lasted for only one season. But history will show that the Mississauga Croatia team finished with a record of 4 wins, 1 tie and 8 losses.

Team	Games	Wins	Ties	Losses	G For	G Against	Pts
Edmonton Eagles	10	7	3	0	24	6	17
Hamilton Steelers	12	4	4	4	22	20	12
Inter-Montreal FC	8	5	1	2	15	8	11
Mississauga Croatia	13	4	1	8	16	31	9
Calgary Mustangs	12	2	4	6	13	21	8
Toronto Nationals	7	2	1	4	11	15	5

May 23 1983	Mississauga Croatia	1-1	Calgary Mustangs
May 26 1983	Mississauga Croatia	0-1	Inter-Montreal
May 29 1983	Calgary Mustangs	4-0	Mississauga Croatia
June 1 1983	Edmonton Eagles	4-1	Mississauga Croatia
June 3 1983	Toronto Nationals	3-0	Mississauga Croatia
June 5 1983	Mississauga Croatia	4-2	Toronto Nationals
June 8 1983	Mississauga Croatia	3-2	Hamilton Steelers
June 12 1983	Inter-Montreal	3-0	Mississauga Croatia
June 22 1983	Mississauga Croatia	0-2	Inter-Montreal
June 26 1983	Inter-Montreal	3-1	Mississauga Croatia
July 1 1983	Hamilton Steelers	4-1	Mississauga Croatia
July 3 1983	Mississauga Croatia	2-0	Calgary Mustangs
July 10 1983	Mississauga Croatia	3-2	Hamilton Steelers

The team played in a 3 game playoff with Hamilton Steelers with the following results:

Playoffs First Leg	July 13 1983	Mississauga Croatia	3-2	Hamilton Steelers
Playoff Second Leg	July 15 1983	Hamilton Steelers	4-1	Mississauga Croatia
Playoff Third Leg	July 24 1983	Hamilton Steelers	2-0	Mississauga Croatia

The CPSL Mississauga Croatia team in 1983 also had the privilege and honour to play a Seria A team from Italy that year. On June 15 1983 Mississauga Croatia played a friendly game against Udinese and lost 2-0 at Centennial Park their home field. The members of the 1983 Mississauga Croatia CPSL team were as follows:

Dale Roy Baxter – Robert Voore – Peter Ore Poulsen – Peter Stipancik – Benjamin Poalo Vian – Robert Song – Winston Hackett – Patrick Lowe – Jaun Carlos Leuiza – Carlos Lazon – Branko Frank Vukovic – Nader Jamali-Afoussi – Ljubo Spajic – Boris Matas – Ivan Istuk – Braslav Pascuttini

In 2014 The Mississauga Croatia1999 Boys team achieved unmatched success becoming the first ever team in the Club’s history to be a finalist in the prestigious Ontario Cup tournament for the U15 boys Tier II category. Even though this team lost in the Ontario Cup finals , that same year this team won numerous trophies including the championship of the SRSL premier League and the SRSL League Cup. This “golden generation” of coaches and players achieved more than any other team in our club’s history since our beginnings in 1977. The members of the team were as follows:

Luka Knezovic – Daniel Merean – Toni Zlomislic – Janko Delisimunovic – Daniel Kanisek – Marko Mandekic – Nico Tallarico – Nicholas Cachia – Aaron Woodward – Bola Paul Girgis – Luka Drlje – Lucas Marcelic – Mohammed Hafezi – Carter Bowie – Faisai Jameel – David Corona – Ryan Hardy – Ryan McGovern – Coach – Hrvoje Kanisek – Assistant Coach – Mario Knezovic – Manager – Carmen Kanisek

Size of Mississauga Croatia

Thanks to Peel Halton Soccer Association ( especially Linda Blofield – District Administrator) , Mississauga Croatia Soccer Club has been able to track the number of registered soccer players in our organization since 2004.

Year	Number of Registered Players
2004	337
2005	362
2006	363
2007	405
2008	410
2009	390
2010	389
2011	335
2012	387
2013	446
2014	530
2015	507
2016	508
2017	490

Mississauga Croatia Logo

The Club Logo has changed on a number of occasions over the years. The Current Logo has been used by the Club since about 2000.

Club records indicate that this older logo below – using the C.S.C. Mississauga – was used at some point prior to 2000.

Mississauga Croatia Non Profit Status

In August 2012 Mississauga Croatia received Letters Patent from the Ontario Ministry of Government Services formally declaring Mississauga Croatia Soccer Club as a Non-Profit Organization (Corporation without Share Capital).

In the Letters Patent it formally states that “The Corporation shall be carried on without the purpose of gain for its members and any profits or other accretions to the Corporation shall be used in promoting its objects”.

