Week 7: Storms & Statements

Week 7 Recap: Storms and Statements

Week 7 brought the full spectrum — rain delays, road wins, high-scoring performances, and a ticket punched to the League Cup Final. Both squads were on the move all week, and whether it was battling the weather or lighting up the scoreboard, Delaware Rising FC once again proved they’re built for the long haul.

Women’s Team: Halftime Hustle and a Road Reset

June 18 @ Mansfield Liederkranz – 2-0 Win
Sometimes it only takes a half to make a statement. The DRFC women hosted Mansfield for a midweek showdown that was ultimately called at halftime due to intense wind and rain, but not before Rising did what they came to do: take the lead and take the points.

Goals:

• Lindsey Castillo, assisted by Lindsey Whitmore

• Rileigh Glassburn, assisted by Kindall Duke
  

Player of the Match: Rileigh Glassburn, who led the front line with energy and precision in tough conditions.

From the opening whistle, Delaware looked sharp and composed. The passing was crisp, the press was aggressive, and both goals came from well-worked sequences. Though the storm cut the match short, the Rising women made the most of every minute, proving once again they can take care of business no matter the circumstances.

June 21 @ Süsserfuss Ballverein – 1-6 Loss
After a strong showing earlier in the week, Rising met a red-hot Süsserfuss side on the road. Despite early flashes of attack, Delaware fell behind and was unable to recover.

Goal:

• Alexis Ivory, assisted by Lindsey Castillo
  

It was a tough night, but also a reality check against a clinical and physical team. The effort never dipped — even late into the match, the women kept pushing — but the final ball didn’t fall their way, and Süsserfuss capitalized on their chances. These are the kinds of matches that sharpen teams over the long haul. Expect a response.

Men’s Team: Cup Final Bound and Statement Victory

June 17 @ Akron United – 4-1 Win (League Cup Semi-Final)
The Rising Men stepped into a big moment on the road and didn’t blink. Delaware booked their place in the League Cup Final with a composed and confident performance against a tough Akron United side.

Goals:

• Ryan Miller, assisted by Keegan White

• Landon Kuhn, assisted by Mason Morris

• Mubelele Mhango, assisted by Chewy Koo

• Kyle Querry, assisted by Brent Rader
  

Player of the Match: Captain Landon Kuhn, who continues to set the tone week after week.

Delaware managed the match brilliantly — cool under pressure, lethal in transition, and solid at the back. The squad looked dialed in from kickoff and showed the maturity of a team with silverware in sight. One more win stands between them and lifting the League Cup.

June 22 @ Twinsburg United – 8-0 Win
Just five days later, the Rising Men returned to league action and did it in style. A complete performance saw the team fire on all cylinders from start to finish.

Goals:

• Landon Kuhn, assisted by Austin Young

• Kyle Querry (unassisted)

• Mubelele Mhango, assisted by Landon Kuhn

• Lincoln Wallace  assisted by Mhango

• Joe Roberts, assisted by Eli Traber

• Nino Stassi, assisted by Landon Kuhn

• Austin Young, assisted by Landon Kuhn

• Lincoln Wallace assisted by Mason Morris
  
  

From start to finish, it was total control. The defense stayed organized, the midfield dictated tempo, and the attack showed both creativity and killer instinct. It was a statement win, not just about skill, but about chemistry and confidence heading into a critical part of the season.

Looking Ahead: Doubleheader Weekend at Home

⚽ Next Up for the Women
📆 June 29
🆚 @ Mansfield Liederkranz
🕑 2:00 PM

Back on the road against a familiar opponent, the Rising Women look to repeat the result from earlier this week — this time over a full 90 minutes. Expect fire from the kickoff.

🟦 Next Up for the Men
📆 June 28
🕐 1:00 PM
🆚 vs. Ohio City SC
📆 June 29
🕔 5:00 PM
🆚 vs. Süsserfuss Ballverein
📍 Both matches at Buckeye Valley High School

Two massive opportunities to take more points at home — and keep league momentum rolling. 

Week after week, this club is growing… in form, in fight, and in community. Whether it’s a short half, a stormy night, or a road trip to the finals, Delaware Rising FC continues to rise.

