YEAR IN REVIEW: Men's 1st Team
Year in Review
A very successful season ultimately ended in a 3-2 defeat vs. Chivas Guadalajara in the Colorado Super League championship game. This disappointing finish to the season doesn’t take anything away from the work, determination, and dedication the players and coaches put in throughout the season. Our Men ended with 8 wins and 2 losses on the season, and a goal difference of +47.
In Fall of 2019, we announced Peter Bunting would be taking the helm as Head Coach of our Men’s 1st team, having served the club in many ways, most recently as U19/U23 Head Coach. Peter led our Men to a successful start to the season, but a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity required his relocation out of state.
Club Goalkeeper Coach Andy Goellner took over in October and picked up right where Peter left off. Having served as Peter’s right-hand man, Andy brought his own style and leadership while building off of what Peter had already built, leading the team all the way to the Colorado Super League Finals. Andy will continue leading the team moving forward with eyes set on pushing onward and building a championship-caliber team.
“This was a year of adversity”, said Head Coach Goellner. “Between the spring season being cancelled, moving leagues on short notice, Peter Bunting leaving the club, and adding a whole bunch of new players to the fray, so there was a lot to deal with. We have a consistent system of play and a good foundation to build upon going into next season.
Colorado Super League Finals
In the finals match, Guadalajara showed their experience, holding the majority of possession in the first half and taking a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Our Men grew into the game, creating many more chances in the early stages of the second half. Our Men broke through in the 60th minute, when Jordan Veillette found the back of the net off a free kick served in by Stephen Latta to make it 2-1. Just 8 minutes later, though, a sharp combination by the Guadalajara attack led to another goal, making it 3-1 going into the final 20 minutes
Late drama led to two red cards against our Men’s team, who finished the game with only 9 men. That didn’t stop them from continuing to fight and push for the win, creating several chances and capitalizing on a corner in stoppage time, when Keegan Lape nodded in the cross from Josh Guzman. The effort put fourth by our men cannot be faulted, but ultimately fell just short with the final ending 3-2.
Despite the loss, this match epitomized what our Men’s 1st team, and club as a whole, is all about: always bringing a fighting spirit and working through adversity together. The work ethic, determination, and team-oriented traits of this team made them the top seed going into the playoffs and almost champions at the end.
Team Awards
This year we had two awards given out, as voted for by the players. This carries extra significance since those are the guys who you practice with every day, play in games with, and see you at your best and worst.
The first award is for the Most Valuable Player, and the nominees were: Sam Pflug, Ethan Boyle, Kit Weaver, Brian Roddy, Brian Sheehan, and Tyler Weber. Congrats to each of you for receiving MVP votes.
The Most Valuable Player Award, as voted for by his peers, went to Ethan Boyle. Congratulations Ethan!
“Ethan was one of our youngest players and we asked a lot of him, we asked for a position change and he embraced it, kept his head down and kept working, and was a weapon for us up top,” said Goellner.
“Ethan is a part of our youth movement,” Said Club President Eric Ridgeway Fulton. “He was a part of our U19 team and has been playing with the club since then, so for him to be playing for our Men’s 1st Team and winning this MVP award is a reward for not only Ethan but for our club and our development program moving forward.
See what Ethan had to say about winning this award:
The second award is for the Best Teammate, and the nominees were: Jojo Schmidt, Stephen Latta, Keegan Lape, Ethan Boyle, Paul Hogan, Brian Sheehan, and Bo Reis. Congrats go to all these players for receiving votes by their peers and for being great teammates.
The Best Teammate Award, as voted for by his peers, went to Brian Sheehan. Congratulations Brian!
“This award is perfect for Brian,” Said Head Coach Goellner. “He’s one of the best guys on the team, he’s a leader, always texting guys after the game, and did a great job mentoring the younger guys on the team.”
See what Brian had to say about winning this award:
The future is VERY bright for our Men’s First Team, and we are excited to see what 2021 brings! Let’s go FC Denver!