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BY MICHAEL HAYAKAWA mhayakdwa@yrmg.com One team’s loss turned out to be another team's gain. And what a gain it was for two Stoufiville- area over-35 men's soccer clubs, who got their kicks on the HMO Field pitch in Toron- to last Thursday for a friendly match. It was all in preparation for the start of their Richmond Hill Friday Night Men's League regular season. Ron Murphy, a player for one of the participating teams known as the Strik- ers, said the opportunity to play on the Toronto FC's home field arose thanks ti a Whitchurch Stoufl’ville Soccer Club open division women’s team he helped coach. They were scheduled to use the pitch that ‘Like playing hockey at the ACC’ for Stoufl‘ville over-35 men’s teams last week Striker Carl Milroy (left) in Liverpool red and Tom Panopoulos of the Stoufl'ville A Team dash for the ball at Toronto FC’s BMO Field in a pre- season fieldâ€"of-dreams game. Referee Bill Doumouras, (from left) A Team’s Tony Pearce and Striker Nigel Vogel look on. The game ended 1-1. they had booked back in February as part of a deal among Ontario Soccer Association members. But when the team lost 11 of 18 players from last year’s squad that was to move into the premier division this upcoming season, they decided to fold. With their scheduled playing time being vacant, Murphy contacted players from his squad and the other Stoulfville entry, known as Richmond FC, two weeks ago to see if they wanted to use the field for a two-hour timeframe. It would cost $15 per player to cover the rental fees. Despite having short notice to make their decision, the response was positive. “It’s like a men’s hockey team having the opportunity to play on the Air Canada Cenâ€" me ice," Murphy said. SPRTS Stouffville Sunâ€"Tribune While the two clubs battled to a 1-1 tie in a match, Murphy said playing on the BMO Field met his expectations. ter. When you made a pass it was a true roll as compaxed to playing on a field with bumps” “It was phenomenal,” Murphy said. “The pitch was smooth. Everything behaved bet- “It was awesome," added Crag Bowie, a Stouflviue resident who serves as captain and mans the striker position for Richmond FC. As a season’s ticket holder for Toronto FC, Bowie gained a gmater appreciation of the pitch after playing on it. What he felt presented the biggest chal- lenge was how the ball took bigger bounces off the field turf as compared with natural grass pitches. “It was challenging. but cool. I think if you played on it over time you would master it,” Bowie said. The two clubs also got access to dressing room facilities Prior to entering the pitch, they came out through the tunnels. “It was definitely a diflerent experience. It creates an illusion that you’re playing before a big crowd," Murphy said. As for using the field again in the future, Murphy said they had discussions afterâ€" ward about trying to procure it next year for another friendly. “Everyone really enjoyed it and agreed it was a tremendous experience. It's like living out your fantasy." “I sure hope we can do it again," Bowie said. “It was well worth it.” SMFF PHOTO/SJOERD WITTEVE E N