Beautiful day for Fall '10 League Game #1 @ DSGP!

Written by: Tanner (Brian Tanner) - Pictures provided by: Samantha Ridgeway

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.

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.

Masters Game Recap by: Kurt FitzRoy

To quote the late great UCLA coach John Wooden

“I’d rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent.”

And with temperature’s hovering around the 90 degree mark on Championship Sunday, the Masters Club showed off that talent with a 3-1 victory over an overmatched Corrosion Team. An example of this talented team came in the score-line with two of the three goals coming from off the bench. This just reinforces FC Denver’s depth and talent, the score line reads Chris Lujun, Patrick Okeefe and Kurt FitzRoy all with 1 goal. But this was only part of the equation in this title match, the strength of the Masters Club all season and in this game particular was the “I am the bully on the playground who is going to take you lunch money and you can’t do anything in your power to stop me”………….DE-FENCE.

Allowing only one goal in the waning moments of the match just solidify the mind blowing 26-3 goal differential. These numbers smack you square in the face that championships are indeed won with de-fence. And with that stat line and a Championship Title in the club house The Masters Club will take there unabashed talent and bombastic de-fence to The over 30 Division 1 league next season.

John Wooden once said “Make each day your masterpiece.” well The Masters Club on this day created their Mona Lisa…………

Man of the Match: Chris Lujan

Chris Lujan is a proud member of the FC Denver Masters team and worked hard all season to do his part, sometimes in limited minutes, and kept a positive team attitude. In the final, he proved his value on the field with a great individual first goal coming in strong off the bench. The goal set the tone for the match. He continued to work hard all match long and was able to get to the end of a cross late in the 2nd half and almost score what would have been the team goal of the season. Congratulations to Chris on this big team day.

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

FC Denver United came into their game this past Sunday on a roll. United was looking to continue their strong play from the prior weeks by taking down a Sporting Select squad that sat at the top of the second division. The match was played at Highland Park on a pitch that was narrow and thick with grass. The width would create an easy opportunity for United to play with high pressure all game long. The grass would cause some trouble at times, slowing the game down unnecessarily.

United came out focused after a strong and focused pregame warm-up. Sporting was not prepared to match their intensity and were overwhelmed early by United’s team defensive pressure created quick turnovers in Sporting Select’s half. Drew Anneberg would score within the first five minutes of the game on a slotted left foot finish that blew past the Sporting keeper. From there, United pressed on, limiting Sporting to two or three passes at the most in a run of play.

The wings were open all morning and for United. Sporting’s midfield were being beaten on both sides of the ball, by strong efforts from Jose Chavez, Lio Delpicollo, Drew Dennison, and Anthony Hyatt. Their strong play, along with a rock solid performance in the back by all the United defender’s helped find their team up 3-0 at the end of the half. Sporting had trouble finding their way into United’s half, and were fortunate the score wasn’t worse.

The second half featured more of the same. United continued to get the better of their opponent by winning tackles and making smart passes all over the pitch. They would score their most impressive team goal of the year after connecting on a long series of one and two touch combinations. The ball began in the back and was switched from sideline to sideline by the United’s backs. They then connected with the midfield and eventually found Matt Martinez on the end of beautifully played early cross. Matt calmly finished on a class first touch volley that floated over the keepers head. Brilliant stuff all around.

United’s entire roster (a deep one at that) showed well Sunday. This blogger would be hard pressed to say who was the man of the match. One thing was for certain, the teamwork, skill, and tenacity of United were on display.

The game would end 5-1 in United’s favor. Their consistent play and hard work left Sporting frustrated and beaten. The result moved United into first place in the second division of the CASL and sets up for a rematch to determine who will move up to the top division of the CASL in the upcoming two weeks. United remained undefeated and improved to 6-0-1 on the season.

Man of the Match:

Premier Game Review by: Brennen Randquist - Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez

FC Denver had it’s final regular season game last Thursday night at Dick’s Sporting Good Park.  They played the second place Aguilas team, who they had lost to the previous year.  It was an incredible summer night here in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains, with two top teams going head to head.

The game started out at a very high pace. Even though FC Denver looked focused from the start, they had a tough time figuring out the Aguila’s crazy formation.  They had true trouble figuring out how many mid fielders and who to mark who.  Luckily Augilas did not capitalize on these 15 minutes and FC Denver was able to settle down and play their game.