Come out. Be loud. Wear blue. And as always…
Up. The. Rising. 

Week 6: Reschedule, Resilience

Week 6 Recap: Reschedule and Resilience — A Week of Growth On and Off the Pitch

Week 6 brought a mix of emotions for Delaware Rising FC — a narrow road battle for the Women and a week of scheduling twists for the Men. While not everything went our way on the scoreboard, the commitment, passion, and progress from both teams continue to shine through.

Let’s unpack it:

Women’s Team: Nothing Left Unspent in 1-2 Battle

After a dominant two-game win streak, the DRFC Women came into their match against Ohio City SC ready for a true test. Having outscored their previous opponents 14-1, Rising hit the pitch in Cleveland with focus and fire, determined to keep the streak aliv

It wasn’t the start they wanted — Ohio City struck early, sneaking in a goal just five minutes into the match. But Rising didn’t flinch. They responded with urgency, discipline, and a spark of brilliance from an unlikely spot.

Ali De Gracia, the ever-reliable centerback, stepped up with a stunning right-footed volley into the top corner, leveling the match before halftime. Not only was it a spectacular goal from a defender, but it also earned her well-deserved Player of the Match honors.

The second half saw both teams battling for control, but a deflected shot gave Ohio City the edge with just 15 minutes to play. Despite relentless pressure and attacking waves from Delaware, the final whistle came too soon.

It was a tough 1-2 loss, but there’s no questioning the heart this team showed on the road. And with two more matches this week, expect them to bounce back fast and hungry.

Men’s Team: Navigating a Stretch of Schedule Shake Ups

It’s been a bit of a chessboard for the DRFC Men these past two weeks. With the Stark County United forfeit win in Week 4 and now a rescheduled game with Süsserfuss due to turf conflicts, the guys are keeping their rhythm while looking ahead to what's next.

But don’t let the quiet week fool you — the Men are staying sharp with training sessions dialed in, all eyes on their next huge test: the League Cup Semi-Final.

Looking Ahead: Regular Season Rolls On, Semi-Final Awaits

🚨 Next Up for the Men: League Cup Semi-Final
📆 June 17
🆚 Akron United
🏟️ German Family Society of Akron

This is the big one. The boys are one win away from the Stimulus Cup Finals, and everything they’ve worked for comes down to 90 intense minutes. With rest, focus, and form on their side, expect a battle in Akron that you won’t want to miss.

⚽ Next Up for the Women: Midweek Momentum
📆 June 18
🆚 Mansfield Liederkranz
🏟️ Buckeye Valley High School

Back at home and ready to rally, the Rising Women will look to shake off the narrow Week 6 loss with a strong performance against Mansfield. The fans can expect goals, grit, and a fired-up squad looking to reclaim their winning ways.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just finding your way to the double blue, now is the time to show up, show out, and shout loud.

This club is building something special — and the story’s just getting good.

Up. The. Rising. 

Week 5: Women Dominate, Men Punch Ticket

Week 5 Recap: Women Dominate, Men Punch Ticket to League Cup Semis
By Your Delaware Rising FC Supporter Extraordinaire

Week 5 was one for the books. The Women’s team delivered a jaw-dropping performance on the road, while the Men took care of business in a high-stakes League Cup showdown. Confidence is soaring, goals are flowing, and the Delaware is Rising! 

Women’s Team: Statement Win on the Road

What we witnessed this week was nothing short of dominance. The Delaware Rising Women overwhelmed their opponents in an 8-0 rout that showcased the depth and dynamism of this squad.

Here’s how the scoring unfolded:

• Rileigh Glassburn, assisted by Emma Barnhart, opened the floodgates.

• Ava Bruns, also set up by Barnhart, doubled the advantage.

• Ashley Green finished from an Alexis Ivory assist.

• Then Ivory got in on the scoring, fed beautifully by Kindall Duke.

• Kindall Duke took over from there, scoring and assisting seemingly at will. She added her first of two goals thanks to a pass from Lindsey Whitmore.

• Kasey Duke found the net next, with another dime from Kindall.

• Ivory secured her brace with yet another assist from Kindall.

• And finally, Kindall sealed the deal with her second goal to make it eight.
  