The objects of the Corporation were defined as:

“The establishment and operation of an athletic club for the purposes of:

a) Promoting organized athletics sports, games and recreation, and in particular, Soccer arranging games, matches and competitions, and establishing and granting prizes, awards and distinctions

b) Fostering goodwill and sportsmanship

And such other complementary purposes not inconsistent with these objects”

The first Directors of the Corporation were Michael Tominac, Jure Drlje, Nick Draskovic and Anthony Mrse.

Josip Mesic deserves the credit for doing all the work needed to have Mississauga Croatia Soccer Club successfully achieve the Not For Profit Status.

Past and Present Mississauga Croatia Executive Board Members

Mississauga Croatia could not exist without the effort and dedication of volunteers who sacrifice their time and energy so that the Club can continue to exist and thrive. In an effort to honour the efforts of those people who took on Executive functions, we have compiled a list of our past and present Executive Members.

In compiling the History of our Club it’s clear that we do not have all of the information/records. This incomplete list will be a work in progress as we continue to acquire more records and we rely upon and encourage past members to come forward to fill in our gaps. Please contact Michael.Tominac@mississaugacroatia.com if you have any information that could help complete this history.

Executive Nov 2017 to Nov 2018

President – Tony Pavelic
Vice-President – Mike Tominac
Secretary – Sanja Bandula
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
Assistant Registrar – Tomislav Friscic
House League Director – Mara Zoric
Director of Equipment and Uniforms – Kathy Labrovic
Director of Indoor Soccer School and Camps – Mare Zoric
Director of Fundraising – Carmen Storino
Director of Fields – Adriel Brajkovic
Director of Senior Soccer – Jadranko Butkovic
Director of Competitive Teams and Assistants – Dean Smiciklas
Director of Discipline – Helen Vukovic
Director of IT, Social Media and Promotions – Anthony Toric
Member at Large – Anthony Mrse
Member at Large – Ana Tominac

Executive Nov 2016 to Nov 2017

President – Tony Pavelic
Vice-President – Mike Tominac
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
Assistant Registrar – Tomislav Friscic
House League Director – Sam Al-Azawi
Director of Equipment and Uniforms – Kathy Labrovic
Director of Indoor Soccer School and Camps – Mare Zoric
Director of Fundraising – Sanja Bandula
Director of Fields – Adriel Brajkovic
Director of Senior Soccer – Jadranko Butkovic
Director of Competitive Teams and Assistants – Dean Smiciklas
Director of Discipline – Helen Vukovic
Director of IT, Social Media and Promotions – Anthony Toric
Director of Tournaments – Dave Maljevac
Member at Large – Jure Drlje

Executive Nov 2015 to Nov 2016

President – Tony Pavelic
Vice-President – Mike Tominac
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
House League Director and Uniforms Manager – Carmen Storino
House League Registrar and Soccer School Manager – Anthony Toric
House League Field Manager – Adriel Brajkovic
Sponsorship and Fundraising Manager – Sam Al-Azawi
Rep Convenor and Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
Assistant Rep Registrar – Joe Sostaric
Men’s House League Director – Jadranko Butkovic
Discipline Committee Chair – Jure Ropar
Communications Director – Dave Maljevac
Member at Large – Jure Drlje
Member at Large – Joe Sprajc
Member at Large – Dave Tonkovic
Member at Large – Tomislav Friscic

Executive Oct 2014 to Nov 2015

President – Tony Pavelic
Vice President – Mike Tominac
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
House League Director – Anthony Toric
House League Registrar – Dave Maljevac
House League Soccer School Manager – Joe Buntic
House League Uniform Manager – Sam Al-Azawi
House League Fields Manager – Rick Baric
Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
Assistant Registrar – Joe Sostaric
Rep Team Convenor – Dean Smiciklas
Director of Communications – Josip Mesic
Director of Fundraising – Dave Verbanek
Member at Large – Jure Drlje
Member at Large – Ivica Milkovic

Executive Nov 2013 to Oct 2014

President – Mike Tominac
Vice President – Jure Drlje
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
House League Director – Tony Pavelic
House League Registrar – Anthony Toric
House League Soccer School Manager – Ivica Milkovic
House League Uniform Manager – Dave Tonkovic
House League Fields Manager – Rick Baric
Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
Assistant Registrar – Joe Sostaric
Rep Team Convenor – Dean Smiciklas
Director of Communications – Josip Mesic
Director of Fundraising – Harvey Tokic
Member at Large – Joe Buntic
Member at Large – Josip Jerkovic
Member at Large – Dave Vrbanek
Member at Large – Dave Maljevac
Member at Large – Sam Al-Azawi

