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.

FC Denver is looking for a few talented and committed soccer players as they continue preparations for the fall 2010 season. FC Denver is an organized and competitive adult amateur football club. Besides success on the field, the club believes that football is about building a community of people who love the game.  If you are passionate about soccer and want to play with on one of the best teams in the state, please come out to our tryouts in the coming week.

Tryout Schedule:

Tryout Day #1 – Thursday (08/12) @ 6:20pm-8:15pm
Tryout Day #2 Sunday (08/15) @ 9:30am-11:30am. Both at Harvard Gulch fields north of Iliff. (MAP)
All Players will be informed of Roster positions on Sunday/Monday Night

Here is a message about the club and tryouts from club President Eric Fulton:

FC Denver is one of the most successful adult amateur soccer clubs in Colorado. Our club is focused on creating the best amateur teams in the state. We strive to reach our team, club, and player potential, while providing a fun and enthusiastic environment to meet people and share the passion of the game. We are looking for talented players that want to be a part of a club that is organized and exciting to play for. We value top class football and people with enjoyable and agreeable personalities. We are gearing up for our Fall ’10 tryouts and are looking for new players to add to the terrific team(s) we currently have.

For the Fall 2010 season, we will have 3 men’s teams. Our Premier team, which is one of the best amateur teams in the state; our United team, which won the 2nd division and is moving up to join our Premier team in the 1st division, and our Men’s Over-30 team which also won its 2nd division and is moving up to the 1st division of the Over-30 league. If you are an interested player, please do your research on teams to play for; our teams consistently play at the top level of amateur soccer in the state (and have a great time in the process).

If you are interested, please review our website at fcdenver.org to get more information and either fill out our information form online and/or send me an email at efulton@fcdenver.org and we’ll get you involved. We have a few more weeks of weeknight drop-in scrimmages before our tryouts in mid-August. Thanks for your interest in our growing club. We look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers!

Our club thrives because of the skill and commitment on-the-field, and the camaraderie and communication off the field, of each of our players. We work to prove that every week.