FC DENVER: PREMIER v SAPRISSA 5.23.2010
Premier Game Review by: Brennen Randquist - Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez
FC Denver was in action once again last Sunday. It was a gorgeous Denver morning for soccer. FC Denver played one of the lower teams in the division, and Denver was feeling pretty good since many players returned from injury or travel.
The match started, and it started quick. FC Denver scored early off a corner kick. Dave delivered a tap in header for the lead. FC Denver owned the first 15 minutes of action and quickly put in another goal. Tom Marks sent home a tap in after a scramble in the 6 yard box.
Then things turned sloppy, and very sloppy. For FC Denver the rest of the half was really back and forth, with no real rhythm that FC Denver displayed in the first 15 minutes. I am sure it was frustrating for all, as FC Denver just couldn’t figure out the style of play that landed them a two nill score.
After a floated pass to the left side was misjudged by an FC Denver defender, the other team tucked away a goal to make it 2-1 right before the half. FC Denver had a chance to go up 3-1, but a penalty kick was missed and it was 2-1 at half.
The second half was a little more of the same, FC Denver settled down and started having some really good possession and combination play. Unfortunately, they got countered off a corner and the other team shot the ball from about 25 yards out and tucked it in the near post to even up the score 2-2. Things would only get worse.
With possession being about 85-15 in favor of FC Denver in the second half, the other team was awarded a corner kick, which some how managed its way into the goal. FC Denver was losing to a much inferior team with about 25 minutes to play.
Luckily, the team woke up, and Kyle Firebaugh slotted home a great cross from Tree, beating the offsides trap. About 3 minutes later on a corner kick Tree was able to tuck in the fourth and game winning goal for FC Denver.
It was a sloppy win for FC Denver, but a result is a result. If anyone watched the previous days Champions League final, it wasn’t a pretty victory for Inter, but a trophy is a trophy. That is what FC Denver will continue to strive for.
Man of the Match: Kyle Firebaugh
Coach Kyle gets the award this week for putting in a game tying goal and providing the game winning assist. His general play was one of the few highlights of a rather disappointing performance by the typically dominant FC Denver Premier side. Special mention goes to Michael Ogletree for his assist and game winning goal. Kyle edged Tree for this week’s award because of seniority.