Executive Oct 2012 to Nov 2013

President – Mike Tominac
Vice President – Jure Drlje
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
House League Director – Tony Pavelic
House League Registrar – Rick Baric
House League Soccer School Manager – Ivica Milkovic
House League Uniform Manager – Ivan Busija
Huse League Fields Manager – Anthony Toric
Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
Assistant Registrar – Joe Sostaric
Rep Team Convenor – Dean Smiciklas
Director of Communications – Zeljko Ropar
Assistant Director of Communications – Josip Mesic
Director of Fundraising – Josip Jerkovic
Member at Large – Dave Tonkovic
Member at Large – Harvey Tokic

Executive Oct 2011 to Oct 2012

President – Mike Tominac
Vice President – Jure Drlje
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
House League Convenor – Ivan Busija and Tony Pavelic
Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
Assistant Registrar – Joe Sostaric
Rep Team Convenor – Dean Smiciklas
Web Master – Zeljko Ropar
Director of Fundraising – Tony Strkalj
Member at Large – Dave Tonkovic
Member at Large – Josip Mesic

Executive Oct 2010 to Oct 2011

President – Mike Tominac
Vice President – Jure Drlje
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
House League Convenor – Ivan Busija and Zeljko Ropar
Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
RepTeam Convenor – Dean Smiciklas
Web Master – Zeljko Ropar
Director of Fundraising – Michael Jezerinac
Member at Large – Dave Tonkovic

Executive October 2009 to October 2010

President – Michael Jezerinac
Vice President – Jure Drlje
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
House League Convenor – Dean Smiciklas
Registrar – Dean Smiciklas
RepTeam Convenor – Anton Jelic
Web Master – Zeljko Ropar

Executive October 2008 to October 2009

President – Michael Jezerinac
Vice President – Mike Tominac
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Anthony Mrse
House League Convenor – Dean Smiciklas
Registrar – Anton Jelic
RepTeam Convenor – Anton Jelic
Web Master – Zeljko Ropar

Executive October 2007 to October 2008

President – Michael Jezerinac
Vice President – Mike Tominac
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Maurice Marnika
House League Convenor – Dean Smiciklas
Registrar – Anton Jelic
RepTeam Convenor – Anton Jelic
Web Master – Zeljko Ropar

Executive October 2006 to October 2007

President – Mike Tominac
Vice President – Darko Brtan
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary – Maurice Marnika
House League Convenor – Michael Jezerinac
Registrar – Anton Jelic
RepTeam Convenor – Anton Jelic

Executive October 2005 to October 2006

President – Anton Jelic
Vice President –   Dennis Koren
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary –        Maurice Marnika
House League Convenor – Michael Jezerinac
Registrar – Anton Jelic
Rep team Convenor – Anton Jelic

Executive October 2004 to October 2005

President – Anton Jelic
Vice President –
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary –
House League Convenor – Michael Jezerinac
Registrar – Mike Tominac
Rep Team Convenor – Anton Jelic

Executive October 2004 to October 2005

President – Anton Jelic
Vice President –
Treasurer – Nick Draskovic
Secretary –
House League Convenor – Michael Jezerinac
Registrar – Mike Tominac
RepTeam Convenor – Anton Jelic

Executive October 2003 to October 2004

President – Andrei Hari
Vice President – Anton Jelic
Treasurer – Anton Jelic
Secretary – Dennis Koren
House League Convenor -Michael Jezerinac
Registrar – Michelle Mesaric
RepTeam Convenor – John Benko
Member at Large – Mike Tominac

Executive October 2002 to October 2003

President – Andrei Hari
Vice President –
Treasurer –
Secretary –
House League Convenor –
Registrar –
RepTeam Convenor –

Executive October 2001 to October 2002

President – Zvonimir “Coko” Filipcic
Vice President –
Treasurer –
Secretary –
House League Convenor –
Registrar –
RepTeam Convenor –

Executive October 2000 to October 2001

President –
Vice President –
Treasurer –
Secretary –
House League Convenor –
Registrar –
RepTeam Convenor –

Executive October 1999 to October 2000

President –
Vice President –
Treasurer –
Secretary –
House League Convenor –
Registrar –
RepTeam Convenor –

Executive October 1998 to October 1999

President –
Vice President –
Treasurer –
Secretary –
House League Convenor –
Registrar –
RepTeam Convenor –

Other Mississauga Croatia Past Presidents

– Drago Mulig

– Marinko. Perkovic

Executive October 1985 to October 1986

President – Miroslav Validzija
Vice President – Drago Velic
Treasurer – Janko Baric
Secretary – Alek Kulis