This weekend the guys made the trek up to Berlin Hiland High School to take on Team Vulpine. Due to some of the damages to Team Vulpine’s home field, the game was pushed back a couple hours and hosted at Amish Country United’s home field.
It was a warm sunny summer day, but was filled with gusts of wind. The game started off with Delaware Rising keeping the majority of the possession, their play style filled with graceful one-two passing and constant switching of the ball. Unfortunately a turnover in our half resulted in a quick breakaway from the Vulpine forward who was able to place it below charging goalkeeper Connor Sexton, who went in the air to attempt the save. The Delaware Rising squad was determined. With a quick succession of passes up the field, breaking through the Vulpine lines, Landon Kuhn was able to find Colin McComb in the box. Colin made no mistake as he slotted his shot, cooly, into the back of the net. Chances came on both ends as Vulpine kept trying to send their forward over or through the Delaware Rising three-man back line. Within about three-quarters of the first half Team Vulpine was able to find some space out wide in their attacking third. And with a ball crossed to the top of the 18, DRFC defender Ryland shutdown the player attempting to get a shot off. Unfortunately, Ryland’s physical presence was enough for the center referee to make the decision for a Vulpine PK. Many Delaware Rising players were showing their discontent for the call, as a handful were pleading with the ref. To no avail, the Vulpine captain continued to step up to the box to take the kick. Sexton showed no fear as he set his heels on his line and peered at the Vulpine player. The field was silent. The PK taker placed his shot low and to the bottom right of the goal, but it was easily snuffed out by Sexton. This massive moment in the game spurred an intensity from the Delaware Rising players for the remainder of the game. The rest of the first half was filled with numerous chances, and even Jon Dembski having an opportunity from a Colin McComb pass. Halftime 1-1.
The second half Delaware Rising was playing into the wind, which did not make things easy for them. The team attempted to play as much as they could on the ground, but the wind was making it difficult. Delaware Rising defenders were sitting 15 yards further back to adjust to the conditions, and Sexton was in support to sweep up anything that came past them. Unfortunately, Delaware Rising could not put the ball into the back of the net after numerous chances. Vulpine had a few chances of their own, but Connor Sexton continued to come up big handling a couple one-on-one threats. The game resulted in a 1-1 draw thanks to the heroics of Connor Sexton, who was awarded the Delaware Rising Man of the Match.
Delaware Rising looks to capitalize against their next opponent on Tuesday, conference leaders, Greater Columbus, who DRFC defeated 1-0 a couple weeks ago.
