FC DENVER: MASTERS v BRITISH BULLDOGS – 08.29.10
Getting organized on the pitch
Written by: Eric Fulton – Pictures by: Samantha Ridgeway
On a hot day at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, the mighty Masters team went up against against the British Bulldog Over-30 team that tied for 2nd place in Division 1 last season. We knew this match was going to be a good predictor of where we stood in the division and we came away with a 0-0 tie, which means that even though we have yet to hit our stride yet, that we are undefeated in our first two games in the top Over-30 division.
The Masters were the better team in the first half and kept the ball in the Bulldogs half for the majority of the opening stanza. The game was largely a midfield battle with neither team creating many clearcut chances because of a clogged midfield and strong defenses. Ian Kiernan filled in at sweeper for Jim Dearlove for the day and did a great job shutting down any bulldog attacks that came his way. And Matt Joiner joined us for his first game since 2009 and jumped right in midfield and did a great job.
Hector Arce Solana chasing down the opposition
The second half was tougher on the Masters as the heat and the stifling Bulldog defense started to take a toll. The Masters weren’t able to find that spark to keep them playing fluid, energized soccer and the Bulldogs took control of the 2nd half. The Bulldogs attacked for a majority of the 2nd half and created a few header opportunities that just missed the frame. The Masters boys also created their best scoring chances of the game with two beautiful balls played from the end line, by Trent Lind and Chris Lujan respectively, which rolled across the 6-yard box just waiting to be tapped in, but nobody was there. As the game wore on, the team and the midfield in particular had a tough time connecting passes to the forwards, which left the team vulnerable to counter attacks. Thankfully for the Masters, the bulldogs didn’t have the forwards to get a goal on one of these opportunities.
All in all, a fair result in what could only be called a mediocre outing for our Masters team. We still haven’t hit our stride as a group that we developed last season. When we do, we’ll be capable of competing for the division championship in our first season in the top division. There is alot to be excited about if you look at it this way: we have yet to play our best soccer this season and are undefeated after playing 2 of the top 3 teams (according to last seasons standings) in the D1 Over-30 league. I like our chances going forward, especially if we can work hard over this Labor Day holiday bye week and come back ready to win.
Coaches MOTM: Man of the match has to go to Ian Kiernan for his steller fill-in work as sweeper. He kept the defense organized and jumped in, always at the right moment, to scuttle any impending attack. We’ll miss him for likely the rest of the season but he has been a big help in getting the season started off on the right foot.