FC DENVER: UNITED v AHLY SPORTING – 08.29.10
Greg Packer gets up for the Header
Written by: Luke Elbin – Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez
FC Denver United went into their second game feeling confident after their first game outcome. They would face newcomers Ahly Sporting Club on a early Sunday morning at Aurora Sports Park. Conditions were perfect, and the field at the park was in excellent condition. All in all, it was a beautiful morning for a CASL match.
The two teams would provide an interesting match up. It was Ahly Sporting’s debut match in the top division of the CASL. United were still getting their feet wet with just one game under their collective belt. Shortly into the match, FC Denver began to impose their will upon their opponent by moving the ball swiftly around the field. Opportunities would be created on set pieces, and in the run of play. Sporting’s goalkeeper did well to keep the ball out of the net, deflecting a few solid attempts by FC Denver’s attacking players. FC Denver’s back four consistently won balls in the air and on the ground, as Ahly Sporting found themselves getting stuck in their own half. FC Denver was unfortunate not to find the back of the net early in this match.
After surviving the initial attacks from FC Denver, Ahly started to show their strengths. Their quickness and skill allowed them to counter and relieve pressure. At about the 25 minute mark, an Ahly Sporting striker got on the end of a dangerous through ball. Jacob DiGennaro did well to recover, but in his attempt tripped up the opposing striker in the penalty box. It was a questionable call, one that may have been negated later in the match. Ahly Sporting would miss their initial attempt on the pk, as Dade Smith made an excellent stop on the attempt. Unfortunately, the linesman raised his flag, stating Dade moved early on the play. Ahly Sporting would finish on the second attempt, and take a surprising 1-0 lead.
This score would hold going into halftime. United felt confident that goals would come, and entered the second half ready to start their comeback. Their formation reflected this mentality, as they brought more players into the attack. FC Denver wingers, Greg Packer, Jose Chavez, Brad Clark, and Drew Anneberg worked hard all half long running the lines and producing on both ends of the field. About half way through the half, a through ball and a flick would find Matt Martinez’s feet as he was sprinting toward goal. As he entered the box a Ahly Sporting defender slid and took out Martinez. A penalty would be called. Luke Elbin stepped up and missed the pk as the Ahly Sporting keeper deflected it wide. Brad Clark followed for United and struck home a professional finish to the far post. The game was even.
Tyson Crist recieves the ball with his back to goal.
As the game wore on, United pressed harder and took more chances. This effort left their back vulnerable at times, and Ahly Sporting would have a few chances to take a lead. Credit should be given to Brandon Best, who made a couple of crucial slide tackles, and Dade Smith, who had a series of highlight reel saves. FC Denver United would eventually find the back of the net, securing their comeback victory. A ball would deflect in the box, and land conveniently on center midfielder Luke Elbin’s feet. He moved the ball past two Ahly defenders and struck home a near post shot that beat the pesky Ahly keeper.
With a 2-1 victory, FC Denver United moved to 2-0 in the CASL. The competition for the team will improve significantly in the upcoming weeks, as United will next play Rovers after having Labor Day weekend off. Look for United to polish up their finishing, and continue to improve on its team play defensively. It will be a true test for a team that could be on the rise.
Coaches MOTM: This was a difficult game to decide for the man of the man because it was truly a team effort. Greg packer missed the start of the game but bounced back with an outstanding performance in the 2nd half. Drew Anneburg and Matt Martinez continued their hardworking and sharp recent play. Luke Elbin had a difficult first half but responded with the winning goal off a left foot blast in the 2nd half. With that said, the man of the match for week two is Brad Clark for his game tying rebound goal off of Luke’s blocked PK and tireless workrate off the ball. He ran and worked harder than most if not all players on the pitch and gets rewarded with the MOTM status.