Around the 15-20 minute mark of the first half FC Denver got on the board after some nifty combination play between Vitor Bravo, and Ben Jackson, who then neatly slotted it to an oncoming run by Roy Tewell who knocked the ball home.  Shortly after, with FC Denver still being on a high, Aguilas got on the board after a rough free kick attempt bounced around the box landing at the forwards feet and calmly knocked home.

The score stayed even, with FC Denver having more of the quality of the play.  With little time left in the first half Vitor played a great searching ball that found Michael “Tree” Olgetree. Tree beat his defender and scored from the top of the 18.  This made it 2-1 Denver, and they would never look back.

As expected, the second half started very chippy. There was not much help from the referee, who seemed to want to be the star of the game.  However early on in the second half, off a throw in by FC Denver, Kyle Firebaugh killed a left footed half volley into the upper corner, leaving most people on the field speechless.  Truly a top class goal to make it 3-1.

The game remained chippy but FC Denver managed to produce numerous chances. Tree rounded up the scoring at 4-1 with a near post shot.

It was a great game by FC Denver who really brought the passion, and it was a great way to cap off the regular season.

Man of the Match: Michael Ogletree

Tree scored two goals, including the game winner. He was more than a handful for Aguilas all night and has been one of the top performers throughout the season.

Abdul working defenders

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

Sorry folks for the delay, your weekly United CASL game wrap up is finally here. Last Sunday FC Denver United took on Mile High Arsenal at Dicks Soccer Park. This match up looked to be an uneven one, as both squads stood at opposite ends of the table going into the match. However, given the history between some of the players on the pitch, and Arsenal’s ability to hang with anyone this season, nothing was guaranteed.

Arsenal came out playing a compact and conservative formation. This caught United off guard a little, as they were prepared for a physical match. United took advantage of Arsenal’s approach by moving the ball patiently around the field, waiting for the right moment to strike. However, after time, United became a little flustered and realized that the only way to break the game open was to begin to take players on one on one in the final third. And that they did.

The first half ended 2-0 and was highlighted by a beautiful diving header by Langston Anthony. Another goal came from Abdul Kareem Mamdu in which he cleaned a ball up nicely in the box and found the back of the net.

Xisco gets some field time

Things got worse for Arsenal as the game progressed. They were under a steady barrage of shots and crosses. FC Denver would score on four crossed balls on the day. Including a beauty from Brandon Best. Brandon showcased his attacking skills throughout the second half. The game was capped off nicely when goal keeper Cisco Villagrana scored on a header. The final score on Sunday: FC Denver United 6…Mile High Arsenal 0.

Man of the Match: Brandon Best

Played excellent on both sides of the ball all game. He was solid in the back and his wing play opened up the offense in the second half.

Premier Game Review by: Brennen Randquist -  Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez

FC Denver was in action once again last Sunday. It was a gorgeous Denver morning for soccer. FC Denver played one of the lower teams in the division, and Denver was feeling pretty good since many players returned from injury or travel.

The match started, and it started quick. FC Denver scored early off a corner kick. Dave delivered a tap in header for the lead. FC Denver owned the first 15 minutes of action and quickly put in another goal. Tom Marks sent home a tap in after a scramble in the 6 yard box.

Then things turned sloppy, and very sloppy. For FC Denver the rest of the half was really back and forth, with no real rhythm that FC Denver displayed in the first 15 minutes. I am sure it was frustrating for all, as FC Denver just couldn’t figure out the style of play that landed them a two nill score.

After a floated pass to the left side was misjudged by an FC Denver defender, the other team tucked away a goal to make it 2-1 right before the half. FC Denver had a chance to go up 3-1, but a penalty kick was missed and it was 2-1 at half.

The second half was a little more of the same, FC Denver settled down and started having some really good possession and combination play. Unfortunately, they got countered off a corner and the other team shot the ball from about 25 yards out and tucked it in the near post to even up the score 2-2. Things would only get worse.

With possession being about 85-15 in favor of FC Denver in the second half, the other team was awarded a corner kick, which some how managed its way into the goal. FC Denver was losing to a much inferior team with about 25 minutes to play.

Luckily, the team woke up, and Kyle Firebaugh slotted home a great cross from Tree, beating the offsides trap. About 3 minutes later on a corner kick Tree was able to tuck in the fourth and game winning goal for FC Denver.

