Beautiful day for Fall '10 League Game #1 @ DSGP!

Written by: Tanner (Brian Tanner) – Pictures provided by: Samantha Ridge

FC Denver Masters personified “resilience” on Sunday. After spotting the defending O-30 D1 champs a silly penalty kick in the first 5 minutes of the game, FC Denver came from behind twice to knock off Rover 30 by a 4-2 score.

The 1st game of fall league play wasn’t pretty by either side. With Rover 30 up 1-0 after the PK, John Wallace tied the game at 1-1 on a shot that deflected off a defender into the Rover’s goal. A defensive breakdown by FC Denver allowed Rovers to take a 2-1 lead shortly thereafter.

FC Denver Masters eventually settled into their game with quality midfield play and tougher defense. Taking advantage of the fact that the Rovers had only 1 sub in a game where the temps were near or above 90 degrees, FC Denver began to wear out Rover 30 with outside runs and moved the game into the Rovers half of the field.

Before half, FC Denver was gifted an equalizer as Ian’s cross from the outside right found its way into the net. It was 2-2 after 45 minutes.

Coach/Co-Captain Eric Fulton organizing the defense

FC Denver continued to take it to Rovers 30 during the second half and stretched the field from side-to-side further tiring out a shorthanded Rover squad. FC Denver controlled more of the game and finally another gift goal presented itself as Eric Fulton let loose a cross from the far right side that also managed to find its way into the back corner of the net. With FC Denver up for the first time at 3-2, momentum was definitely with the Masters.

After a questionable foul just inside of midfield, Jeremiah unleashed a quick 40-yard bomb that caught the keeper off guard and wound up in the net. Rover 30 which was still arguing the initial foul, exploded in protest. No matter, FC Denver led 4-2 with 20 minutes to go.

Play again got sloppy in the final 20 minutes with the Rovers attacking and FC Denver playing a little too safe. Despite ample opportunities for Rover 30 to close the gap, FC Denver held on for a 4-2 victory to open fall league play.

Tanner’s MAN OF THE MATCH:
Lots of players in the running for MOTM with 4 different goal scorers including Eric Fulton with his first goal in 4 or 5 years. But the MOTM was Jeremiah whose 40-yard bomb was a spectacular goal and iced the game. Jeremiah ran the Rovers midfield and defense ragged with constant runs down the side. He hustled nonstop and was all over the field making plays and pressuring Rovers.

A great start to the O-30 D1 fall season for FC Denver with a big game against the British Bulldog looming next Sunday at 1:00pm on Field 23 at DSGP.

Co-Coach/Co-Captain Luke Elbin gets stuck in!

Written by: Luke Elbin – Pictures provided by Destiny Fernandez

FC Denver United started their fall CASL First Division campaign this past Sunday at Dick’s Sporting Good Park. After an undefeated season in the spring, United was anxious to test their skill and talent in the more competitive division. Their match against Saprissa Sabio would prove to be an entertaining game, with an controversial outcome.

United had recently added some new faces to their team. With only a week to prepare, their ability to communicate and work together would be tested. The game started out with both Saprissa and United taking their time figuring each other out. Saprissa looked to move the ball quickly with midfield combinations, then try and push forward with a direct ball. New additions Jake Brodsky and Adam Hermsen, along with Luke Elbin did a nice job of breaking up Saprissa’s midfield distribution throughout the first half. United back line held strong in the first 45, featuring a strong effort from Jacon DiGennaro at outside back. Ian Campbell’s consistent play in goal also helped secure a half time shutout for their team.

United’s first half attack was versatile, showing spurts of creativity in the midfield, and featuring speed and athleticism on the wings and up top. Brad Clark, and Greg Packer created all sorts of problems for Saprissa with their ability to get forward. FC Denver United would have their chances, but fail to capitalize in the first 45. Heading into halftime, the score of the match was even at 0-0.

Adam Hermsen gets up for the Ball

The pace of the game and wind would pick up in the second half. Play loosened up a bit, as Saprissa and United both began to play a more direct game. United had been creating more and more chances as the game wore on, and Saprissa was beginning to accumulate fouls and yellow cards. United had countless corner kick opportunities that they just could not finish despite some great service from Drew Anneberg and others. Eventually, Saprissa would sneak in a goal on a direct ball that bounced in the box, clearing United’s back line and landing conveniently on their striker’s head.

A sense of urgency set in for United, and they began to push forward. At approximately the 60th minute mark, Jose Chavez played a ball down the left sideline that seemed to be headed out of bounds. Unexpectedly, the ball was stopped by the corner flag. Sapprisa did not see the play through, and United’s speedy Chris Harrison chased down the ball, collected it, and took it to goal. He deftly beat two defenders and slid the ball past the opposing goal keeper, drawing the game even once again.

The frustration of Sapprisa’s players and coaches reached a boiling point. A player disputed the goal, and received his second yellow and a subsequent red. Their keeper, who had been playing well all game, continued to complain and also received a red card. At this point, United felt certain the game would be theirs. Unfortunately, Saprissa’s coaches left their bench and came out on to the field complaining furiously. The referee would have none of this, and blew his whistle signaling what should be a forfeit for the Saprissa side.

An official result on the game has not been posted. This blogger is going to go ahead and assume United will be awarded a victory. The team felt a mix of disappointment (they could not earn the result themselves) and excitement as well. It was a very encouraging afternoon for FC Denver. United looks poised to compete and succeed in the top division this fall. Look for a more cohesive effort in the coming week as United faces Ahly Sporting Club at the new Aurora Sports Park this Sunday (Aug 29th) at 9:00 am.

Possible Goal-saving tackle from Jordan Lubeck

Coaches MOTM: Our stopper Adam Hermsen and Center Midfielders Luke Elbin, Marco DelPiccolo, and Jake Brodsky each did an exceptional job locking down the middle of the park, so any of them could have been the player of the match, but this week’s MOTM has to go to new-comer Chris Harrison for his exceptional commitment to keep with the play and create a goal out of nothing. Not only did he continue with the play after the defense had stopped, but then proceeded to beat two defenders and the goalkeeper after they realized the play was still alive. Close games are often decided by a singular moment of mental toughness and/or brilliance and Chris provided one in his first game with FC Denver. Congrats.