page_title: York Region Shooters
section_title: Merger and emergence as a league powerhouse (2003–2005)
hierarchical_section_title: York Region Shooters / History / Merger and emergence as a league powerhouse (2003–2005)
caption_attribution_description: English: Photo of soccer player, Chris Williams.
context_page_description: York Region Shooters were a Canadian soccer team, that played in the Canadian Soccer League from 2003 to 2017. The Shooters played their home games at the St. Joan of Arc Turf Field in the community of Maple, Ontario. The team's colours were blue and white, mirroring those of the Italian national football team and reflecting the cultural heritage of the club. The club had also competed under various different names as Vaughan Sun Devils, Vaughan Shooters, Italia Shooters, and finally as York Region Shooters.
  They were formed in 2003 as the merger of two rival clubs in York Region: the Glen Shields Sun Devils and the original York Region Shooters. Both clubs were inaugural members of the Canadian Professional Soccer League, having joined in 1998. The merger produced a string of success as the club became a powerhouse within the league. Notable achievements were going undefeated in an entire season, establishing a CSL record for most regular season titles, and winning the CSL Championship three times in 2006, 2014 and 2017.
context_section_description: In 2003, Glen Shields merged with the York Region Shooters and united the York Region territory under principal owner Tony De Thomasis. The new additions added to the roster were Canadian international Elvis Thomas, Matthew Palleschi, Cameron Medwin, and Jason De Thomasis. The merger proved a success as Vaughan recorded an eight-game undefeated streak and clinched the final playoff in their conference. In the first round they faced Toronto Supra, where they defeated Supra with 4 goals to 3 with Wilson Hugo, Smith, Thomas, and Aundrea Rollins providing the goals. In the next round the Sun Devils faced Western Conference champions the Hamilton Thunder, and beat the odds by recording a 2–0 victory to mark their first appearance in the CPSL Championship. Their opponents in the finals were Brampton Hitmen during the match Vaughan's Chris Turner was ejected from the match which gave Brampton the advantage to win the championship by a score of 1–0. Despite the defeat the merger ushered in a new era for the club in becoming a powerhouse within the CPSL.
  Several changes were made in 2004 as the club was renamed the Vaughan Shooters and transferred their home venue to the Ontario Soccer Centre. Head coach Benning parted ways in order to accept a position with the CSA, and Sam Mederios was named his successor. Vaughan also established an affiliation with two youth clubs Woodbridge Italia and Vaughan Soccer Club. For the second straight year the Shooters clinched the final playoff berth in their conference with the third best offensive and defensive record. In the preliminary round of the playoffs they faced the Metro Lions and blitz them 5–3. The second round was a similar outcome where Vaughan defeat the Eastern Conference champions Toronto Supra 4–1. The championship finals featured Vaughan against Toronto Croatia, where the Shooters fell 4-0.
  In 2005, Carmine Isacco was given head coach responsibilities and brought in Saint Kitts and Nevis international Darryl Gomez, Stuart Black, and Brian Bowes. Throughout the season Vaughan consolidated their status as a powerhouse by claiming their first piece of silverware the Eastern Conference title. Vaughan achieved a team best by posting the best offensive and defensive record. As division champions they received an automatic bye to the semifinals, where they thrashed Toronto Croatia by a score of 4–0. In their third championship final appearance they faced the Oakville Blue Devils, but once again fell short 2–1 in extra time. At the conclusion of the season the league honored Desmond Humphrey with the CPSL MVP award, and Tony De Thomasis with the CPSL President award.
caption: Canadian international Chris Williams began his career with Glen Shields Sun Devils.
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