With 2 goals and 3 assists, the clear Player of the Match was Kindall Duke, who continues to be a nightmare for opposing defenses and a fan favorite for us.

Men’s Team: League Cup Statement Win

No bye week after all — and no mercy either.

The Delaware Rising Men’s team stepped into their League Cup quarterfinal matchup against Mansfield Liederkranz with purpose and walked away with a dominant 3-0 win at Otterbein University.

• The opener came from Aidan Shepardson, assisted by Landon Kuhn.

• Shepardson struck again shortly after, this time with help from Brady Smith.

• The third and final goal was slotted home by Quinn Berry, once again set up by Landon Kuhn, who had himself a brilliant performance.
  

Aidan Shepardson was an easy choice for Player of the Match — with 2 goals, he led the charge and delivered when it mattered most.

This win now propels Delaware Rising into the League Cup Semifinals, where they’ll face Akron United FC. The stakes just got higher, but so did the energy.

Looking Ahead: Eyes on the Rise

🟦 Women’s Team @ Ohio City SC
📆 Saturday, June 15
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 Benedictine High School, Cleveland

Another road test awaits our women, but this group has proven they’re road warriors. With the form they’re in, anything feels possible.

🟦 Men’s Team vs. Süsserfuss Ballverein
📆 Date & Time: TBD
📍 Stay tuned for location details

One team steamrolling. Another one surging through the cup. Delaware Rising is cooking, and the summer is just heating up.

As always — bring the noise, bring the blue, and UP THE RISING.

Week 4: Big Win, Bigger Momentum

Week 4 Recap: Big Wins, Bigger Momentum for Delaware Rising FC
By Your Dedicated Delaware Rising FC Supporter

Week 4 brought goals, grit, and another wave of momentum for Delaware Rising FC. 

Let’s break it down.

Women’s Team: Six Goals, One Statement Win

The Rising Women were back and absolutely flying this weekend, picking up a commanding 6-1 win over Panthers FC. From start to finish, the match was all DRFC — sharp passing, relentless pressure, and a real display of team chemistry.

This one was a showcase of shared brilliance:

• Megan Michels opened the scoring, calmly finishing off a crisp corner from Erin Hudson.

• Kindall Duke followed with a fantastic goal.

• Lindsey Castillo slotted home another, this time from a smart assist by Avery Curtin.

• Then came Ally Curtin, taking matters into her own hands with a goal.

• Alexis Ivory added to the tally, set up perfectly by Avery Settles.

• And to close it out, Ashley Green tucked away the sixth, assisted by Kasey Duke.
  

The Player of the Match? Lindsey Castillo — composed, clinical, and consistently dangerous. Her presence on the ball changed the game, and her finish was textbook.

This squad is heating up at the right time — and if you're not watching them play yet, you're seriously missing out.

Men’s Team: A Win by Forfeit, but the Water Still Rises

Sometimes, a win is a win — even when it doesn’t come the way we’d hoped. The Rising Men were set to clash with Stark County United, but the visitors were forced to forfeit due to a lack of available players, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Delaware.

It’s not how the team wanted to earn points, but the result helps build momentum after a hard-fought Week 3 and keeps the squad fresh and focused on what's next — and what’s next is a big one.

Looking Ahead: All Eyes on the Cup and a Big Test for the Women

🚨 Next Up for the Men: League Cup Showdown
📆 June 3
🆚 Mansfield Liederkranz
🏟️ Location: Otterbein University

This isn't a regular league match — it's a League Cup battle, and the Rising will be looking to make a statement. With fresh legs and plenty of attacking firepower, expect the boys to come out firing.

⚽ Next Up for the Women: Major League Test
📆 June 7
🆚 Twinsburg United
🏟️ Location: Tiger Stadium

Twinsburg will be a real challenge, but this Rising team is riding high off a dominant Week 4. With goals coming from all over the pitch and chemistry growing stronger every match, confidence will be key heading into this matchup.

Whether you're following from the stands or streaming from home, there's never been a better time to support your local club. Week 4 showed us just how much talent and spirit Delaware Rising FC brings to the field. And trust me — the best is still to come.

Let’s pack the stands, raise the noise, and keep this energy rolling.

