Written by: Brian Tanner

After their first loss of 2010 last week, the FC Denver Masters team looked to bounce back against the Denver Revolution in an early morning affair. Even with kickoff at 9am, the Masters showed up ready to play and started strong – stringing passes across the field. The Revolution appeared to wake up and controlled play for a while as well. The game moved up and down the field with neither team taking advantage of some golden scoring opportunities. Shane ripped a shot outside the box just wide of the far post and Dennis had another golden opportunity that wasn’t to be.

With chances to score for FC Denver, it was the Revolution who broke through with a critical goal just before half. A Revolution player escaped on a long pass down the left hand side and slotted one past the keeper for a 1-0 lead as halftime neared.

FC Denver came out strong the second half and pushed to score an equalizer in the first 10 minutes of the half. However, the Denver Revolution held strong and turned away Masters advances. After awhile, the Masters’ exertion to score took a physical toll and the team dropped deep into their half of the field with fatigue. The Revolution controlled play for a good chunk of the 2nd half, but couldn’t capitalize with the FC Denver Masters team defending strong. The Masters had a few more chances to score towards the end of the game but it wasn’t meant to be. Final score: Denver Revolution 1 – FC Denver Masters 0.

Next week, FC Denver Masters look to get back on track and find their scoring groove when they take on the Littleton Kickers at 1:00pm on Field #24 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

MOTM:

Scott Surber made some brilliant saves and kept the Masters team in the match. One save in the first half was highlight reel, with Scott making a diving, flying upper-90 save on a shot that surely looked in. Scott was solid throughout the match and has been a welcome addition to the 2010 team.

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.