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Irvine City were formed 2 weeks before the start of the 2003 season of the Coast Soccer League. The team was a mix of some of the reserves of a competitive Irvine United team and the remainder of the very unsuccessful Lucky Lager FC. Lucky Lager had only avoided defeat in 5 league or cup games in 2 seasons in the CSL. After the 2003 CSL season ended Irvine City and Irvine United parted ways and ended their affiliation.
Irvine City is founded on the idea that the team will perform at a higher level if there is continuity in the playing staff. To this end, Irvine City used a total of 17 players last season and have only ever added players to replace those who have left of their own accord. Each and every player is an integral part of the successes of Irvine City Football Club.
In the 2003/2004 season Irvine City won the CSL fair play award after receiving only 2 yellow cards the whole season. City also finished 5th in Division 1 of the CSL, and knocked off 2 major division teams on the way to a Friendship cup semi final appearance.
The 2004/2005 CSL season brought a new outlook and a fresh challenge. The goal at the outset was for Irvine City to leap forward and contend for a respectable finish in the league. With the same teams from the previous year plus the addition of former Major team HB Strikers, the task looked daunting. However with only one league defeat, and a win and draw with the champions, 2nd place was secured. Aided by the 2nd best defensive record in all of the CSL, the season turned out to be a 2 horse race between California United (formally Irvine Utd ) and Irvine City. City also made a second successive Friendship Cup semi final . Irvine City gained promotion to the Major Division of the Coast Soccer League and were once again fair play award winners.
2005/2006 brought about a new challenege as City squared off against its highest level of competion since foundation. Eventually finishing in 6th place, Irvine City had to accept the fact that it's first season in the Major division was all about conoslidation and securing a place in the league for the following season.
As we move into the 2006/2007 season, the squad is at the strongest it has ever been and the task to move up the standings within the Major division stands in front of the team. Some solid new additions should help the team improve on last seasons record. A push for promotion may be on the cards but only time will tell.From Lucky Lager to the premiership, an unlikely story, but as they say: "Its a funny old game."
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