Week 8: Delaware Rising vs. City of Ohio SC

DRFC had a match against top of the league City of Ohio SC this past weekend and were looking to get another win this week. It was the third game in 7 days, and the guys had yet to lose. They came out looking decent in warm-ups while City of Ohio's players slowly trickled in. The game started once they had 11 guys on the field, and we were underway. An explosive start, say DRFC created a couple of chances, but they were unlucky, and the score remained at 0's. It didn't take too long for the game's first goal to go in. City of Ohio attacker shot it, and it took a weird deflection off a Rising Defender before going in. Everyone was shocked and confused about how it went in, but the score was 1-0 in favor of the league leaders. Half time came around, and the guys knew they were still in it. They just needed to finish chances. The guys began to find more footing and gain possession, but it wasn't enough to score. Then City of Ohio hit on a counter-attack, and with a cross into the middle, they had an easy tap-in to go up 2-0. Making the mountain to climb just a bit bigger. The game began to wind down, and City of Ohio had scored another to go up 3-0, which ended up being the final score. The guys fall this time but go again next week in a crucial match against Ambassadors.

Week 5: Delaware Rising vs. Stark County United

This weekend the guys traveled up to North Canton to play against the bottom of the league Stark County United. It was a long drive, but the guys arrived and waited for the field to be opened. Warmups started once they were in, and before you know it, the game was underway. In the first half, DRFC dominated possession and rarely lost the ball. Stark County could barely get it out of their end, and when they did, it went right back at them. Colin McComb made a darting run and got the ball, chipping the keeper for the match's first goal, but was then called offsides. Keeping the game level. The guys had a couple more chances but kept putting them wide or over the fence into the woods. It wasn't long before Jeramy Hermiller slotted in Cody Lumby, who tapped the game's first goal past the keeper—giving DRFC a 1-0 lead over Stark. Then right after that, Ryan Miller played Jeramy Hermiller a ball in, and he shot it outside the 18. It hit off the right post and trickled on in, giving the guys a 2-0 lead going into halftime. The guys have been here before and needed to keep the energy up and bury this game away. But things didn't go to plan. Coming out in the second half, Stark was constantly on the attack, and DRFC couldn't handle it. They eventually broke the seal and scored a goal making it 2-1. After that, DRFC found some footing, but it wasn't enough as Stark knocked on the door again. A ball was crossed in by stark and went to the back post, where Tanner Masters followed. It was headed to the other corner out of reach, and the game was all square at two a piece. The second half went back and forth with chances on both ends now. Late in the game, a ball was crossed into Rising winger Mason Morris who couldn't redirect it on frame. Then in the dying seconds of the match, Stark took the ball down to our end, and in the attack, two DRFC defenders got hurt. But play went on, and Stark got a cross in and scored the winning goal with almost no time left to play. Leaving DRFC with a 3-2 loss from Canton. The guys hung their heads but not for long as they prepared to play Team Vulpine!

Week 4: Delaware Rising vs. Greater Columbus FC

This week Delaware Rising FC took on the league leaders Greater Columbus FC. It was an away game at Grandview High School and was supposed to kick off at 11 am. But a miscommunication with the officials led to extended warm-ups, and the game started closer to noon. The sun was blazing down on the field as it had done every game, so the players tried to stay cool during the delay. As the referees got ready, some last-minute stretching was done, and the starting eleven for both teams took the field. DRFC kicked the ball off, and the game was underway. Both teams came out to attack from the beginning, but that wasn't the most significant part of this game. The defense was outstanding for both teams. Rising defender Nathan Chwalik was lights out when defending. Chasing down Columbus's attacks and not giving them any room to create chances. Chwalik did this all game and was outstanding. Not to mention Ryan Miller, who usually plays in the midfield, stepping up when needed and keeping the defense organized. The attacks came from both ways, and DRFC was doing well at absorbing the pressure and retaining possession in the back. Decision-making was crucial, and the defenders were able to pick out the right passes and start attack after attack. Most of the first half was back and forth with Greater Columbus on the attack and the DRFC winning the ball and launching a counter, yet nothing had come out of these chances. Later on, in the half, DRFC midfielder Nate White had the ball and was blatantly pushed from behind, yet no foul was given, causing Coach Tyler Treadway to talk with the ref, ultimately leading to a yellow card. Not too long after, another miscall was made, and Treadway and the ref went back and forth again, leading to a second yellow, and he was sent off, but then Rising defender, Jon Dembski talked to the ref and was shown a straight red. The game was tied at zeros, but the Rising were down in personnel. After the madness died down, the game was back underway. It stayed even with both teams fighting to break the deadlock when DRFC won a free kick outside the 18. Rising captain Evan Wherley stood overtop it and whipped a cross in that the keeper claimed, but then he fell over his own defender and dropped the ball, leading to a tap in goal. The ref blew his whistle after the goal was in and waived it off, stating the defender was pushed into his goalie, causing the collision. That wasn't the right call, and after complaints, the center ref stuck to his decision and kept the game at 0-0. The goalie got up and took his free kick, and the game continued. The end of the first half got scrappy but concluded with a tie; both teams went into their talks knowing a win was within reach.