It was a sloppy win for FC Denver, but a result is a result. If anyone watched the previous days Champions League final, it wasn’t a pretty victory for Inter, but a trophy is a trophy. That is what FC Denver will continue to strive for.

Man of the Match: Kyle Firebaugh

Coach Kyle gets the award this week for putting in a game tying goal and providing the game winning assist. His general play was one of the few highlights of a rather disappointing performance by the typically dominant FC Denver Premier side. Special mention goes to Michael Ogletree for his assist and game winning goal.  Kyle edged Tree for this week’s award because of seniority.

Tanner brings it down

9:00 am. Sunday game time… Check. Dicks Sporting Complex Field # 3…. Check. Opponent Allied Brewers…. Check. Pre - game 5 hour energy…. Check.

At stake a birth in The Championship…. Priceless.

This is a Allied Brewers Club that owned The Masters with a 4-0 record against dating back to last Spring, including a crushing defeat on PK’S in the finals. Would the outcome be status quo or would The Masters show their resolve and find a way to win. It did not take long for some of those questions to be answered. With a goal coming in the first 15 minutes by FC Denver’s leading scorer Trent Lind on a brilliant cross from Kevin Stear. This goal gave a Masters Club a much needed confident building 1-0 lead.

FC Denver Masters

With The Masters up 1-0 throughout the first half and the play getting somewhat contentious a crucial Red Card was given to a Brewers Club that was already visibly shaken going into half. The Second half played out with Allied Brewers finding themselves down a man and a Masters Club growing in confidence, it seemed the outcome would favor a FC Denver victory. And with little over 10 minutes to play in the match that outcome would hold true. With Trent Lind once again finding the back of the net on a break away.

And when the final whistle giving The Masters a 2-0 victory, FC Denver Masters find themselves playing in The Championship Match on Sunday June 6th @ Dicks Complex…. Check!!

Vitor battles for possession

Premier Game Review by: Ben Jackson - Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez

It was a sunny afternoon at Dicks Sporting Goods Park that saw a top of the table FC Denver Premier Team take on the fourth place challengers Pars/America. A win for Pars would catapult them up to a deadlock with FCD for first in the standings. Denver was missing more than a couple of players due to injury and work obligations but carried on with a nearly full side thanks to some noteworthy call-ups from their United team.

The game got under way and it didn’t take long to see that Denver was going to dictate most of the action. They maintained a majority of the possession throughout the first half, only having to put off a few small spurts from America. An FC Denver fan base of 20 or so (including but not limited to United players) was clearly frustrated, as the great ball movement and possession was not rewarded with a goal due to the dismal finishing efforts up front.

Kyle watches his through ball

The second half brought more intensity from Denver as they began to put a great deal of pressure on the opposing defense. This however, did little to deter the fans chattering about their team’s lack of ability to find the back of the net. With the offense struggling, the Denver defense tightened up and did a great job keeping Pars/America’s offense quiet. The Denver backline consistently maintained possession after winning the ball. They continued to work things forward into the attack, focusing on exploiting the wings. This brought a good deal of space and time to the Denver midfield, which was finally able to break through the opposing back line after what can only be referred to by the fans, as an eternity.

Roy Tewell, playing extremely confident all day, took it upon himself to win the game for FC Denver. After receiving a ball out of the back, Roy made a run down the left touchline, beating the first defender in space with his speed. He closed in towards the corner of the box and took on an oncoming defender towards the goal line. With the keeper making the decision to come out and cut the angle down Tewell made a lighting quick assessment of the situation and came to the conclusion that the team’s best chance of scoring would be a soft chip over the approaching keeper. He wasted no time in calmly slipping the ball past the outstretched hands of Denver’s gloved foe and gave Denver the lead.

Juan shows no mercy

After Denver went up 1-0 the result never seemed much in doubt as Pars/America did little to threaten the one goal cushion. 15 minutes later the center official called full time and ended a frustrating match. FCD earned a victory but never quite played to their full potential.

From the fans perspective it could have been much more entertaining had Denver put away just a few more of the many opportunities in front of goal. Hats off goes to the Denver defense for winning the shut out against a team that had produced 7 goals in their last 3 matches.

This moves FC Denver Premier to 5-1-1 and keeps them on top for another week.

Man of the Match: Roy Tewell

Roy receives the award for his work rate and confidence on the ball which not only produced the lone goal of the match, but pestered a stingy Pars/America defense all day long.