Bill Robertson was one of our standout players in the defense last season.  When the Seals were done, Bill found himself in New Zealand playing for the Canterbury United FC Dragons and heading up the Academy team there (see article: Bill Robertson's Great Adventure).

While the men’s team struggled to a 3-3-15 record, Robertson was a standout player for them this season.  He was recognized four times throughout the season with a spot on the Team of the Week honors.  Some of the accolades noted about Bill were:

• “. . .he backed up a recent string of unyielding performances to lay the platform for those in front of him.”
• “. . . adding some defensive solidity to Canterbury . . .”
• “. . . led efforts at the other end to protect the lead . . .”
• “Robertson may be the most contentious selection this week, having been included for a strong individual performance on his NZFC debut despite anchoring a defense that allowed three late goals”

Robertson was appointed captain of the squad, and in the end, he won the Player of the Year award for Canterbury.

“He showed maturity beyond his years and real leadership and commanded respect from his team and the football community (as acknowledged by his regular selections in the Team of the Week) He played in all but one game (which he missed through suspension) wearing his heart on his sleeve, in a season that might be remembered for all the wrong reasons he stood up for the cause. And his return for next season bodes well for the Dragons.”

Robertson’s success at Canterbury was not limited to honors for his play, but also to the success of his Academy team, who went all the way to the Finals this season with only one loss on the season.

“I was really proud of the boys” said Robertson.  “They showed terrific heart all season.”

Canterbury fought back from 3-1 down at halftime to send the game into extra time, but lost in overtime 6-3 to Waitakere United.