The second half began, and the Rising kicked the ball off to start. It was much like the first half, the guys absorbing pressure and then springing an attack. Yet this half was much scrappier. DRFC defender Seth Barrett was on top of his game and won every ball in the air. He wasn't letting the other team push him around and played his best! And Rising midfielder Colin McComb took control of the game at the center of the field. He acted as the connection between the defense and attack, creating some real chances for the guys. These players and many others stepped up this half and led to an outstanding performance. The game stayed rough, and numerous fouls were called or not, and time was almost out. It was now stoppage time, and three extra minutes were added. McComb is taken out on his own 20-yard line, and Sexton now takes the free kick. He blasts it up the field, and a Columbus defender muffs the clearance and gives it right to Wherley, who crosses it in. Cody Lumby then flicks it on to McComb, who was waiting near the six-yard box. He then wraps his foot around it and slots it home, giving the Rising a 1-0 lead over the league leaders with little time left! The Rising fend off any last-second attacks and get the three points, with the final score being DRFC 1-0 GCFC! What a game! At the end of the day, when things weren't going their way, DRFC was able to secure the win and gain momentum for the rest of the season!

Week 2: Delaware Rising vs. Amish Country United

This weekend, the guys had their first away game, where they squared off against Amish Country United. About a 2-hour drive from the home field, they arrived at Hiland High School looking to bounce back from last week's loss. It was another scorching hot day at the pitch and didn't look to get any cooler. The guys did their routine and then suited up for kick-off. Amish Country United kicked it off first, and we were underway. The guys put them under pressure right from the start, with winger Evan Scott winning the ball after the first kick and creating a chance that went right past Ryland Owens's foot. It was a promising start, and the guys once again had attack after attack just waiting to get their first goal. After a while, some subs were made, including #47 Mason Morris making his debut. Right off the bat, he was dominant, and after midfielder Landon Kuhn slotted him in, he finished the shot and put the Rising up 1-0. Those two didn't stop there and switched roles. This time Mason played a ball over the top to Landon, who then brought it down and tucked it away to put the guys up 2-0 at the half. As the heat continued to beat down, the guys were drinking as much water as possible to combat it during the break. Half time ended, and the second half began with DRFC up 2-0. The half went on, and the play got a little slower as they were fatigued, and Amish Country United took advantage by scoring one off of an error and cutting the lead in half. Play went on, and both sides had numerous chances, but Amish Country had a good attack and was fouled, leading to a free kick on the side of the box. It was swung in, and their center-back got up above everyone and headed it into the bottom corner to tie the game. DRFC had attacked as well, with crosses getting swung in and balls being played down the line, but none of them were finding the back of the net, leaving the door open for Amish Country to grab a winner. Which eventually happened from another freekick. It was swung out and cleared, but then it got put back, and the whole line didn't step up as one leaving, and Amish Country United player onside where he tapped the ball in and went up 3-2. The game went on for a bit longer, but the guys couldn't tie the game back up, and it finished with a 3-2 loss. Many lessons were learned, and the team found some spots they need to work on to succeed in the league. So while the result didn't go our way, it will be used as a learning lesson to help us succeed in our future matches! #UpTheRising