Week 7 was an important game day for Delaware Rising FC, as the matchup against Greater Columbus (GCFC) took place on Tuesday, June 21st (only three days after a tough Team Vulpine draw). Yet, the boys were excited for the matchup as Delaware Rising secured an important 1-0 win against them not too long ago in Week 4.
It was a hot day with the temperature sitting at the mid 90’s even into the evening. It was certain that water breaks would be important for the health and safety of the players on the pitch. The temperature didn’t stop the fans from cheering on the home team, as the support was evident with impressive attendance around 50+
The starting lineup featured: Tanner Masters, Nathan Chwalik, Seth Barrett, Ryland Owens, Mason Morris, Ryan Miller, Rob Comstock, Landon Kuhn, Evan Wherley, Nick Manivilovksi, and Colin McComb.
At 6:45, the center referee blew the whistle for the starting kick-off. And Delaware Rising was able to keep possession for the next few minutes as they tried to find any opportunity to break the GCFC lines. After both teams start to get settled into the match. Delaware Rising begins to put the GCFC backline under a bit of pressure. With a Delaware corner, Evan Wherley whips in a cross that gets easily cleared away. A quick throw from Wherley finds Mason Morris who whips in a cross of his own. The ball not dealt with by Columbus is slotted into the back of the net by a vigilant Landon Kuhn in the 12 minute. The fans love it as they cheer for their team leading against the top conference team at home. After a defended Greater Columbus corner, Masters boots the ball up to DRFC forwards past half field. The team builds a masterclass of possession as they switch the ball between midfielders Ryan Miller and Landon Kuhn. Kuhn finding space out wide is disposed near the opponent’s corner flag. A throw from Wherley to Kuhn has Kuhn gliding his way into the box. He is soon brought down by defenders in what could have been a PK but is settled by the side judge as a free kick. Both Wherley and Kuhn stand over a dangerous free kick just to the right of the Columbus box. After some planning between the two, Kuhn comes forward whipping the ball in to the box hoping for a DRFC attacker to get on the end of it. After a few deflections, the ball pops out 16 yards outside of the goal. Midfielder, Evan Scott, was waiting in the area. He finds the ball and slots it just to the right of an outstretched Columbus goalkeeper. Delaware Rising up 2-0 in the 18th minute. Scott loving it, runs to the sideline to greet the DRFC media, “Up The ******* Rising!” He shouts pointing to the crest on his jersey. The fans love it just as much as they applaud the dominating performance. Greater Columbus doesn’t give up their fight though as after this goal is put away they begin a barrage of attacks, and in the 34th minute they find a goal of their own. A mistake in the back, as defender Seth Barrett leaves his line to pressure a forward. The rest of the defensive line and midfielderd are unable to track back fast enough as Columbus puts a ball in the air towards the open space. The Greater Columbus forward then proceeds to chip a rushing Tanner Masters. The score now 2-1 leaves anything possible in the game.
The score remains 2-1 as both teams break for halftime. Delaware Rising who has been in this position before doesn’t want to let this game slip away, and goalkeeper Connor Sexton steps up to take the game’s second half in place of Tanner Masters. After a quick break both teams resume play on the field for the second half. Wherley meets the ball in the opponents third for a cross into the box. A defender heads it wide, and winger, Mason Morris tries to get a shot off from his angle. It is barely blocked by a Columbus defender, as it spills into the middle of the box. Columbus goalkeeper comes to meet it but it falls to DRFC forward, Nick Manivilovski, who makes no mistake. He secures his first goal of the DRFC season in the 51st minute. He runs over to his friends and family in the stands as he celebrates his goal. Though DRFC has the goal a lot of game was yet to be played. Chances came for both teams with Greater Columbus seeming to have a few better opportunities but the Delaware backline: Ryland Owens, Seth Barrett, and Nathan Chwalik, as well as midfielders: Ryan Miller, Cody Lumby, Rob Comstock, Max Deckop, Evan Wherley, and Alex Brown contribute to keeping the scoreline at 3-1.
The ref blows the final whistle and Delaware Rising earn their second win against Greater Columbus.
The Rising looks to carry their momentum in the next match on Saturday against Northern Conference leaders City of Ohio SC.
