Ukraine
FC Ukraine United is a Canadian soccer club founded in 2006 by Yuriy Hlyva and Vladimir Koval, former professional footballers from the former Soviet Union. Based in Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario, the team currently competes in the Canadian Soccer League and plays their home matches at Centennial Park Stadium. The club holds the distinction of being the only team in the CSL to represent the Ukrainian diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area, having achieved notable success including winning the George Finnie Cup in their debut season and reaching the CSL Championship final in 2019.
History
Overview
General information about the club
FC Ukraine United was established in 2006 with the purpose of accommodating and combining talent from various Eastern European countries located in Canada. The club adopted a Ukrainian identity due to the majority of players originating from Ukraine. Malychenkov was appointed as head coach, while Koval served as the general manager.
Most recent season and achievements
In 2019, Ukraine United reached the CSL Championship final but were defeated by Scarborough SC. The club had previously secured the First Division title in 2018 after returning from a voluntary relegation to the Second Division.
History
Early years
In 2007, the club initially began playing indoor soccer at Soccer City before joining the Ontario Soccer League in the Multi Jurisdictional West Division in the spring of that year. In their debut season in the OSL, the team finished third in the standings and won the George Finnie Cup. The following season, United won promotion to the Central Regional Division by winning the league.
Successful period
During their three seasons in the Central Regional Division, the team managed to win the Great Lakes Cup and secured promotion to the Premier Central Division in 2011. While in the Premier Division, United participated several times in the Diaspora World Cup hosted in Ternopil, Ukraine, and finished runner's up in the 2015 regular season.
Current period
In 2016, Ukraine United was promoted to the professional ranks by joining the Canadian Soccer League. Malychenkov recruited several import players with experience in the Professional Football League of Ukraine in preparation for CSL First Division play. The club made their professional debut on June 5, 2016 against Scarborough SC, losing 2–0, but recorded their first victory on June 12, 2016 over Hamilton City SC in a 3–2 victory with goals from Ivliev and Derevlov.
In their debut season, the western Toronto side competed with York Region Shooters over the First Division title, achieving second place in the standings and recording the league's best offensive record. In the playoffs, they defeated Brantford Galaxy 3–0 in the first round with goals from Oleksandr Muzychuk, Derevlov, and Shutov, but were eliminated by Serbian White Eagles 1–0 in the semifinals.
For the 2017 season, Ukraine United voluntarily relegated themselves to the Second Division and produced a perfect season. They returned to the First Division the following season and secured the division title.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
- George Finnie Cup winner (2007)
- Great Lakes Cup winner (during Central Regional Division period)
- OSL Multi Jurisdictional West Division winner (2008)
- CSL Second Division perfect season (2017)
- CSL First Division title (2018)
- CSL Championship final (2019)
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Stadium
FC Ukraine United plays their home matches at Centennial Park Stadium, located in Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario. The venue serves as the home ground for the club's participation in the Canadian Soccer League.