Marco controls the ball under pressure

United Game Review by: Lucas Elbin – Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez

FC Denver United went into Sunday’s game at Broomfield Commons eager for some competition in the second division of the CASL. After two weeks of domination, Sefton FC looked to be a potentially worthy opponent. However, this was not the case as it became clear about ten minutes prior to game time that Sefton was going to be short players. Just as gametime arrived, so did a few more Sefton players, and FC Denver United had a game to play.

Sefton FC was short handed the entire match. The United squad was eager to be tested, and the dissapointment in match quality seemed to effect the game Sunday. This led to some sloppy and lackadaisical moments around the goal for United. With plenty of opportunities abound, FC Denver did manage to net five goals. Vince Stewart led the way with two excellent goals. His energy and aggressive play stood out in an otherwise lackluster game.

Luke gracefully runs past defender

This coming Sunday United will be off due to a bye week in the CASL schedule. The season will really get rolling in two weeks when they face Denver University’s club team. DU is undefeated and looked dominant so far this spring. This will be the first test of the season for the talented FC Denver squad.

Man of the Match: Vince Stewart

Scored 2 goals for United. His energy and enthusiasm carried the team.

Chuy Flores beats a defender

Premier Game Review by: Tom Migchelbrink – Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez

This Sunday’s FC Denver Premier match was a game time decision on whether or not they would be able to play. After what seemed like a week long series of rain and thunder storms, the clouds finally broke and the sun came out just in time to receive the okay to take the pitch.

FC Denver attacked right from the starting whistle, taking multiple shots within the first ten minutes of play. FC Denver Striker Tom Marks even netted an early goal, which was brought back on a questionable offside call. Their early momentum was cut short when a Real Colorado forward took on 3 FC defenders and scored from well outside the 18-yard line. FC Denver responded well though, when midfielder Jesse Woodworth snuck a goal in that deflected off a pair of Real defenders and trickled past the diving goaltender. Later in the first half, outside winger Daniel Valenzuela carried the ball down the right side and sent a cross to the far post. The cross was met by midfielder Michael Ogletree, who performed a beautiful flying scissors kick for FC Denver’s second goal.

Halftime score: FC Denver 2 – Real Colorado 1

At halftime FC Denver coach Kyle Firebaugh made it very clear that the team needed to score quickly in the second half to ensure the victory. FC Denver forward Chuy Flores took it upon himself to make this happen. After beating two Real defenders and drawing the goaltender out, Flores passed the ball off to a wide-open Tom Marks, who tapped it in for their third goal. Real Colorado then began a strong offensive push. FC Denver added a fifth defender and sat back to hold off the attack. Despite a tough defensive stand by FC, a handful of shots made it on frame for Real. FC Denver goalkeeper Cisco Villagrana was ready for the challenge, making one brilliant save after another. One solid strike did make it past the FC Denver keeper, to round out the scoring for the match.

Final Score: FC Denver 3 – Real Colorado 2

FC Denver improves to 3-1 with this victory. Look for FC Denver to take on an undefeated Rovers team back at Broomfield Commons #1 at 3:00 pm this Sunday, May 2.

Game Statistics:

Goal Jesse Woodworth, assist Brian Svoboda

Goal Michael Ogletree, assist Daniel Valenzuela

Goal Tom Marks, assist Chuy Flores

Man of the Match: Cisco Villagrana

Cisco made more than a few fantastic saves that kept FC Denver in it.